Spring 2020 Course Syllabus Course: DRAM-1310- Section: 2E 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 9:30-10:30am & 2-4pm; on MF 12:30-2:30pm
Department	Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts Chair: John Freyermuth E-mail: freyermuthje@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.
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
Lecture Topics Outline	Week 1- Introduction; 2 Articles for Discussion Board; Blocking lecture Week 2- Ch. 1 What is Theater? & viewing of Public Performance for analysis Week 3- Ch. 2 Acting Spaces & Theater Review Analysis Week 4 - Ch. 4 Role of the Director & Ch. 5 Design Team elements Week 5 - Select One Act Play Script for analysis & Exam 1 Week 6 - Creating a character lecture; Instructions for group discussion Task Report, Teamwork analysis, Social Impact Analysis Report Week 7 - One Act Play Script Research Paper due, Oral presentation, group assignment completion Week 8 - Spring Break Week 9 - Monologue Instruction and creation of monologue Week 10 - Script & performance of Monologues & 2nd Discussion Board article & Ch. 6 Medieval & English Renaissance Week 11 - Performance Self Critique Due & Ch. 7 Italian Renaissance - Commedia dell'Arte Week 12 - Ch. 8 Restoration, Neoclassicism, & 18th Century English Theater Week 13 - Ch. 9 German & English Romanticism - English Melodrama Week 14 - Discussion Board articles on Musical Theater & Opportunities to Work in Theater; Ch. 10 Modern Period Week 15 - Ch. 11 Brecht & Epic Theater and Ch. 12 Theater of Diversity Week 16 - Special Effects on Stage
Major Assignments Schedule	None
Final Exam Date	May 11, 2020 - 8:00 AM   Through  May 13, 2020 - 8:00 AM
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	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
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. 2. I need time to calculate your grade for sports, so ask in advance. 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.
Attendance Policy	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. You are responsible for dropping the course officially. 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. Submit written work on Blackboard if unable to attend class. 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!!!
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.
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Other
HB 2504	This syllabus is part of LSC-PA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.