Houston Community College
Visual & Performing Arts COE
Course Syllabus: Introduction to Theatre
HCC Academic Discipline: Drama
Course Title: Introduction to Theatre
Course Rubric and number: DRAM 1310 – 0002
Course CRN: 10597
Semester Term: SPRING 2017
Campus and Room Location with Days and Times:
Central/ Fine Arts Center / Rm 207 / 3:30 pm – 5:00pm
Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH): 3 credits
Course contact hours per semester: 48
Course length: 1.17.17 – 05.14.17
Type of Instruction: In Class
Instructor: Matthew Beckham
Contact Information:
Phone : (713) 718-5623
Email: [email protected]
Learning web address: N/A
Instructor Scheduled Office Hours: Please make an appointment and I will make myself available
for thirty minutes after each class.
Course Description
1. Survey of all phases of theatre including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production
procedures, and relation to the fine arts. Participation in major productions may be required. As
defined in the Academic Course Guide Manual (AGCM) produced by the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board, 2009 (THECB)
2. Basic principles of theatre, including the various styles of theatrical production and present practices
in the theatre. Required of majors. Open to non-majors. Core Curriculum Course (As listed in the
2009-2011 HCC Catalog.)
Course Prerequisites:
Must be placed into GUST 0342 (or higher) in reading and ENGL 0310/0349 (or higher) in writing
Course Goal: To actively engage students in the understanding of Theatre as a human experience and
socially-relevant entity, through the exploration of techniques, elements, history, and literature of the
Theatre.
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.
2. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of theater history and dramatic works.
3. Describe the collaborative nature of theater arts.
4. Demonstrate the relationship of the arts to everyday life as well as broader historical and social
contexts.
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Course Student Learning Objectives:
1.1 Critique live theatrical productions for elements of theatre and audience.
1.2 Be an audience participant at no less than (3) theatrical productions.
2.1 Complete in-class project to demonstrate difference between literature and performance.
2.2/4.2 Using historical approaches, discuss the role of the audience.
3.1 Complete in-class projects in acting, playwriting, and technical elements to show collaboration.
4.1 Link societal issues and contemporary viewpoints on the changing role of the audience.
4.2 Discuss the importance of communication flowing to and from the stage at a live theatrical event.
Core Curriculum:
This course fulfills the following core: Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, and Social
Responsibility. A variety of academic experiences are used to develop these competencies. Each of these
core competencies will be assessed and evaluated via the regular assignments, assessments, projects and
experiences students complete throughout this course. These competencies are integral to successful
completion of those assignments, assessments, projects, and experiences and will be used in the
evaluation of such per the standardized rubrics established by HCCS.
Critical Thinking: Critical Thinking skills should allow students to apply creative thinking, innovation,
levels of inquiry, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and multiple levels of evaluation as well as
being able to synthesize information and construction new strategies of thought.
Communication: Communication skills include not only written and oral skills, but also visual
presentation. Students should be able to communicate not only with instructors, but hone their
communication skills for successful self-presentation in the larger world.
Teamwork: An emphasis on Teamwork should allow students to actively engage in considering
different point of view and use that knowledge to not only work with but also support others with a
shared goal.
Social Responsibility: In order for students to not only understand their own experience but also the
experience of others, both near and far, Social Responsibility has been placed as a competency. Students
with clear Social Responsibility should be able to understand other cultures, their own role in societal
and civic matters, and the world as a global community.
HCC Calendar:
Classes Begin
Holidays
Last day to drop classes with a grade of W
Instruction ends
Final examination
1.17.17
Please see Calendar
April 3rd
May 14th
Please see Calendar
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Please remember that this syllabus is subject to change, the instructor will
inform you of all changes.
Instructor’s Grading Legend:
Your grade will be
determined by the following
Details
Test I, Test II
Review of Live Play #1
Percent of Final
Average
25%
Play Quiz 1, Play Quiz 2
15%
Final Exam
15%
Review of Live play # 2,
Review of Live play #3, (You
are allowed to see one High
School Production)
Acting Scene
30%
Attendance and
Participation
Total:
Participation includes a
friendly attitude towards the
professor and your
classmates. It also includes a
willingness to participate in
class discussions. Reading the
Chapters in your book before
class discussion will allow you
to participate in those
discussions in an informed
manner.
