Fall 2020 Course Syllabus Course: DRAM-1310- Section: 72E 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 8:30am – 12 noon & W 8am – 11:00am on campus
Department	Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts Chair: Richard Vandewalker E-mail: vandewalkerre@lamarpa.edu Phone: (409) 984-6520 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.
COVID 19 Information	The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been exposed to COVID 19 or diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition on the COVID 19 Notification Form (available via a link on the Student Code of Conduct COVID19 webpage). This information will be provided to the Dean of Student Services. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
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	Course Student 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	*Communication skills: Students will demonstrate effective written, oral and visual communication. * 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. * Teamwork: Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal and consider different points of view. * 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	Program Student Learning Outcomes: 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 ? Uses creative thinking, innovation, inquiry and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. Creatively identifies problem, argument, or issue (to determine extent of information needed); differentiates the facts from opinions as relates to situation; constructs possible solutions or prediction or consequences; uses logical, sound reasoning to justify conclusion. PSLO 2: Communication Skills ? Demonstrates effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas through written, oral and/or visual communication. Expresses a strong thesis; organizes information with effective transitions & sequencing of ideas; uses substantial, logical & specific development of ideas; details are relevant, original, credible and correctly documented when appropriate to show an effective development and interpretation of ideas; and presents ideas in appropriate mode of expression for the task. PSLO 4: Teamwork Skills- Shows the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goal. Helps the team move forward by discussing merits of alternative ideas; Treats team members respectfully; uses positive facial, vocal or written tone, or language to convey a positive attitude; Motivates teammates by expressing confidence about the importance of the task; Provides assistance/encouragement to team members; Completes all assigned tasks by deadline; Addresses conflict constructively; or helps the group avoid conflict completely. PSLO 5: Social Responsibility Skills - Expresses intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. Identifies cultural characteristics (including beliefs, values, perspectives and/or practices); demonstrates knowledge of civic responsibility; provides evidence of experience in civic- engagement activities; and describes what she/ he has learned as it relates to a reinforced and clarified sense of civic identity in local, regional, national, or global communities; and shows awareness of one?s own culture in relation to others.
Textbooks	Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer. Wolf, Laurie J. Introduction to Theater: A Direct Approach. USA: Xlibris Corporation, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-4797-2944-9 I have reading excerpts provided on blackboard as well.
Lecture Topics Outline	Due to Storm we are starting on week 3 Sept 8th Week 3- Start Here Folder: Blocking Lecture & Ch. 1 What is Theater? & Ch. 2 Acting Spaces, & Ch. 3 Textual Analysis, 2 Articles for Discussion Board Forum to read and post thread and reply. Week 4 - Collaborate Class Meeting #1 & Discussion Forum for Meeting #1 & Ch. 4 Role of the Director & Ch. 5 Design Team elements Week 5 - Select One Act Play Script for analysis from Blackboard choices only& Midterm Exam 1 Week 6 - Print Study Guide for Final Exam; Creating a character lecture; work on One Act Play Script Research Paper; Instructions for Oral Presentation for Small Group Collaborate Meeting; group discussion Production Team Task Report, Week 7 - One Act Play Script Research Paper Shared on Collaborate in Oral presentation, Instructions for Teamwork analysis, Social Impact Analysis Report - Common assignment completion Week 8 - Monologue Script Instructions and creation of monologue for video performance with Self Critique Week 9 - 2nd Discussion Board Forum article & Ch. 6 Medieval & English Renaissance Week 10 - Ch. 7 Italian Renaissance - Commedia dell'Arte Week 11 - Ch. 8 Restoration, Neoclassicism, & 18th Century English Theater & Ch. 9 German & English Romanticism - English Melodrama Week 12 - Collaborate Class Meeting #2 & Discussion Forum for Meeting #2 & Ch. 10 Modern Period Week 13 - Ch. 11 Brecht & Epic Theater and Ch. 12 Theater of Diversity Week 14 - Discussion Board Forum #3 & #4 articles on Musical Theater & Opportunities to Work in Theater Week 15 – Collaborate Class Meeting #3 & Discussion Forum for Meeting #3 & Special Effects on Stage & What you have learned paragraph Week 16 – Final Exam PSLO Alpha Post Test
