THEA 4800 – Survey of Theatre History
Course Syllabus – Spring 2016
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, (678) 466-5445,
[email protected].
Course Description:
Number and Title:
THEA 4800 (CRN 20330)
Survey of Theatre History
Credit Hours:
3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-0)
Catalog Description:
A literature-based exploration of theatre history from Ancient Greece to
the 21st Century emphasizing recognition of major movements, themes,
and scholarly engagement.
Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:
THEA1100 with a minimum grade of C
Computer Requirement:
Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout
the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved
hardware and software requirements for the student's academic
program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such
access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook
Computer Policy, please go to
http://www.clayton.edu/hub/itpchoice/notebookcomputerpolicy.
Computer Skill Prerequisites:
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Able to use the WindowsTM operating system
Able to use Microsoft WordTM word processing
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Able to send and receive e-mail using the Clayton State
University email system using OutlookTM or Outlook
ExpressTM
Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
Able to use a Web browser.
In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:
Student notebook computers will be used occasionally in the
classroom in this course. Notice will be provided on the schedule
or at least one week in advance via email when computers will be
used. Computers will be required to access course materials and
to communicate with your instructor.
Your Clayton.edu email address is the primary means of
communication for this course. Important information and changes
to the syllabus will be communicated via email. You should check
your email frequently and regularly. The easiest way to do this is
by pushing your emails to your phone. If you do not know how to
do this The HUB can do it for you. You will not be exempt from
expectations or penalties in this course because you “didn’t check
your email.”
Desire2Learn (Online Classroom):
On-line activity will take place in Desire2Learn, the virtual
classroom for the course.
You can gain access to Desire2Learn, by signing on to the SWAN
portal and selecting: ”D2L” on the top right side. If you experience
any difficulties in Desire2Learn, please email or call The HUB
at [email protected] or (678) 466-HELP. You will need to
provide the date and time of the problem, your SWAN username,
the name of the course that you are attempting to access, and
your instructor's name.
Major Student Activities:
Reading and studying from the course text book and supplemental
texts
Taking notes during class
Answering and asking questions during class
Watching and participating in demonstrations
Writing a formal research essay on a topic in theatre history
Collaborating to create a dramatic presentation applying historical
concepts
Program Learning Outcomes:
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts Outcomes
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Demonstrate competence in artistic
performance and interpretation
Apply theoretical literacy and historical
scholarship in performance in the student’s field
of concentration
Utilize critical thinking and listening skills,
communicate effectively (both orally and in
writing about the performing arts)
Theatre Concentration Outcomes:
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Recognize and interpret subject matter and
history of theatre: major works, issues,
movements
Assess and employ theatrical concepts in
decision-making and critical aesthetic
judgments.
Recognize and demonstrate practical skills required in
professional theatre settings.
Course Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course undergraduate students will be able to:
 Understand and articulate terms, concepts and principles relative to the history of
theatre.
 Examine the relationship of dramatic literature/live performance to the global
community as a part of the creation of the human experience
 Analyze dramatic literature from a historical perspective
 Recognize and describe hallmarks of historical style in dramatic literature
 Devise a performance employing historical conventions to a play text.
 Evaluate and interpret scholarly sources culminating in a well-researched essay.
Term:
Spring Semester 2016
Instructor Information:
Instructor:
Derrick Vanmeter M.F.A.
office phone: (678) 466-4715
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.clayton.edu/faculty/dvanmeter
Office:
Arts and Sciences Building G130
Office hours:
Monday/Wednesday 10-11:30am
Tuesday/Thursday 1:30-3pm
Other times by appointment
Class Meetings:
Classroom:
Arts and Sciences Building G132
Class times:
9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Textbook Information:
Text:
The Bedford Introduction to Drama 7th Edition edited by Lee A
Jacobus
Other texts provided via D2L under fair use
Students are encouraged to use PriceLoch.com to comparison
shop for textbooks.