15%
100%
January
16
17
18
19
20
WEEK 1
Mo
Tu
We
CLASS BEGIN / REVIEW SYLLABUS / LOOK FOR SCENE PARTNER
Th
Fr
3
WEEK 2
23
Mo
24
Tu
25
We
26
Th
27
Fr
WEEK 3
30
Mo
31
Tu
Lecture: Ch. 1 The Audience first half
Lecture: Ch. 1 The Audience second half
Ch. 2 The Background and Expectations of the Audience first half
February
1
We
2 Th
3 Fr
WEEK 4
6 Mo
7 Tu
8
We
Ch. 2 The Background and Expectations of the Audience second half / Acting
Partner Chosen
Ch. 3 Theatre Spaces: The Audience Views the Stage first half
Ch. 3 Theatre Spaces: The Audience Views the Stage second half/ Professor
Will Discuss Scene Choice with Acting Groups
9 Th
10 Fr
WEEK 5
13 Mo
Ch. 4 Acting WHOLE Chapter / Final Acting Scene Chosen /HAND IN
ACTING SCENE
14 Tu
15 We
16 Th
17 Fr
WEEK 6
20 Mo
21 Tu
22 We
23 Th
24 Fr
WEEK 7
27 Mo
28 Tu
Ch. 5 The Director and the Producer Play first half / Begin Rehearsal for
Acting Scenes
PRESIDENTS DAY
Ch. 5 The Director and the Producer Play second half / EMAIL STUDENTS
FIRST 4 CHAPT. LECTURE NOTES
Ch. 6 Creating the World of the Play first half
March
1
2
We
Th
Ch. 6 Creating the World of the Play second half
4
3
Fr
WEEK 8
6
Mo
7
Tu
8
We
9
Th
10 Fr
WEEK 9
13 Mo
14 Tu
15 We
16 Th
17 Fr
18 Sa
19 Su
WEEK 10
20 Mo
21 Tu
22 We
23 Th
24 Fr
WEEK 11
27 Mo
28 Tu
29
We
30
31
Th
Fr
Ch. 7 Dramatic Structures and Dramatic Characters first half / TEST 1 Chap. 1
– 4 Bring Scantron and Pencil
Ch. 7 Dramatic Structures and Dramatic Characters second half / Discuss
“Fences”
SPRING BREAK BEGIN
SPRING BREAK END
Ch. 8 Theatrical Genres first half / Quiz “Fences”
Ch. 8 Theatrical Genres second half
Ch. 9 Scenery First half
Ch. 9 Scenery Second Half / Discuss “Death of a Salesman”
April
WEEK 12
3
Mo
4
Tu
5
We
6
Th
7
Fr
WEEK 13
10 Mo
11
Ch. 10 Stage Costumes first half
Ch. 10 Stage Costumes second half / Quiz: “Death of a Salesman” / EMAIL
CHAPT. 5 – 9 LECTURE NOTES
Ch. 11 Lighting and Sound first half
/ Play Review 1 Due
Tu
5
12
We
13 Th
14 Fr
15 Sa
16 Su
WEEK 14
17
Mo
18
Tu
19
We
Ch. 11 Lighting and Sound second half / GROUP 5 : Smagul/Taylor/Douglas:
“The Matrix”*** / LAST CHANCE FOR PLAY REV. 1 MINUS 15 POINTS
SPRING HOLIDAY BEGIN
SPRING HOLIDAY END
Ch. 12 Musical Theatre first half / Test Ch. 5 – 9 / Bring Scantron and Pencil
Ch. 12 Musical Theatre second half / Play Review 2 and 3 Due / GROUP 3:
Ani/ Puente/Rincon: “Friends”***
20 Th
21 Fr
WEEK 15
24
Mo
25
Tu
26
We
27
28
Th
Fr
Ch. 13 Global Theatre / GROUP 4: Ahouadi/Roberts/Thompson:
“Campaign”*** / LAST CHANCE PLAY REV. 2 and 3 DUE -15
Ch. 13 Global Theatre / YOU TUBE SCENES DUE / Group 2:
Brown/Sias/Woods: Bad Moms ***
May
W
WEEK 16
e
eMay 1st
Mo
2
Tu
3
We
4
5
FINAL
EXAMS
WEEK
Th
Fr
8
Mo
9
Tu
Ch. 14 Contemporary Theatre in the US First half/ Email Chapter 10 – 14
Lecture Notes / GROUP 6: Lollie/Mccullar: ***
Ch. 14 Contemporary Theatre in the US Second Half/ GROUP 7 Mukoko/
Jackson: Hidden Figures ****
TAKE FINAL at 3:00 pm. Classes begin earlier during finals. GROUP 8:
Hussam: Social Network /// GROUP 9 / Ramirez / “The Edge of Seventeen”
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10
11
12
13
14
We
Th
Fr
Sa
Su CLASS ENDS
Instructional Methods:
Methods of instruction may include: explanations, online demonstrations, critiques, slide presentations,
video/film presentations, online lectures, and/or readings (from textbooks, peer-reviewed articles,
books, original source seminal texts). Class may include demonstrations, field trips, assignments,
introductions, rehearsal time for class projects, and critiques.
