Appreciation of Drama

Theatre 161 Syllabus

Spring 2013

Professor: Jane Purse-Wiedenhoeft, M.F.A. Classroom: Clow 101

Email: pursewij@uwosh.edu Time: Tu & Th 11:30am-1:00pm           Credits: 3

Office Location: Arts and Communication Center, W119

Office Hours: Monday, 12:15-1:15 and Wednesday 10:30am-1:00pm and by appointment

Required Textbook, materials and fees:

-Required to read the syllabus and be familiar with course requirements/policies

-The Abbreviated Bedford Introduction to Drama – 7^th Edition, By: Lee A. Jacobus

-Additional articles as assigned

-Attendance at two plays @ $4 each = $8 (if order online = additional fee added.)

Liberal Arts Statement: A quote by Michel Saint-Denis defines theatre as follows, “The purpose of theatre is to illuminate the human spirit.”  Students who have successfully completed this class will understand how theater is a unique discipline – a pure art form that is performance based.  Once students are able to appreciate theater’s uniqueness they should then be able to apply theatre skills to other situations as a communication or learning tool.  Theatre does truly illuminate the human spirit through its use of imagination, concentration, as a collaborative creative process, and as a reflection of humans’ daily interactions in both professional and personal settings.

Overview: Appreciation of Drama is a class that includes discussion, lecture, guest speakers, attendance at play performances, reading of plays, video viewing and written theatrical criticism as tools to acquaint you with the world of live theatre.  Emphasis is given to the study of plays that focus on both a classical heritage as well as our contemporary world.  Multiple assessment strategies include quizzes, tests and a creativity based research assignment.  Attendance is expected.  Formal testing for the class will be heavily weighted with information from performances attended and class lectures/discussions.  If you miss classes or performances your ability to do well in the course will be strongly affected.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes: Using written and performed plays as a foundation, you will learn essential theatre concepts, context and terminology.  These include, the functions of the many theatre artists involved in the creating and producing of the live theatrical event and the function of theatre in society.  Experiencing live theatre as an audience member is an essential objective of this class because of the face to face nature of theatre.

-To recognize and analyze how theatre contributes to the interpretation and understanding of the human condition.  (Art reflects life) Theatre as an art form with a past, a present and a future will be illustrated in the many plays from a variety of theatrical genres that are studied throughout the semester.

-Learn appropriate audience behavior for theatre attendance.  Actual attendance at theatrical productions will be experienced.  You are required to see the two main stage productions that are being performed as part of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Theatre Department’s season of plays this semester.

-Learn appropriate rehearsal and performance behavior for participants involved in producing live theatre whether that is experienced behind the scenes or on stage.  Guest lecturers will present material from their respective areas of theatrical expertise.

-You will learn essential theatre concepts and terminology used in the creating, understanding and production of theatre.  This is covered in reading assignments, a creative project and lectures/discussions.

-After studying plays from a broad historic time line of theatre, you will have a working knowledge of plays and playwrights that are considered classics in the world of theatre and why they are classics.

-You will be introduced to the functions of the many theatre artists involved in producing a live theatrical event.   This will be accomplished through guest artist lectures and completion of one creative project that is a required component of the class as well as the viewing of the play performances.

EXPECTATIONS

Questions, Concerns and Contacting me: Please ask if you have a question or concern about any of the material or policies.  I am available via email, during my scheduled office hours and by appointment.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification if you need it.  I want you to be successful in the class, but ultimately that is your responsibility.   The end of class each day will be reserved as time that I am available to answer questions that need to be addressed individually or set appointment times. If you have concerns about the class, please make an appointment to meet with me to discuss them so they can be addressed.  (Due to the number of students in the class, there may be a delay before your emails are answered.  Any item that needs a response or action from me should be brought to me in person or I need to receive an email request a week in advance.)

Electronic use in class:  Only laptops or tablets/pads may be used in class for note taking purposes.  All other electronic devices must be turned off including phones, IPods, etc…  No photography or other taping of any sort allowed in class unless pre-approved by me. If you are found doing one of these actions without my permission, you will be asked to drop the course.  This class is considered a private environment for those enrolled.

Behavior: Treat others in the class, the professor and yourself with respect.  Harassment or bullying of any form won’t be tolerated. Use good judgment and appropriate behavior in class.  No eating during class.  Due to the number of students in this class, students that are causing a distraction will be given a warning or asked to leave.

Attendance: Attendance is an expected requirement of the course due to the collaborative nature of theatre.  Be on time, seated and ready to start at 11:30am.  The class will include presentations, guest lecturers, group discussion and video viewing that won’t be on D2L.

Tests and Quizzes: You will have a specific window of time within which to complete each test – the window of time will be 3 calendar days for the first two tests and 2 calendar days for the third test.  If you have failed to complete the test at the testing center within the time parameters set, no credit or points will be given.  The three tests will be available at the testing center and quizzes will be in class or through D2L.  If special arrangements need to be made for a test, such arrangements need to be made by one week in advance of the first day the test is available. 

Performance Attendance: You are required to attend the two main stage productions being produced by the Department of Theatre during the semester.  You need to attend one performce of each show.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR CALENDAR NOW. Tickets per show are $4 for UW-Oshkosh students.  The day before each show opens, our class will meet at the Fredric March Theatre and the box office will be open for you to purchase tickets in person.  If you reserve tickets by phone there is a processing fee and you need to pick them up by 15 minutes PRIOR to the production. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Department of Theatre Box Office at 424-4417. Both shows will be performed in the Fredric March Theatre in the Arts and Communication Building–West (corner of Woodland and Algoma)  This is also where the ticket office is located.

Shows being produced this semester are:

American Dream and Zoo Story:  February 13^th, 14^th, 15^th and 16^th at 7:30pm.  February 17^th at 2:00pm.

The Mad Woman of Chaillot:  April 24^th, 25^th, 26^th and 27^th at 7:30pm.  April 28^th at 2:00pm.

Academic Integrity:

Academic honesty and integrity is expected at all times.  Plagiarism of any type will constitute an F on the assignment.  The appropriate UW-Oshkosh disciplinary procedures will be instituted.  A discussion of this will occur in class.

GRADING:                  Tests #1 & #2                2 @ 125 points each = 250 points

Test #3                         1 @ 100 points each = 100 points

4 reading “check-in”quizzes     4 @  50 points each =  200 points

Creative/Research Assignment                                =  50 points

Total Points Available                                                                     = 600 points

(NO EXTRA CREDIT POINTS ARE OFFERED FOR THIS CLASS.)

A schedule section of the syllabus will be posted on D2L and will include assignments and due dates.

HOLIDAYS – NO CLASS:  Tuesday, March 19^th and Thursday, March 21^st = Spring Break

As professor of this course, I reserve the right to modify the syllabus to accommodate the needs of the students in the class.  If any such modifications are needed, they will be announced in class.