Evaluation:
See the end of the syllabus for a detailed description of each graded assignment
Social Contract/Participation at Midterm
100
Social Contract/Participation at End of Semester
100
Play Synopses
200
Play Analysis
100
Research Paper
250
Collaborative Performance
250
TOTAL
1000
Grading:
A
900 - 1000
B
800 – 890
C
700 - 790
D
600 – 690
F
below 600
Mid-term Progress Report:
The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on February 29, reflects
approximately 30% of the entire course grade. Based on this grade, students
may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W." Students
pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office
of the Registrar, or withdraw on-line using the Swan by mid-term, which occurs
on March 4. Instructions for withdrawing are provided at this link.
The last day to withdraw without academic accountability is Friday, March
4, 2016
Course Schedule:
Date
Jan 11
Jan 13
Jan 15
Topic
Introduction
Why Theatre History?
Library Resources
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
DUE
NO CLASS-MLK
Read
Jan 20
NO CLASS- Complete
assignment on D2L
Bedford pg 30-40
Jan 22
Jan 25
Spit some s***
The original motherf**er
Jan 27
Jan 29
Feb 1
Roman Drama
Medieval Drama
ANNOTATED
BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE
Dear sweet baby Jesus
Poetics on D2L
Bedford-Oedipus Rex
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford pg 178-186
Bedford pg 196-206
Feb 3
Feb 5
Renaissance Drama
An ass named Bottom
Feb 8
Ser o no ser
Feb 10
17th and 18th Century
Drama
Oh, me so holy
Jan 18
Feb 12
Feb 15
Feb 17
19th century through turn of
20th century
You gon’ stay or nah?
Feb 22
Early to mid-20th Century
OUTLINE DUE
Sdrawkcab Ssa
Feb 24
In Thuh Murda’ Bizness
Feb 26
A New Deal for Christmas
Feb 29
Word to Ya Mutha
Feb 19
“Memory” on D2L
Bedford- Second
Shepherd’s
Pageant
PLOT
SUMMARY
Bedford pg 242-254
Bedford-A
Midsummer Night’s
Dream
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford-Life is a
Dream
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford pg 492-504
Bedford-Tartuffe
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford pg 667-680
Bedford-A Doll
House
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford pg 890-906
Bedford-Six
Characters in Search
of an Author
PLOT SUMMARY
Machinal
PLOT SUMMARY
Can you Hear Their
Voices
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford-Mother
Courage
PLOT SUMMARY
Mar 2
Friday
Mar 4
Mar 7
Mar 9
Mar 11
NO CLASS: SETC
NO CLASS: SETC
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW
WITHOUT ACADEMIC
ACCOUNTABILITY
NO CLASS SPRING
BREAK
NO CLASS SPRING
BREAK
Peer Review of Research
Papers-DRAFTS DUE
Mar 14
Limp Willy
Mar 16
Click-baiting and pussycats
Mar 18
Checkmate
Mar 21
Dry dreams
Mar 23
Poems that kill
Mar 25
Contemporary Drama
Mar 28
3…2…1…Blast Off!
Mar 30
Wait…what?!
Apr 1
Gays, Mormons, and
Angels oh my!
Apr 4
Jokes are in poor taste here
Apr 6
You wanna be on top?
Apr 8
Shut up and drive
Apr 11
Sisters slaying serpents
Apr 13
I ran out of clever titles
several plays ago.
Research Paper
Conferences
Research Paper
Conferences
Research Paper
Conferences
Apr 15
Apr 18
Apr 20
Bring 3 hard copies
of your paper for peer
review
Bedford-Death of A
Salesman
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford-Cat on A Hot
Tin Roof PLOT
SUMMARY
Bedford-Endgame
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford-A Raisin in
the Sun PLOT
SUMMARY
The Dutchman PLOT
SUMMARY
Bedford pg 12821303
EF’s Visit to a Small
Planet on D2L
Bedford-Cloud 9
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford-Angels in
America Part I:
Millennium
Approaches PLOT
SUMMARY
Indian Radio Days
PLOT SUMMARY
BedfordTopdog/Underdog
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford-How I
Learned to Drive
PLOT SUMMARY
She Kills Monsters
PLOT SUMMARY
Bedford-Ruined
PLOT SUMMARY
Apr 22
Apr 25
Apr 27
Apr 29
May 2
May 6
Determine Groups/Texts for
Collaborative Performance
Research Paper Due
Collaborative Performance
Rehearsals
Collaborative performance
rehearsals
Collaborative performance
workshop
Collaborative Performance
rehearsals Play Analysis
Due
Collaborative Performances
9-11 AM
Workshop Response
Guidelines
Course Policies:
General Policy
Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student
Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities. The Student
Handbook is part of the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook, which begins
on page 6.
University Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting.
Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and
communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual
instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused
and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability
to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine
that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for
institutional withdrawals or failing grades.
Course Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend each class period on time and prepared for the
day’s work. Class will begin promptly at 9:00. An attendance sheet will be on the
wall. This sheet will come down 7 minutes after class begins. Students who have
not signed in before the sheet comes down will be marked tardy. Three tardies
equal an absence. Absences beyond 2 will automatically deduct 5 points each
from the final grade in addition to affecting your ability to earn participation
points. You must be fully present (both physically and mentally) and engage in
class discussions and activity. Merely showing up does not constitute
participation, which is a part of your final grade. You must also have read the
assignment in its entirety to fully participate. If you have not read, do not come to
class. Take that time to catch up on the reading you should have done so you do
not continue to fall behind in the course. If at any time I sense or discover you
have not read the material for the day, I will ask you to leave. Arriving late,
leaving early, sleeping in class, and engaging in activities not relevant to class
will negatively affect your participation grade. Everyone is required to attend the
final exam period on Monday May 9 from 12:30-2:30 PM.
Missed Work
Work is due at the beginning of the class period on which it is due. Late
work will not be accepted. Failure to turn in an assignment on time will result in
a zero.
In Class Engagements are designed to be completed in class. Unless otherwise
specified. There will be no makeup ICE assignments.
Exceptions to Attendance and Missed Work policies are available ONLY under
extraordinary circumstances (cases of emergency, death of close relative,
university sponsored events, religious observance, professional activity, or court
appearances). Whenever possible, notice must be given at least one week in
advance. In the event of an unforeseen emergency, please contact the instructor
as soon as possible. When you return, please provide documentation such as a
note from the emergency room or an obituary in the case of a family death.
Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may
constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic
misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty
will be reported to the Office of Community Standards. Judicial procedures are
described beginning on page 19 in the section of the Academic Catalog and
Student Handbook titled, Procedures for Adjudicating Alleged Academic Conduct
Infractions.
Copying and pasting writing or work that is not your own is plagiarism.
Turning in a paper you’ve used for another class is plagiarism.
Copying just one sentence that “sounds good” without proper citation is
plagiarism.
Paraphrasing a source without citation is plagiarism.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. ALL instances of plagiarism will be reported.
Increasing your word count with tiny white text is academic dishonesty
Sanctions for plagiarism and academic dishonesty range from loss of a letter
grade to full failure of the course depending on severity. Don’t do it.
Plagiarism Detection Software.
Students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to
submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of
plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the
Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of
such papers. You should submit your papers in such a way that no identifying
information about you is included.
Disruption of the Learning Environment
Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will
not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom
setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or
threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty
direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in
classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is
entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible
following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively
withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.
More detailed descriptions of examples of disruptive behavior are provided in the
Clayton State University Academic Catalog and Student Handbook starting on
page 14.
Writing Assistance
The Writers’ Studio 224 is located in the A&S building, room 224. There you can
talk with trained writing consultants about your writing projects. They are
available to work with you at any stage of your paper, from generating ideas to
organizing your paper to understanding how to format it correctly. The service is
free; you may drop in and wait for a consultant or sign up for a regular
appointment. But remember: you, not your consultant, are ultimately responsible
for the quality and content of the papers you submit.
Aside from meeting with consultants one-with-one, you can also participate in
writing workshops. In these workshops, faculty and consultants will guide you in
discussions and activities important to academic writing topics. You will be
identify, analyze, integrate, and synthesize writing principles through a series of
writing exercises. Remember that we are here to collaborate with you as you
develop your own experiences as a student-writer.
Visit our website for more information: http://clayton.edu/writersstudio.
There you will find a link to register for appointments online:
http://clayton.mywconline.com
You will need to do a one-time registration. Simply click on the “Click here to
register” link once at MYWCONLINE.