Student Assignments:
Assignments/Activities may include: scene work and monologue performance, attendance at theatrical
performances, written critical responses, group projects, critiques, exams or quizzes, various assigned
readings from textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, books, original source seminal texts; discussions based
on various topics related to the major areas of study in Drama; writing papers including critiques, essays,
analyses, reviews, research, comparing and contrasting artistic or design theories and perspectives;
service learning projects; presentations; group and/or individual projects. This course requires a
minimum of 2000 words in a combination of writing assignments and/or projects.
Student Assessments:
Methods of Assessment/Evaluation may include: scene work, monologue performance, creative projects,
tests and quizzes which may include: definitions, matching, multiple choice, true/false, short answer,
brief essay, essay, lists; writing assignments, discussions and/or critiques; written papers including
critiques, essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and contrasting artistic or design theories
Beckham Instructional Outline:
Test Reviews:
I will provide my lecture notes for each chapter. This will function as your review before taking the tests
for this class. I will provide the notes close to the tests. This is to encourage you to read the book and
take notes in class. As the class proceeds Instructor will determine when it is best to email the lecture
notes.
CLASS ACTIVITIES
Activities such as Class Improvisation, reading of scenes, rehearsal of acting scenes, will be engaged in
when time permits throughout our schedule.
ACTING SCENE
 COSTUME PIECE : All scene partners should wear at least TWO COSTUME PIECES that are
appropriate for their character. The costume piece should provide a window into your
character.
 SCENERY: Each scene partner should also present a piece of scenery for the scene. The set piece
can be a picture on paper or an actual set piece.
 BLOCKING: The actions and movements of each character should be blocked out and rehearsed.
Your movements will aid in making the scene appear like real life rather than people simply
reading lines to each other.
 ACTING TECHNIQUE: Apply one of the following techniques of Constantin Stanislavsky to your
role: Magic If, Emotional Recall or Given Circumstances. These techniques were detailed in
Chapter Four of your book. Write one short paragraph explaining how you applied the
acting technique. It must be typed, 12 Font, Times New Roman.
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 You may have 2 – 3 acting scene partners in your scene.
 Please print out copies of your scene for Prof. Beckham and for each of your scene partners.
 You don’t have to memorize the script. You can hold the script. Be familiar enough with your
dialogue to look up and speak to your scene partners.
 Time permitting your scenes will be shown to your classmates.
 You may present your scene as a video to be uploaded to You Tube. A link should be emailed to
Prof. Beckham by the Due Date.
 Your scenes should be 5 to 7 pages long. That will include dialogue (what the characters say)
and action lines (what the audience sees and hears).
 Your scene should be an originally written scene or a scene from a movie, play or TV.
 Any physical contact in the scene must be approved by all parties involved and Prof. Beckham.
Please be careful to honor any of your scene partners request in regards to physical contact. If
any scene partner wants to cut out any physical contact detailed in the scene please speak up
and all accommodations will be made to suit you.
