THEA 002
Theatre History:
Ancient to Renaissance
Fall 2012
Dr. Roberto D. Pomo
Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: 278-7720
OFFICE HOURS
Shasta Hall (SHS) 257
M 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
CLASS MEETINGS
Brighton Hall 2o2
MWF 10 – 10:50 am
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES
This course broadly surveys the nature and development of theatrical performance from ancient times
through the Renaissance. This class emphasizes the relationship between theatre and the larger
philosophical, social, and political concerns of its time, and it does not present the history of theatre as one
linear continuous development. Instead, this course attempts to contextualize theatre and theatre artists
within the cultural societies that support them. By the end of this semester, you will be able to explain and
relate changes in theatrical practices through time and across different cultural backgrounds. The following
questions guide our journey through theatre history: 1) Why did societies use the stage to tell their stories? 2)
How did societies use the stage to tell their stories?
**There are no prerequisites for Theatre History. This lecture-based and project/activity oriented course fulfills
General Education (Area C2: Introduction to the Arts) units and degree requirements for theatre majors.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
In order to create and maintain a positive and productive learning environment, it is imperative that you
treat your instructor and classmates with respect. Therefore, disruptive behavior (including, but not limited
to, sending and/or receiving voice or text messages, leaving class early or coming to class late, talking while
another individual is talking/performing, working on an assignment for another class, or sleeping or eating
during class) will not be tolerated. If you continue to disrupt class proceedings, then you I will ask you to
leave, and I will deduct points from your attendance record. Please remember to TURN OFF all cell phones
prior to class. Unless you require disability accommodations, you may NOT use laptops or other electronic
devices, including cell phones, to take notes or send/receive text messages during class.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a disability and require accommodations, then you need to provide disability documentation to
SSWD, Lassen Hall 1008, (916) 278-6955. Please discuss your accommodation needs with me after class or
during my office hours by the end of the second week in the semester.
TEXTS
 The Longman Anthology of Drama and Theatre: A Global Perspective (LA), eds. Michael Greenwald, Roger
Schultz, and Roberto D. Pomo – available at Hornet Bookstore and on reserve at the library.
 Course Reader
 Your custom course materials for THEATRE 002 published by University Readers are
now available online at https://students.universityreaders.com/store. I have carefully
selected the readings included in this course pack to provide you with a more relevant,
custom learning experience. Please purchase this course pack to stay on top of your
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readings.
You will have the option of selecting a printed copy, a digital copy, or both. Please keep
in mind that our institution adheres to copyright law, so any copyrighted material should
not be copied or duplicated in any manner.
To purchase the textbook, please follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Log on to https://students.universityreaders.com/store/
Step 2: Create an account or log in if you have an existing account to purchase.
Step 3: Easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through the rest of the ordering
process. You can select a text in a print format, digital format*, or both*, and
payment can be made by all major credit cards or with an electronic check.
Step 4: After purchasing, you can access a digital copy of the first few chapters (if you
selected a print format) or all chapters (if you selected a digital format) by
logging into your account and clicking “My Digital Materials” to get started on
your reading right away.
*Digital access: If you select a digital format, you will need to create an Adobe ID and
install Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) if you do not have it on your computer already.
Visit https://students.universityreaders.com/store/digital_adobe for easy instructions and
a video walkthrough of the process. The software is free. Once you download the
materials (download on a printer-friendly device first), you can access the readings online
or offline at any time on your computer, tablet, or smart phone, and can even annotate,
highlight, and print each reading if needed.
Print orders are typically processed within 24 hours and the shipping time will depend on
the selected shipping method and day it is shipped (orders are not shipped on Sundays or
holidays). If you experience any difficulties, please email [email protected]
or call 800.200.3908 ext. #503.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
**SacCT 9.1 acts as a supplement to this course. You are required to consult SacCT on a regular basis for
announcements, assignments, quizzes, and class communications.
 Attendance (100 points). I expect you to attend class meetings. After two unexcused absences, your final
grade will be dropped by a full grade per absence. Excused absences will be granted ONLY with official
written documentation and in the event of illness, or a university-sponsored event. Sending me an email
stating you will not be in class does not constitute an excused absence. THERE IS NO LATE SEATING FOR
THEA 002! If you arrive late and find the main classroom door already closed, then please do not disrupt class by
entering through either door. Class has already begun.
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Quizzes (20 points each). Quizzes that cover the assigned plays are posted on SacCT throughout the
semester. It is your responsibility to complete the online quizzes BEFORE the group presentation class
meeting for the respective play. Please note that the quizzes have ten multiple choice and/or true/false
questions, must be completed within four minutes, and will be available for approximately four days
prior to the due date. You may NOT make up a missed quiz for any reason including technical difficulties.
