Fall 2019 Course Syllabus Course: DRAM-1310- Section: 01 Introduction to Theater

Instructor Information
Instructor	Laura Stafford
E-mail	staffolj@lamarpa.edu
Phone	(409) 984-6331
Office	Location: Student Center - Room: 417 Hours: TR 9-10:30am & 1:30-3:30pm & MWF 1-2pm;
Department	General Education and Developmental Studies Chair: Dr. Michelle Davis E-mail: davisml1@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6341 If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Course Information
Description	Survey of theater including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures and relation to other art forms. Participation in productions may be required. Emphasis on observation and appreciation of various types and styles of plays, knowledge of the functions of the personnel and other elements of theatre production including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures and its relation to the fine arts.
Prerequisites	None
Learning Outcomes	Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Analyze theater through written responses to play texts and/or live performance. (PSLO 1, 2) Measured by Public Performance Observation analysis reports or Dramatic Script Research Project; or Self-Reflective Performance Paper 2. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of theater history and dramatic works. (PSLO 1, 2, Alpha) Measured by embedded test or quiz questions; Public Performance Observation analysis reports; pre-test/post-test. 3. Describe the collaborative nature of theater arts. (PSLO 1, 2, 4) Measured by embedded test questions, Dramatic Script Research Project; and Group Teamwork Rubrics, Internet Research Project 4. Demonstrate the relationship of the arts to everyday life as well as broader historical and social contexts. (PSLO 1, 2, 5) Measured by embedded test or quiz questions; Internet Research Project; Dramatic Script Research Project; Social Impact Report
Core Objectives	PSLO ALPHA: Reading skills - Demonstrates comprehension of content-area reading material. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. PSLO 1 Critical Thinking Skills: Students will engage in creative and/or innovative thinking, and/or inquiry, analysis, evaluation, synthesis of information, organizing concepts and constructing solutions. PSLO 2 Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. PSLO 4 Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. PSLO 5 Social Responsibility: Students will demonstrate intercultural competency and civic knowledge by engaging effectively in local, regional, national and/or global communities.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Textbooks	Wolf, Laurie J. Introduction to Theater: A Direct Approach. USA: Xlibris Corporation, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-4797-2944-9 Check your Blackboard Class Announcements for messages from me about class materials.    Check your MyLamarpa email often for campus updates. You must be able to access the Lamarpa.edu site and Blackboard to complete this course. You must have access to a printer to complete assignments. The Gates Library Computer Lab is available to all students with current ID cards. Bring your binder with notes every day.
Lecture Topics Outline	TB=Textbook; LP=Lecture Packet Notes Week 1 LP: Essays: "Critiquing a Theatrical Production" & "The Workmanship of the One-Act Play"; LP: Blocking; Internet Theater Review Project Instructions Week 2 TB Chapters 1 & 2 What is Theater; Acting/Theater Spaces; Public Performance Analysis Instruction (Midsummer Night's Dream performance) Week 3 TB Chapter 3 Textual Analysis Week 4 TB Chapters 4 & 5; Role of the Director; Design Team; Backstage Week 5 LP: One Act Play Script Analysis Research Paper Instructions & selections Week 6 LP: Creating a Character; Instructions for Group Discussion Task Report; Teamwork Analysis Instructions; Social Impact Analysis Report Instructions Week 7 Class Presentations of One Act Play Script Analysis; Group Discussion of Social Impact of selected play Week 8 LP: Monologue Instructions; how to create a monologue; selecting the location Week 9 LP: Self-Reflective