Other Policies
NOTES ON GRADING
It is your responsibility to keep all assignments until you have received your final
grade. Should a mistake in the calculation of your grade occur, for any reason,
you will want to be able to show your work. Be sure to keep digital copies of
EVERYTHING you hand in until you have received your final grade in the course.
You should save those digital copies in multiple locations (network, flash drives,
e-mail attachments).
Grades will not be discussed until 24 hours after you have received the
assignment back in your hands. Grades will not be discussed via email or
immediately before or after class. You must wait 24 hours, then schedule an
appointment with your instructor in order to discuss grades. You must schedule
this discussion within two weeks of the assignment being handed back in class.
These discussions are not grade negotiations, but strategy sessions on how to
improve your work in the future. If there is an error in arithmetic, please bring that
to the instructor’s attention ASAP. You do not need to wait 24 hours for an
arithmetic error.
ADULT CONTENT
Theatre is a reflection of the human condition in all its sublime complexities, both
beautiful and grotesque. Some plays and materials in this course may express
adult or controversial themes as well as strong language. If this presents a
problem for you, please see the instructor immediately to address your concerns.
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra Credit may come available from time to time. These are opportunities to
enhance your learning as well as your grade. Extra Credit IS NOT a band-aid for
poor work. Do not ask for extra credit opportunities.
You may earn 50 points of extra credit for seeing a show at a university or
professional theatre and writing a 1-2 page critical response to the production.
These papers must demonstrate connections between what you saw and
what we’ve covered in class to receive full credit. You must attach your ticket
stub to your paper. A schedule of recommended shows will be provided on D2L.
GUIDELINES FOR WRITTEN WORK
All work handed in must follow MLA format (7th edition) which includes but is not
limited to:
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Typed
Times New Roman, 12 Point Font (Not 12.5)
1” Margins on all four sides
Double spaced (without extra space between
paragraphs or in the heading)
Left-aligned (not centered or justified)
Normal character spacing (not expanded or
condensed)
PROOFREAD
When I say 2 pages, I mean two full pages of
double spaced written text. MLA format contains a
header which takes up 5 lines on the page.
Therefore a two page paper should go at least 5
lines onto the third page.
Operation Study
At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and
academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this
semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study
sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for
use in the University Bookstore) and other items. See the following site for
details:
http://www.clayton.edu/operation-study
Description of Assignments
Social Contract / Participation: I expect you to attend class regularly and attentively. You
should be prepared for class, having read all materials beforehand and fruitfully contribute to the
class discussion/work. There is no such thing as an excused absence. Whether your reasons
for missing class are flippant or extraordinary you are not present and participating in the class
period. Your participation grade is not an attendance grade and depends on more than your
physical presence. If you miss a class period, you are responsible for contacting other
students in the class to catch up on missed material. Do not ask me to tell you what was
covered in classes you’ve missed. You will receive two separate participation grades, one at the
midterm grade report and one at the end of the semester.
Play Synopses: For each of the plays we read, you will write a plot synopsis emphasizing the
important points of the play for a reader entirely unfamiliar with the play. There are 22 plays
worth 10 points each. I will drop your 2 lowest grades on these synopses for a total of 200
points. A good synopsis should include the names of the major characters, the major events
that drive the story forward, and elements that make the world of the play unique. These
synopses will be turned in via Dropbox on D2L and will be subject to originality check. You may
not work together on these synopses. You may not paraphrase a synopsis on Wikipedia,
Sparknotes, Cliff’s Notes, Book Rags, or any other resource. You should describe the plot in
your own formal/academic voice. Don’t make these too long. An example for Sarah Ruhl’s Dead
Man’s Cell Phone would be:
Dead Man’s Cell Phone begins with a woman and a man sitting in a café. The
man’s phone rings but Gordon doesn’t pick up because he’s dead. The woman, Jean,
answers the phone and becomes entangled in Gordon’s life. Gordon’s mother Mrs.