Major Assignments Schedule	Due Dates:: Due to Storm here are the revised dates Starting Sept 8th Week 3- Read 2 Articles for Discussion Board Forum One post thread & reply by Sunday (complete Ch. 1,2,3) Week 4 – Collaborate Class Meeting #1 Due Tuesday /Wednesday & Discussion Forum Meeting #1 Due Sunday & completing lecture readings and video viewing for Midterm exam next week Week 5 - Midterm Exam 1 open Monday to Wednesday only; Select One Act Play Script for analysis and Post Title by Thursday of this week in Discussions Week 6 - Bonus Seahawk SOAR Training Video Discussion board forum Due Friday of this week & One Act Play Script Research Paper Due on or before Sunday Week 7 - One Act Play Script Research Paper Shared on Collaborate in Oral presentation Due Monday, Production Team Task Report & Oral Presentation Form Due on Wednesday / Teamwork analysis fill in chart & Social Impact Analysis Report both Due on Sunday Week 8 - Monologue Script; video performance link on Discussion Forum & Self Critique Submission all due on or before Sunday Week 9 - Discussion Board Forum Two Reading Article Due on or before Sunday Week 10 – complete Ch. 7 reading and viewing videos Week 11 – complete Ch. 8 & 9 reading and viewing videos Week 12 - Collaborate Class Meeting #2 Due on Monday & Discussion Forum on Meeting #2 Due Sunday Week 13 – Can submit Discussion Board Forums Three & Four this week or next week Week 14 - Discussion Board Forum Three & Four Reading Articles on Musical Theater & Opportunities to Work in Theater on or before Sunday Week 15 – Collaborate Class Meeting #3 Due on Monday / What you have learned paragraph Due Wednesday / Discussion Forum on Meeting #3 Due Sunday Week 16 – Final Exam Folder (PSLO ALPHA Post test )with 6 parts Opens on Monday midnight and closes Wednesday at 11:59pm.
Final Exam Date	December 7, 2020 - 12:00 AM   Through  May 9, 2020 - 11:00 PM
Grading Scale	1000 pts total By adding points earned, you can continually measure your progress towards the final grade you want to earn in this class. Grade Profile 1000 900 A 799 700 C 899 800 B 699 600 D 599 - F No incompletes 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!
Determination of Final Grade	Revised point distribution due to storm 100 pts Written Monologue 100 pts Performance of Monologue 100 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-Collaborate) 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) 60 pts Discussion Board Forums over articles (4) @ 15pts each 100 pts Attendance and Participation (7pts per week) 30 pts Collaborate Group Meetings (3 total class) 10 pts Reflection of what you learned (submitted on Blackboard at the end of the semester) 200 pts Exams 100 each
Course Policies
Instructor Policies	General Policies 1. 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. Plagiarized Discussion Board Posts will result in a zero grade point. Letting another student copy your work will result in both of you getting a zero on the assignment. I want to know your ideas!!!! 2. I need time to calculate your grade for sports, so ask in advance. You can keep track on your grade on Blackboard. 3. 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. Classroom Rules & Expectations: 1    Give the Professor / Performer your complete attention. (This means look at the person who is talking so you get the complete message.) Put Phone /computers away. 2.    Arrive on time or early and do not interrupt lecture / performance. (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. In backpack on floor. 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. I will move you if you are asked to stop talking 2 times. 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 Etiquette Points if you disrupt a student speaker. 7.    Sleeping in class will count as an absence. When you show a lack of respect points will be taken from the points in your Attendance 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 lecture / performance are the most expensive violations. And yes, you can go into the negative numbers. During student presentations the audience will have listening tasks and response sheets to turn in so your attendance is a requirement in this course. 8. On line sections must have logged in at least 3 times a week and submitted work to be counted as attending.
Attendance Policy	ATTENDANCE POLICY: Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Attendance & Make Up Policy: Attendance /Participation is a requirement for this class. It is also a grade category in the online sections. If you miss submitting more than 5 assignments you may be dropped from the class by the professor with the grade you have earned. EC students, your parent may be required to request you be dropped. You are responsible for dropping the course officially. The group common project does not have any way to make up lost points, it occurs in a Collaborate Meeting through Blackboard. No Show – No Points. Submit written work on Blackboard is recorded as participation. Online attendance is not only tacked by access dates but by assignments submitted. You need to login and do work (assignments) at least 3 times a week. Participating in Collaborate meetings is part of participation. 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 with the appropriate accommodation letter. There are NO RE-TESTS. This semester the Midterm Exam & Final are on Blackboard.
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.
MyLSCPA	Be sure to check your campus E-mail and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA 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 MyLSCPA.
Other	Wear a face mask when on campus.
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.