Performance Critique Instructions; Essay: A Servant's Tale Week 10TB Chapter 6 Medieval & English Renaissance; Cycle Dramas & Shakespeare Week 11 TB Chapter 7 Italian Renaissance; Commedia dell' Arte Masks demonstration; (A Company of Wayward Saints performance) Week 12 TB Chapters 8 & 9 Restoration, Neoclassicism, & 18th Century English Theatre; She Stoops to Conquer; German & English Romanticism; English Melodrama Week 13 TB Chapter 10 The Modern Period: Realism & Antirealism; Essays: Musical Theater Structure & Opportunities to Work in Theater Week 14 TB Chapters 11 &12 Brecht & Epic Theater and Theatre of Diversity Week 15 LP: Special Effects on Stage & Final Exam
Major Assignments Schedule	Read the Textbook Chapter material before the lecture day. Introduction to Theater: A Direct Approach, by Laurie J. Wolf ISBN: 978-1-4797-2944-9. Use Review Questions to prepare for class discussion. Class Lecture Starts 11 am! BEING PRESENT COUNTS! PAC 132 I will be in class by 10:50; You should be here by 10:55 am to get set up; walking in at 11am will count as LATE! (Yes, We stay for the whole time and Test material is covered in class. It is your responsibility to get material you miss from other students and turn in required papers on the due dates listed below.) Doctor?s appointments & going to work are not excused absences, make appointments outside of class time. All work for the group project is done in the class time so, leaving early or coming late is not an option! Missing the performance dates loses those points there is no make-up for the in class performances. TURN ALL CELL PHONES AND MUSIC DEVICES OFF WHILE IN CLASS!!!! WEEK # 1     (Read 2 Essay Handouts) T Aug. 27    Pre-Test /Syllabus / Agreements / ?Critiquing a Theatrical Production? & ?THE             WORKMANSHIP OF THE ONE-ACT PLAY? Handouts for Discussion Board (DB) R     29    Blocking lecture / Need 3-ring binder for Notes Online Homework: on Bb Menu> Discussion> Forum 1- 2 Articles -open>Create a Thread discussing 2 important concepts you found in both articles and explain why they are important to you in at least 10 significant sentences.     Reply to at least 1 other student, include their name in your reply and use at least 5 significant sentence to carry on a conversation with them about their choices and yours. (25 pts) DB (2 article Due Thursday, Sept. 5 at 11:59pm. ) WEEK # 2     (Read Chapter 1 in Textbook) Handout Review for Exam 1 T Sept. 3    Internet Theater Review Project Instructions ? Chapter 1 RQ What is Theater ? Drama? / Act 1 of Midsummer Night?s Dream performance (on blackboard) Start Public Performance Analysis Online Homework: Print the Internet Theatre Production Review & bring to next class. R 5    View Act II of Midsummer (finish viewing at home and complete analysis paper)/         Show me your Internet Review Article/ 2 Articles Forum Discussion Board Due 11:59pm/ WEEK # 3     (Read Chapter 2 & 3 in Textbook) T Sept. 10    Public Performance Observation of Midsummer          DUE! (100pts) Due ! /Ch. 2 RQ - Acting/Theater Spaces /V. Segesta / V. Japan /     R      12     Internet Research Project Due (100pts)/ Ch. 3 Textual Analysis RQ/         V. Theater Devices &Women in Power (Census Sept. 11th) (PR #1=246) 21pts Att. Included WEEK # 4    (Read Chapters 4 & 5 in Textbook) Prep for Exam 1 T Sept. 17     V. Modern Antigone, Women in Tragedy/ Chapter 4 RQ Role of the Director (Directing stage position exercise) R 19     Chapter 5 RQ Design Team (ex: of set, costume, stage designs)V. Backstage WEEK # 5    (Prep for Exam 1) Start to Read your One Act Play selection T Sept. 24 V. Backstage cont./ One Act Play script analysis Research          Project choices for selection / Instructions for One Act Script Analysis Paper R 26 Exam 1 (Chapters 1-5, class notes, videos, Essay Readings) No Show ? No             Points! Need Scantron 882 & pencil (100 pts) Online Homework: Discussion Forum -- Title of Play due on Blackboard by Oct. 1st ! WEEK # 6    First Drop Date no penalty is Sept. 30th . (Group Project Begins ? must be in class for points) T Oct. 1     Creating a Character Lecture / Instructions for Group Discussion Task Report Bonus: Seahawk SOAR Training Video Discussion Board on the Discussion Link on Blackboard. Due: Thursday, Oct. 3rd at 11:59pm! R 3 Teamwork Analysis Instructions/ Social Impact Analysis Report Instructions     (GR#1=367) 21 pts Att. included WEEK # 7     (Group Project Points ? No Show No Points) T Oct. 8 One Act Play Script Research Paper Due (100pts) / Oral Presentation of One          Act Play Analysis- No Show No Points (50 pts)/ Summary due on Blackboard R 10     Group Discussion Task Report Due end of class (50pts)? No Show No Points!!! Group Discussion of Social Impact of selected play / work on Impact Analysis Homework: Complete your Social Impact Analysis Paper!!! WEEK # 8     T Oct. 15     Social Impact Analysis Report Due Beginning of class! (50 pts) / Teamwork         Analysis Due end of class (50 pts) / Monologue Instructions/ Select location R 17 In class work on monologues WEEK # 9 (Performance Week No Show No Points) (Read Chapter 6 in Textbook) T Oct. 22    Written Monologues Due (50 pts) / Monologue presentations Due! (25 pts)/         handout Self Reflective Critique page Online Homework: on Bb Menu>Student Folder>open your name to view your monologue video; then complete the Self-Reflective Critique (25pts) R 24 Chapter 6 RQ Medieval & English Renaissance View Cycle Dramas V /Handout A Servant?s Tale (Discussion Board Due Thursday, Oct. 31st at 11:59) See Next Page!! (PR #2=763) 21 pts Att. included Online Homework: on Bb Menu> Discussion> Forum 2-open>Create a Thread discussing 2 important concepts you found in the Servant?s Tale and explain why they are important to you in at least 10 significant sentences. Look at the RQ for this reading for ideas. Reply to at least 1 other student, include their name in your reply and use at least 5 significant sentence to carry on a conversation with them about their choices and yours. (25 pts) DB (Due Thurs. Oct. 31st at 11:59pm. ) WEEK # 10    (Read Chapter 7 in Textbook) T Oct. 29 Self-Reflective Critique Due! (25 pts)/ Chapter 6 continued /Shakespeare video R 31 Chapter 7 RQ Italian Renaissance/ V. Commedia dell?Arte /Discuss Board (25 pts) Due 11:59pm A Servant?s Tale/      WEEK # 11 (Read Chapters 8 in Textbook) T Nov. 5     V. Company of Wayward Saints / Mask demonstrations / Class summaries of One             Act Play Scripts handout for exam R 7    Chapter 8 RQ Restoration, Neoclassicism, & 18th Century English Theater / Week # 12    ((Read Chapter 9 in Textbook) (Read 2 Essay Reading Assignments: Musical Theater Structure & Opportunities )     T Apr. 12 V. She Stoops to Conquer/ start Chapter 9 RQ German & English                     Romanticism R     14 and English Melodrama /Handout: 2 Essay Readings/ 2 separate Discussion                 Boards Due Thurs. 21st at 11:59pm Online Homework: on Bb Menu> Discussion> Forum 3-Musical Theater Structure & Forum 4 - Opportunities-open>Create a Thread discussing 2 important concepts you found in each article and explain why they are important to you in at least 10 significant sentences. Two separate Forums (10 sentences in each Thread) Reply to at least 1 other student, include their name in your reply and use at least 5 significant sentences to carry on a conversation with them about their choices and yours. (25 pts for each Forum= 50pts) DB (Both Forums Due Nov. 21st at 11:59pm.) (GR#2=834) 21pts Att. included     WEEK # 13    (Read Chapter 10 in Textbook) Nov. 21st Last Drop Date with Grade! T Nov. 19 Chapter 10 The Modern Period: Realisms & Antirealisms R 21     video examples cont. Musical Theater Structure / Opportunities RQ DB Due at 11:59 pm (50ts) WEEK # 14    (Read Chapter 11 & 12 in Textbook) T Nov. 26    Chapter 11 Brecht & Epic Theater RQ / Chapter 12: Theatre of Diversity RQ R      28 Thanksgiving Week #15 T Dec. 3 Video examples Modern/Special Effects on Stage Week #16 R Dec. 6 Final Exam 11am in classroom. Final Exam in Classroom regular class time (Lecture material, Essays, Chapters 6-12, One Act Play List & video examples)(100pts.) Scantron 882 The final exam is a required element because it is a unit exam.