If you tend to have computer problems such as slow or no internet access, then you need to take the
quizzes on a campus computer.
Production Response Papers (100 points each). You are required to see one of Sacramento State’s
theatre productions, either For Colored Girls Who Have Contemplated Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
OR Robin Hood, this semester (visit the department website, or SacCT for show dates, times, and ticket
prices). You are to turn in your ticket stub and a 2-3 page essay that evaluates how aspects of the
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production relates to theatre history. In other words, compare and contrast details of the production
(i.e. its performance conventions, performance space, social/historical context, etc.), to a unit(s) of study
in this course. How does what you see on stage relate to class readings and discussions? If you are a crew
member, then I encourage you to preview a rehearsal. If you are a cast member, then you are to focus
your paper on the script itself or your unique “behind the scenes” perspective as a performer. For
example, how does the play (its characters, situation, style, etc.) compare and contrast with others we
have studied in class? How did your rehearsal process compare and contrast with other theatre forms?
HINT: I encourage you to focus your paper on 1-3 specific aspects of the production or script. Please see
SacCT for specific essay formatting guidelines.
Group Presentation (200 points). Groups of 4-5 are to “tell the story” of the respective plays we read this
semester. Your group is responsible for 1) providing background information on the playwright and the
play’s original production or its genre/period, 2) adapting the play into a 15-minute performance that
includes at least two performance conventions of the play’s genre, and 3) engaging the class in a
discussion about the play and your understanding of it. In other words, you are responsible for “setting
the stage” for your assigned play – collaborate and be creative! At the time of your presentation, your
group must turn in a copy of your condensed script, and each individual must complete and submit a
peer evaluation form. I do not accept peer evaluation forms after the conclusion of the class period on the
day of your group presentation. If you do not submit a peer evaluation form, I automatically deduct 50
points from your group presentation grade. Additional guidelines for the group project and the peer
evaluation forms are available on SacCT. Please note that peer evaluation averages comprise 25% of your
group presentation grade. At the end of the semester, one group, determined by a class vote, will
receive the “Best Group Presentation” award (i.e. 15 bonus points on the final exam). Sign up for your
group on SacCT by Wednesday, September 5, 2012!
Examinations (150 points each). The midterm and final examinations will cover assigned readings,
lectures, and class discussions and include a combination of multiple choice, true/false and matching
questions. The final is not cumulative. You will need a scantron form no. 882-E for both exams.
LATE WORK POLICY & ASSIGNMENTS NOTES
 I do not accept late assignments, including group project peer evaluations. Late peer evaluations receive
a grade of 0/50 for the collaboration portion of the group presentation grade.
 You must type and double-space written assignments and use a 12 pt. font and one-inch margins.
 You must submit a bibliography or works cited page with all assignments, including the group project.
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
This course operates on a “No Tolerance” policy in regards to all forms of academic dishonesty. If I find you
cheating or plagiarizing, then you will automatically receive a grade of “0” for the assignment and fail this
course. I will also report you to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. For more information on
academic honesty, please visit http://library.csus.edu/content2.asp?pageID=353.
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Attendance
Quizzes
Prod. Response Paper
Group Presentation
Midterm Examination
Final Examination
GRADES FROM POINTS EARNED
900-851 (A); 850-806 (A-);
805-779 (B+); 778-752 (B); 751-716 (B-);
715-699 (C+); 698-662 (C); 661-626 (C-);
625-599 (D+); 598-572 (D); 571-536 (D-);
535-0 (F)
**See the University Catalog for explanations of the
grading system and symbols.
100 points
200 points
100 points
200 points
150 points
150 points
900 Points Possible
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TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE (subject to change)
WK.
1
DATE
M 8/27
F 9/7
TOPIC/ACTIVITY
Course Introduction
Sign up for Group Presentations on SCT!
