Course Syllabus

THEA 1013 Survey of Theatre

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the literature, genre, conventions and style of drama as art and performance craft. It provides students with an overview of historical and contemporary theatrical practices.

Justification

This course is offered by most theatre departments throughout the state as a lower-division credit. It serves as a general education credit for graduation. It is similar to other THEA 1013 throughout the state.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Theater is a mirror for human culture. Each student will be required to read the textbook and selected plays. Quizzes and exams will be given to test their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. In-class discussions are designed to assess the students deeper understanding and critical thinking skills (e.g., how are the themes of fate and free will expressed in Oedipus the King? How does Samuel Beckett explore the plight of the aged in Happy Days? )
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will write critiques of live performances produced by the theatre department. These responses are based on criteria that will be examined in class lectures and textbook reading. The students written responses will be evaluated and returned to the students with suggestions for improvement. These suggestions would include but not be limited to: mechanics, spelling and suggestions for writing more in-depth responses. It is expected that students will employ these suggestions in subsequent written responses.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Understanding theater is an inescapably multi-disciplinary pursuit. As students develop their understanding of dramatic arts and its integrated components, they will be considering the written text, acting, movement, dance, the scenic and costume arts as well as technological ramifications in the modern age. Students will demonstrate this understanding through written responses, quizzes, exams, and group presentations.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. One of the objectives of this course is to provide historical context to a variety of theatrical genres and styles. Students will analyze the impacts of history on theatrical creativity and the ways in which theater comments on and influences those contexts in return; a task that requires creative and lateral thinking. Students will demonstrate this understanding through written responses, quizzes, exams, and group presentations.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can communicate effectively through writing and speaking. Students will demonstrate the ability to respond to any work of art in an articulate manner through both oral presentations and written evaluations. In particular, students should be able to respond to a theatrical piece both as art and as entertainment. Students will demonstrate an understanding of this through written responses, quizzes, exams, group presentations and live performance critiques.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will explore human cultures and the natural world, with particular emphasis on the fine arts. Through written responses, readings, and discussions of selected plays and playwrights, students will demonstrate their understanding of the institution of theatre, it's reciprocal influence on culture and society, the creative process of various theatre professions, dramatic structure, and historical movements of the art form. At THEA 1013's conclusion, students will be more enlightened play-goers, with the ability to artistically and analytically respond to both a play text and a live performance experience. Students will explore human cultures and the natural world, with particular emphasis on the fine arts. Through written responses, readings, and discussions of selected plays and playwrights, students will demonstrate their understanding of the institution of theatre, it's reciprocal influence on culture and society, the creative process of various theatre professions, dramatic structure, and historical movements of the art form. At THEA 1013's conclusion, students will be more enlightened play-goers, with the ability to artistically and analytically respond to both a play text and a live performance experience.
2. Provide an informed synopsis of the performing and/or visual arts in the contexts of culture and history through reading and interpreting pertinent information using a variety of traditional and electronic media. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the scope of theatre's historical and cultural relevance through selected play readings and corresponding class discussions and assignments. Learners will investigate theatre's ever-changing role and position in society, as well as individual selected play's historical and contemporary contexts. They will do this while using the current terminology of the theatrical field in discussions, quizzes, and written responses.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual and elemental principles fundamental to the creation of various forms of artistic expression. Students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate plays read in class and viewed as an audience member through a series of written responses. Through these assignments learners will demonstrate their understanding of theatre from the literary perspective (investigating the playwriting process, plot, character, theme, etc.) and the performative side (exploring the process of taking a script from "page to stage," design interpretations, acting choices, etc.).
4. Exhibit an ability to critically analyze artistic works using appropriate techniques, vocabulary, and methodologies. Students will exhibit their ability to analyze artistic works by participating in group presentations on specific topics relating to theatre (e.g. the role of the critic, advancements in theatre technology, the Elizabethan actor). Through these group presentations, and two live performance critiques they will demonstrate and apply relevant vocabulary and knowledge of theatre history and performance practices.

Course Content

Topics taught in this class may include: - What is The Theatre? - What is a Play? - Greek and Roman Theatre - Theatre of The Middle Ages - The Shakespearean era - Theatre of Asia - The Royal Theatre - The Modern Theatre (Realism) - The Modern Theatre (Anti-Realism) - The Musical Theatre - Contemporary Theatre - The Actor - The Director - Designers and Technicians - The Playwright - The CriticIn addition, students will be required to read selected plays representative of each dramatic period covered in class. Such plays that could include but not be limited to: - Oedipus the King - The Corpus Christie Plays - Romeo and Juliet - The Bourgeois Gentleman - The Three Sisters - Happy DaysTheater is a universal human expression and some form of it has existed in all known civilizations. While this course deals primarily with the Western Canon, attention will be given to the cross cultural influences and applications of the theatrical arts. Effort will be made to help students of all cultures and backgrounds connect meaningfully with the content.