Final Exam Date	December 5, 2019 - 11:00 AM   Through  December 5, 2019 - 1:00 PM
Grading Scale	900-1000=A 800-899=B 700-799=C 600-699=D Below 599=F No Incompletes
Determination of Final Grade	100 pts Internet Research Project (Theater Review Analysis) 50 pts Written Monologue 25 pts Performance of Monologue 25 pts Self Reflective Critique on Monologue Common Group Assignment (300 pts): 100 pts One Act Play script Research Paper (Individual Choice) 50 pts One Act Play script Oral Presentation (Individual Shares with group) 50 pts Group Discussion Task Report -No Show No Points (Group selects play to Produce) 50 pts Social Impact of Selected Group Play Analysis Report (Individual) 50 pts Teamwork Questions & Rubric (Individual analysis of group discussion) 100 pts Discussion Board Forums over articles (4) @ 25pts each 100 pts 1 Public Performance Observation Analysis paper 100 pts Attendance and Participation (7pts per week) 200 pts Exams 100 each ------- 1000 pts total     By adding points earned, you can continually measure your progress towards the final grade you want to earn in this class. In Dr. Stafford's class you will be graded with actual points not percentages. Punctual completion of each assignment earns you a number of real points, which you will add up to total your final grade. There will be no curving. Check your course Blackboard ?My Grades? to see your running total of points. You need 700 for a transferable C! Types of Assignments: Oral:     -- One Act Play Script Analysis oral presentation No show ? No points             Your written work will be shared orally in small group discussions.     -- One monologue performance Written:      --Internet Research Project: Select a theatrical review and complete the typed analysis form focusing on the collaborative aspects of a performance. --One Act Play Script Analysis Project: Select and read a one act play then complete the analysis essay following the provided outline. Then as a group you pick one of the discussed plays to ?produce?-selecting the different jobs and roles involved. There are three additional assignments within this project (Group Discussion Task Report, Teamwork Analysis, Social Impact Analysis Report) --Discussion Board Forums: 4 Discussion Forums will be over four articles used in class requiring a created Thread post and a reply to one other student. --Public Performance Observation Analysis: public performance will be viewed on Blackboard and the written audience response critique is required to demonstrate an appreciation of performance elements. A second one may be done for bonus points. --2 Exams: Two objective exams will cover lecture, textbook materials, and video examples. Each exam will be objective type tests using Scantron Form 882. --Attendance / Participation: Fully participating in class discussion of Review Questions (RQ) and projects will earn 100pts. Not prepared to contribute in class loses points.
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	* I will not discuss your grades over the phone or by email. If you want to discuss your grades, you must come to my office, in person. * Student ID Cards: It is required for this class that you have a current Lamar State College Port Arthur Student ID card and an Internet Password to enable you to use the library and internet on campus for research purposes. The ID card can be obtained with a copy of your receipt on the 2nd floor of the student center and the Internet Password is given out at the Library. * Instructors will be keeping accurate attendance records to verify your last date of attendance if you stop coming to class. Class Honesty Policy: Plagiarism in presentations will not be acceptable. The oral or written work will not be accepted and the points for that assignment will be forfeited. Protect yourself by documenting and giving credit to the source of your material. Do not use other students? work, it is recognizable. Cheating on exams will result in a grade of zero for that exam.