UNIT I. The Origins of Theatre
Lecture: The Origins of Theatre
Origins of Theatre (continued)
LABOR DAY – NO CLASS
UNIT II. Ancient Greek Theatre
Film Screening: Greek Drama: From Ritual to Theatre
Lecture: Greek Theatre, Society, and Culture
M 9/10
Lecture: The Greek Theatron and Hypokrites
W 9/12
Lecture: Greek Masks & Machinery
F 9/14
SCT Q1 due
Group Presentation 1: Oedipus the King
SCT Q2 due
Group Presentation 2: Lysistrata
UNIT III. Traditional Asian Theatre
Lecture: Asian Theatre and Sanskrit Drama of India
W 8/29
2
3
4
F 8/31
M 9/3
W 9/5
M 9/17
W 9/19
5
F 9/21
M 9/24
6
W 9/26
F 9/28
M 10/1
W 10/3
F 10/5
7
M 10/8
8
W 10/10
F 10/12
M 10/15
9
W 10/17
F 10/19
M 10/22
W 10/24
10
F 10/26
M 10/29
W 10/31
F 11/2
Film Screening: The Dynamics of Sanskrit Theatre
SCT Q3 due
Group Presentation 3: The Recognition of Sakuntala
Lecture: Chinese Theatre
Chinese Theatre (continued)
SCT Q4 due
Group Presentation 4: Autumn in the Palace of Han
Lecture: Japanese Theatre
Film Screening: The Tradition of Performing Arts in
Japan
SCT Q5 due
Group Presentation 5: Komachi at Sekidera
TBA
MIDTERM EXAM
UNIT IV. Medieval Theatre
Film Screening: Medieval Drama: From Sanctuary to
Stage
Lecture: Theatre of the Middle Ages
Middle Ages (continued)
SCT Q6 due
Group Presentation 6: Everyman
SCT Q7 due
Group Presentation 7: The Apple Tree
Theatre of the Middle Ages Wrap-Up
UNIT V. Elizabethan Theatre
Film Screening: William Shakespeare: A Life of Drama
Lecture: Theatre in the Elizabethan Age
Lecture: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Playing with Shakespeare
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READING(S)
“Chapter 1: Stories, Rituals and Theatre”
(LA 1-16)
“Ancient Egypt and the Near East” (CR)
“Chapter 4: Theatre of Ancient Greece and
Rome” (LA 105-114);
“Centerstage” excerpts (LA 157-160);
“From The Poetics” (LA 35-36)
“Case Study: Classical Greek Theatre:
Looking at Oedipus” (CR)
“Pollux on Scenes, Machines, and Masks”
(CR)
Oedipus the King (LA 132-156)
Lysistrata (LA 187-212)
“Chapter 5: The Theatre of India, China,
and Japan” (LA 251-256, 260-262); “Case
Study: Kutiyattam Sanskrit Theatre of
India” (CR); Excerpts from “Chapter 10:
Asian Theatre to 1800” (CR)
“From The Natyasastra” (LA 257-259)
The Recognition of Sakuntala (LA 263-306)
“China” (LA 322-332)
Autumn in the Palace of Han (LA 333-345)
“Japan” (LA 358-367)
Komachi at Sekidera (LA 374-381)
“The Middle Ages” (LA 408-414)
“Chapter II: The Middle Ages” (CR)
Everyman (LA 423-426; 427-439)
The Apple Tree (LA 451-458)
“Shakespeare: Man of the Theatre” (CR)
“The European Renaissance” (LA 460-462,
466-475)
“Making Shakespeare’s Language UserFriendly” (LA 481-482)
11
12
M 11/5
W 11/7
F 11/9
M 11/12
W 11/14
Film Screening: Shakespeare in Love
Shakespeare in Love (continued)
SCT Q8 due
Group Presentation 8: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
VETERAN’S DAY—NO CLASS
F 11/16
UNIT IV. Italian, French, and Spanish Theatre
Lecture: Italian Renaissance
Film Screening: Spirit of Commedia
13
M 11/19
Creating Commedia
14
W 11/21
F 11/23
M 11/26
Lecture: French Theatre
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – NO CLASS
French Theatre (continued)
W 11/28
SCT Q9 due
Group Presentation 9: Tartuffe
Lecture: Spanish Theatre
F 11/30
15
M 12/3
W 12/5
F 12/7
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (LA 476-522)
Excerpts from “Theatre and Print Cultures,
1500-1900” (CR)
“Commedia Dell’Arte” (LA 463-464);
“Commedia Dell’Arte Characters” (SCT)
“Centerstage” excerpts (LA 666-671)
“Bad Theatre Manners” and “Moliere as
Stage Director” (CR)
Tartuffe (LA 634-665)
“The Spanish Theatre: The Corrales” (LA
617)
Spanish Theatre (continued)
SCT Q10 due
Group Presentation 10: Life’s a Dream
Course Wrap-Up & Exam Review
Life’s a Dream (LA 588-619)
M 12/12
FINAL EXAM (10:15 am – 12:15 pm)
TEACHING ASSISTANT:
Mr. Johnny Sittisin, Master of Arts
Creative Writing/Theory and Criticism
Department of English
California State University, Sacramento
E-Mail Contact: [email protected]
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