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Syllabus for EN 223-L |
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Catalog Description: |
Introduction to dramatic theory and criticism as
these relate specifically to the living theater. Study of the theater
and of dramatic literature from cultural and historical perspectives. |
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Course Goals: |
The objective of this course is to provide students
with the tools of analysis that will give them insight into the processes of
theater and enhance students' appreciation of this art. To achieve the
objective, emphasis in study will be placed on theory, history, and
literature of the theater. The course introduces students to major
aspects of theatrical productions, such as acting, directing, and technical
support. A review of the major periods of theater history demonstrates
that theater is a creative process reflecting its cultural context.
Students will also analyze dramatic texts and performances on stage and on
videotape. |
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Grading: |
Grades will be based on class attendance, participation,
and study questions (10%), four quizzes (20%), one mid-term exam (20%), one
final exam (20%), one theater journal based on viewing videotapes and
attending live performances (10%), and one oral report (20%). |
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Grade Scale: |
A=100-90, B=89-80, C=79-70, D=69-60, F=50 |
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Jan. 31 |
Introduction to the Course Read in Theater: The Lively Art Ch. 1:
"Experiencing Theater Today," pp. 5-17 and Ch. 2: “Theater in
Everyday Life,” pp. 19-31. Write
10 study questions and answers for each chapter. Read web site
information for each chapter in Theater: The Lively Art. The
website is correlated to the text with objectives, multiple choice questions,
links and discussion questions for each chapter. |
Feb.
5
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Ch. 4: "Audience and Critics," pp. 47-61
and Ch. 13: “Greek and Roman Theaters,” pp. 231-253 |
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Feb. 7 |
Read Oedipus in The Bedford Introduction
to Literature. Answer study questions 1-10. |
Feb.
12
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Oedipus continued, Quiz #1 |
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Feb. 14 |
Ch. 6: "The Playwright: Creating the
Text," pp. 85-111 |
Feb. 19
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Ch. 14: "Asian and Medieval Theaters," pp.
255-277 |
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Feb. 21 |
Ch. 7: "Tragedy or Comedy? Dramatic
Genres," pp. 113-129 |
Feb.
26
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Ch. 15: "Renaissance Theaters," pp.
279-311, Quiz #2 |
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Feb. 28 |
Romeo and Juliet |
Mar.
4
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Romeo and Juliet continued. |
Mar. 6
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Ch. 5: "Acting for the Stage," pp. 63-83 |
Mar.
11
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Mid-term Exam |
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Mar. 13 |
Ch. 16: "Theaters from the Restoration through
Romanticism," pp. 313-341 |
Mar.
18
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Read The School for Scandal. Create 10
study questions and answers. Locate this play in the library or
bookstore. |
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Mar. 20 |
Ch. 8: "The Director and the Producer,"
pp. 131-147 |
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Spring
Break |
Apr.
1
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Ch. 17: "Early Modern Theater Movements,"
pp. 343-365, Quiz #3 |
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Apr. 3 |
Read A Doll House in Bedford.
Answer study questions 1-12. |
Apr.
8
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A Doll House continued |
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Apr. 10 |
Ch. 9: "Theater Spaces," pp. 149-167 |
Apr. 15
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Ch. 18: "Twentieth Century Theatrical
Diversity," pp. 367-391 |
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Apr. 17 |
Read Death of a Salesman in Bedford.
Create 10 study questions and answers. |
Apr.
22
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Death of a Salesman continued |
Apr. 24
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Ch. 10: "Designers: Scenery and Costumes,"
pp. 169-195, Quiz #4 |
Apr.
29
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Ch. 19: "Contemporary Trends," pp. 393-415
and Ch. 3: “Today’s Diverse Theater,” pp. 33-43 |
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May 1 |
Ch. 11: "Designers: Lighting and Sound,"
pp. 197-215 |
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May 6 May 8 |
Review and Ch. 12: Profile of a Production,” pp.
217-227 Review Day |
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Policies |
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I. |
Attendance |
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A. Attendance and participation in class discussions
are requirements of the course. If a student has a legitimate absence, he or
she is still responsible for the material discussed in class and for written
assignments missed. |
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B. Students will be limited to two unexcused
absences during the term. A student
who misses four or more classes,
whether excused or not, will be in danger of automatically failing the
course or having his or her final grade reduced by at least one letter. |
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II. |
Study Questions |
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For each reading assignment in Theater: The
Lively Art, create 10 study questions and their answers. Your study
questions should focus on the most important issues in each assignment. Put
the date the assignment is due under your name. Put the date the assignment
is turned in below the first date. Note: No study questions will be accepted
after the due date unless you have a legitimate absence which has been
excused by the Dean of Students and Dr. Little. Be prepared to hand in study
questions at the beginning of the class period on the assigned day. Be
prepared to discuss your answers in class. When several pages of homework are
due, staple them together in the upper left-hand corner. |
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III. |
Theater Journal |
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A. For each performance that you view, you will answer
questions given to you by Dr. Little. You will receive instructions in class
for the application of your notes to the final review of each
performance. Plays on videotape are those which will be studied in
class: Oedipus, Romeo and Juliet, The School for Scandal,
A Doll House, and Death of a Salesman. The
videotapes, which are on reserve in McCain Library, may be used only in the
Media Room of the library. You may select any performance of a live
production off campus to review in your journal. Performances at the
Abbeville Opera House are highly recommended. You will be required to
attend the Erskine Players' spring production. You must attend at least two live productions of
plays. |
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B. Late Written Assignments: A student has one week beyond
the due date to turn in a late written assignment. If an absence is not
excused, the student's grade will be reduced by one letter. The number
of extensions may be limited at the instructor's discretion.
Assignments turned in after an allowed extension will receive a zero. |
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C. All written assignments must be handed in for a
student to pass the course. |
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IV. |
No incomplete will be given unless there is an
extreme situation about which the student has consulted the instructor. |
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V. |
There must be no outside help in preparing written
assignments. |