Attendance Policy	Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Attendance & Make Up Policy: Each student is allowed three hours of excused absence [court appearance, hospitalization of self, school sanctioned trip] (only 3 class periods). Each absence in excess of this ration will result in the loss of (2 MWF) (3 TR) points from this category for each day missed. Tardines will count as a 1 point deduction from this grade category. Attendance /Participation is a requirement for this class. It is also a grade category. Full participation in the full class period is part of the course material; Leaving early will count as a tardy. Remember to make every effort to attend all class days. If you are absent more than 5 class hours (3 class periods) you may be dropped from the class by the professor with the grade you have earned. Save your excused absences until it is truly an emergency. The group common project does not have any way to make up lost points. No Show ? No Points. There will be no make up exams given in class time, in extreme cases it may be possible to take the unit exams in the Student Learning Center, but that must be arranged with Dr. Stafford in advance. There are NO RE-TESTS. There are limited days for the completion of the oral projects and everyone must be ready. It is your responsibility to follow the agenda calendar and be ready to present. All written reports are due on the appropriate due date stated on the agenda or a loss of 10 points will occur on that assignment. No SHOW means NO SCORE!!! Fully participating in class discussion and performance projects is expected. Missing any discussion days during the Group project will forfeit those points ? No Show?No Points!!! Monologue Performance -No Show -No Points!!!
Academic Honesty	Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSC-PA policies (Section IX, subsection A, in the Faculty Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
Facility Policies	No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
Important Information
ADA Considerations	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
MyLamarPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLamarPA campus web portal (My.LamarPA.edu). When you've logged in, click the email icon in the upper right-hand corner to check email, or click on the "My Courses" tab to get to your Course Homepage. Click the link to your course and review the information presented. It is important that you check your email and Course Homepage regularly. You can also access your grades, transcripts, and determine who your academic advisor is by using MyLamarPA.
Other	DRAM Audience/Conduct Expectations 2019+ 1.    Give the performer / Professor your complete attention. (This means look at the person who is talking so you get the complete message.) No Computers ON! 2.    Arrive on time or early and do not interrupt a student performer. (Wait quietly at the door until the student finishes and then quietly take your seat. Do not cross in front of the camera while filming.) Do not let the door slam as you enter. 3.    Turn off cell phone or have them on silent. (vibrate still makes a disruptive noise). No Laptops or Computers used during lecture. If phones are out, you will be asked to put them in your backpack; second request you will be considered absent with no opportunity to make up the work or points for that day. Additional loss of Conduct Points will be deducted from this category. 4.    Do not work on homework of any subject matter during this class period. 5.    Do not talk to your table mate while the speaker/ Professor is speaking. If you have a question for the Professor simple raise your hand and get the answer from the source. 6.    Avoid excessive crinkling sounds of paper, wrappers, and pens or any other disruptive noises. Avoid distracting a speaker with improper feedback to waste class time. You will lose Conduct Points if you disrupt the Professor or a student performer. 7. When you show a lack of respect points will be taken from the points in your Attendance/Conduct grade. How many points deducted is at the discretion of the Professor based on how disruptive the action is. Cell phone use and coming in late interrupting a speaker are the most expensive violations. And yes, you can go into the negative numbers. 8. During student presentations the audience will have listening tasks and response sheets to turn in so your attendance is a requirement in this course. 9. Any missed work due to disciplinary suspensions are lost points which can-not be made up. Your behavior is your choice. Choose Wisely! 10. Cell Phones and Music Devices: Turn off all communication devices that make noise during class. You cannot answer phone calls during class time. This time is committed to class material, not outside interruptions. Library Hours: Call (409) 984-6222 for the current hours of the Lamar State College Port Arthur Gates Memorial Library. Yes, you will be required to use materials from the library, so get your ID card validated.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.