Gottlieb delivers a half touching, half hilarious eulogy at his funeral. After the funeral
Jean meets Gordon’s mistress, his mother, his wife, and his brother. After an awkward
dinner with Gordon’s family, Jean and Dwight, Gordon’s brother, go to the stationary
store where Dwight works. Jean and Dwight share their love for embossed paper and
kiss. In the beginning of the second act, Gordon speaks to the audience about the
events leading up to the heart attack that killed him and reveals that he worked in black
market organ trade. Jean and Dwight wake up in a blissful love haze that eventually
dissipates when Jean chooses answering Gordon’s phone over Dwight. They go to pick
up Gordon’s widow Hermia who is very drunk and confronts Jean about her (nonexistent) relationship with Gordon. Jean receives a phone call about a kidney and rushes
to South Africa where she is knocked out or killed by a mysterious stranger. Jean wakes
up on Gordon’s planet in the afterlife and learns that hell is a laundromat where
everyone must wash their one set of clothes once a week. When Gordon learns his
mother truly loved him, he is whisked away to wait for her on her planet. Jean is all
alone, but is rescued by Dwight. When Mrs. Gottlieb learns of Gordon’s plight in the
afterlife she runs to the barbeque in the backyard and self-immolates. Jean and Dwight
declare their requited love for one another, kiss, and the lights go out.
Play Analysis: For this project you will write a 3-5 page play analysis on a play in the Bedford
Introduction to Drama that we will not be reading during the course of the semester. You should
choose a play based on your interest in the play or its historical context. You may not choose
Lady Gregory’s Rising of the Moon or Susan Glaspell’s Trifles. You will analyze the play taking
each of Aristotle’s Six Elements of Drama into consideration. You must also make connections
to the historical context of the play. For example, “Sarah Ruhl’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone was
written and produced in the midst of massive technological revolution. The advent of the smart
phone and social media created a society where people were more ‘connected’ than ever. This
sea change prompted many people in older generations to balk and mourn at the loss of human
connection while younger generations accepted the changes without question.”
Research Paper: Over the course of the semester you will write a 4-5 page research paper on
a theatre history topic of your choice. You should choose a topic within an area of interest for
you. This rather large project will be broken up into more manageable pieces throughout the
semester. You should visit the writing center throughout the development of your research
paper for help. You can earn 5 points for each visit to the writing center. Please keep your slips
from the writing center and turn them in with the final paper. The following dates are important to
note:
January 15: Research Questions Due-These questions will help you choose your
topic. You should submit 5 possible questions. These questions should be specific and
researchable. Examples might be “What was Loie Fuller’s contribution to Lighting
Design?” or “What are the lasting effects of the Federal Theatre Project?” (10 pts)
January 29: Annotated Bibliography Due-You will turn in an annotated bibliography of
five sources, three of which must be scholarly (books/peer-reviewed journals). You must
cite these sources in MLA format and then annotate them describing how the source is
relevant to your topic. An example will be posted on D2L. (40 pts)
February 19: Outline Due-You will submit an outline of your paper which includes: a
fully written introduction with thesis statement and outlined points demonstrating how
you are arguing your thesis statement. An example will be posted on D2L. (50 pts)
March 11: Draft Due- You will submit a draft of your paper consisting of at least 3 pages
of the 4-5 required pages. Bring 3 hard copies for peer review to class. Drafts will be
subject to originality check. (50 pts)
April 15, 18, 20: Conferences- These conferences are optional, but strongly
recommended opportunities to get feedback and ask questions as you finish your paper.
April 25: Paper Due-You will submit your paper via Dropbox on D2L. Papers will be
subject to originality check. (100 pts)
Collaborative Performance: For this project you will divide into groups and select three texts
we’ve read over the course of the semester. These three texts should be from three different
eras/movements. You will devise a performance incorporating these three texts that should last
no less than 12 minutes, but not more than 15 minutes. Each person must perform a substantial
role in the process. Your performances should honor the texts, clearly incorporate conventions
from eras in theatre history, smoothly transition from one text to the next, and relate the texts to
each other in some significant way. You will have some class time to rehearse these
performances, but I expect you to rehearse outside of class as well. On April 29, we will have a
workshop performance of these pieces where your peers may offer responses. You will perform
these pieces at the final exam period on Friday May 6 from 9-11 AM. At this exam period you
will turn in a 1-2 page reflection on your performance and discuss the reasons for your choices.
You will also evaluate your peers’ contribution to the group during the final exam period.
No nudity, open flame, live animals, or sharp and/or weapon-like objects!