EXAMPLE OF APPROPRIATE SCRIPT FORMATTING
 Justify an action line to the left.
 Center a characters name and the dialogue in the middle of the page.
A loud WAIL starts outside the shack. Virginia kneels over her Father stroking his bloody face. Samuel
goes to Virginia and inspects her wrist with the handcuffs.
SAMUEL
You all right baby doll?
He finds the key to the handcuffs at Mac’s waist -VIRGINIA
Mama tried to tell me...
WRITTEN REVIEW OF LIVE PLAY
You are required to view THREE live plays. One of those plays can be a high school musical. Ballets don’t
count as plays. Your review should be a page and a half double-spaced. It should be no longer than 2
pages. As we work through our textbooks different Technical Terms of theatre will be studied. You
should integrate 7 - 8 technical terms into your critique.
Here are two examples of how to apply technical terms from the book:
EXAMPLE 1:
In Around the World in 80 Days, there was a suspension of natural laws. For example, when the
train was approaching a cliff, all the passengers held on tightly to their seats, the train flew
(hilariously in slow motion), and they landed safely on the other side. That could not happen in real
life without major consequences or even death. This is an excellent example of the Characteristics of
Comedy. Since natural laws are suspended we don’t have to worry about the characters on the train. We
know they will be safe, so we are free to laugh at their predicament.
EXAMPLE 2:
Throughout their travels, Detective Fix was sent to follow Phileas Fogg because of his resemblance to
a burglar that is fleeing the country. Detective Fix is acting as an undercover spy and pretends he is
someone else. This is an example of comedy of character because there is incongruity in the way he
sees himself and the way he is treated. He sees himself as a detective a man of the law, while Phileas
and Passepartout see him as a roamer with no agenda following them from country to country.
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END EXAMPLES: Don’t duplicate the examples that were given!
Try to give each technical term you choose plenty of coverage. Don’t mix multiple technical terms
together in an attempt to simply cite them. Explore each of the Technical Term terms you use fully.
There is no need for extra information that is not centered on a Technical Term from your book.
Go here to find live plays to attend: artshound.com.
Professor may take off 5 points for each day your play reviews are late.
PLAYS TO READ
You will be assigned two plays to read: “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller and “Fences” by
August Wilson. A short lecture will be given on each play. Your quizzes on these plays will test your
knowledge of the play and the short lectures.
MISSED TESTS AND QUIZZES:
If you miss a test or quiz it is your responsibility to inform me that you have missed it. It is your
responsibility to arrange the soonest possible time to take it. If you don’t have a valid excuse and or a
doctors notes points may be taken away from you quiz or test. Check your syllabus carefully and be in
class for all tests and exams.
Instructional Materials:
Wilson, Edwin. Theatre Experience. Edition 13e
Individual Instructor’s Requirements Statement
ATTENDANCE:
An attendance sheet will be provided at each class. Upon entering class each student is responsible for
signing beside their name and putting time of arrival. If a student does not sign themselves in they will
be counted as absent. If student chooses to leave early they must also put their time of departure on the
same sheet. Keeping clear on absences, late arrivals and early departures will help student and teacher
evaluate students standing in this area. If you have four or more absences I will begin consideration
for dropping your grade. If you have five or more I will consider dropping you from the class.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
Electronic devices must be put away during classes. Laptops to take lecture notes are
permissible. Active texting or surfing during class is not allowed. Please don’t make me try to
guess where you are hiding your device while I lecture. If you need to check your phone or
computer go outside and come back when you are ready. It is absolutely acceptable for you to
excuse yourself and check your device but … NO SURFING OR TEXTING. If I have to continually
police you and your device I will ask you to leave the first time. If there are further incidence I
will be begin to lower your Participation Grade.
Please sign electronic device page at the end of your syllabus.
HCC Policy Statement: Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who
needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the
respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only
the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Counselor at your college or the District
Disability Office at 713-718-5165 or the Northeast College Counselor at 713-718-8420.
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To visit the ADA Web site, log on to www.hccs.edu,
Click Future Students
Scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information.
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/future-students/disability-services
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
You are expected to be familiar with the College's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog and
student handbook. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College
System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another student’s test paper;
 Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents
of a test that has not bee administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered
for credit.
Violations: Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the
particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the
College System. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be referred to the College Dean of
Student Development for disciplinary disposition.
Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional supervisor within 30
working days of the incident. A standing committee appointed by the College Dean of Instruction
(Academic or Workforce) will convene to sustain, reduce, or reverse the grade penalty. The committee
will be composed of two students, two faculty members, and one instructional administrator. A majority
vote will decide the grade appeal and is final.
Official HCC Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for material covered
during their absences, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult with instructors for makeup
assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors.
Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the
instructor has the authority to drop a student for excessive absences.
A student may be dropped from a course for absenteeism after the student has accumulated
absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory
time).
For example:
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For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a
student may be dropped after six hours of absences.
Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. If you are doing poorly in the class,
but you have not contacted your professor to ask for help, and you have not withdrawn by the
official withdrawal date, it will result in you receiving a grade of “F” in the course.
Course Withdrawals-First Time Freshmen Students-Fall 2007 and Later:
Effective 2007, section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code applies to first-time in college freshman
students who enroll in a Texas public institution of higher education in the fall semester of 2007 or
thereafter. High school students currently enrolled in HCC Dual Credit and Early College are waived from
this requirement until they graduate from high school.
Based on this law, HCC or any other Texas Public institution of higher education may not permit
students to drop after the official day of record more than six college level credit courses for
unacceptable reasons during their entire undergraduate career.
Course Withdrawals:
Be sure you understand HCC policies about dropping a course. It is the student’s responsibility to
withdraw officially from a course and prevent an “F” from appearing on the transcript. If you feel that
you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of
withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to
discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions
that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior
to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal
deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or
depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and
catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.
Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with
a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a
day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you
are making in the class as your final grade
Early Alert Program:
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because
of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your
professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you –
online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic
performance.
Repeat Course Fee:
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To
increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay
extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to
graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or
subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning
passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits,
reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for
tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
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EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to
improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online
survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be
made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for
the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972, 20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 ET. SEQ.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires that institutions have policies and procedures
that protect students’ rights with regard to sex/gender discrimination. Information regarding these
rights are on the HCC website under Students-Anti-discrimination. Students who are pregnant and
require accommodations should contact any of the ADA Counselors for assistance.
It is important that every student understands and conforms to respectful behavior while at
HCC. Sexual misconduct is not condoned and will be addressed promptly. Know your rights
and how to avoid these difficult situations.
Log in to: www.edurisksolutions.org . Sign in using your HCC student e-mail account, then go
to the button at the top right that says Login and enter your student number.
HCC Grading Information:
Grading percentile: the official HCC grading rubric is as follows:
90–100 percent
A
80–89 percent
70–79 percent
B
C
60–69 percent
Below 60 percent
D
F
Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual observation,
comprehension and participation
Above average work; superior in one or two areas
Average work; good, unexceptional participation
Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal participation
Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of
participation
The grade of "I" (Incomplete) is conditional. It will only be assigned if at least 80% of the course work is
complete .Students receiving an "I," must make an arrangement with the instructor in writing to
complete the course work within six months. After the deadline, the "I" becomes an "F." All "I"
designations must be changed to grades prior to graduation. Changed grades will appear on student
record as "I"/Grade (example: "I/A").
The grade of "W" (Withdrawal) appears on grade reports when students withdraw from a class by the
drop deadline. Instructors have the option of dropping students up to the deadline. After the deadline,
instructors do not have that option — not even when entering final grades.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
Due to issues with texting in class, professor will change seating as necessary. Electronic
devices must be put away during classes. Laptops to take lecture notes are permissible. Active
texting or surfing during class is not allowed. Please don’t make me try to guess where you are
hiding your device while I lecture. If you need to check your phone or computer go outside and
come back when you are ready. It is absolutely acceptable for you to excuse yourself and check
your device but … NO SURFING OR TEXTING. If I have to continually police you and your device
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I will ask you to leave the first time. If there are further incidences I will be begin to lower your
Participation Grade.
_______________________________________
SIGNATURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY AND RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS
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