Thr 202 History of Styles
HISTORY OF STYLES : Study Abroad in England and Italy
THEATRE -202-381
Spring Interim 2012
Instructors:
Roy Hoglund
AC/W 216 - 424-7043
Kathleen Donnelly
AC/W 220- 424-7127
donnelly@uwosh.edu
Text:
There is no text assigned to this class, however we will provide access to course material relating to class lectures on a course web page.
Goals:
Based on goals established by the Theatre program, the goals of this course, for the student, are: 1. To have a broad knowledge of the processes of theatrical production; 2. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the history of the theatre; 3. To make effective use of the research tools available to the theatre artist, critic and historian; 4. To develop a commitment to the pursuit of artistic excellence and integrity.
Objectives:
The goals listed above will be achieved through the following objectives of this course. The objectives are: to provide a basic knowledge of architecture, decor and fashion trends in the major historical periods of Western drama, and to equip the student with the research tools available for use in theatre design. The student must demonstrate a proficiency of knowledge in the historical period styles and its application to design in order to pass the class. The information will be presented in class lectures, and tours of museums, theatres and historical sights in England and Italy. The student’s knowledge will be tested through quizzes, comprehensive final exam, exploration of scripts, journal/sketchbook and class discussion.
Instruction:
The three- week semester will be divided into two parts: the first part will be held at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and consist of class lectures covering the architecture, furniture and fashion of each historical period. Each class period will be divided into a session on architecture and furniture, and fashion relating to a specific historical period. The second part will take place at locations in and around London, Bath, Florence, Venice and Rome, and consist of tours to historical sights and museums, and attendance at theatre performances. The tours will relate to material covered in class. See attached class schedule for specific dates.
Exams:
There will be three quizzes in the class and a final exam. See attached schedule for dates of tests and material to be covered.
Attendance:
The student will be required to attend one performance of a play written by Shakespeare, while on tour in England at the Globe Theatre in London. The student will be required to attend an additional performance of theatre or opera during the tour. In addition, students are expected to attend all events listed on the tour itinerary attached. Attendance at class lectures is required in preparation for the historical sites, museums and theatres will be visiting on our tour.
PROJECTS:
A. Designing Shakespeare:
The student is required to read a play by William Shakespeare in preparation for seeing it in performance at the Globe Theatre in London. (Note: play will be determined once season at Globe is announced) There will be a class discussion following the performance to look at the design of the show and relate it back to historical research covered in the class lectures. Participation in the class discussion is required.
Script Analysis: The student will write a 1-2 page script analysis of the play that answers the questions: Who, What, When, Where and Why. A handout will be provided explaining the format of the script analysis. Script analysis is due by our departure on May 20tth
Journal entries: The student will collect images from the museums (postcards, visual images) that relate to the visual elements in the play in a specific time period. Visual elements such as architecture details, furniture and clothing relating to characters and scenes in the play would be included in your Design Research Journal. A handout will be provided with specific requirements for this play.
Completed Project is due by June 2nd.
B. Designing Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni:
The student will read the play, Servant of Two Masters, a play based on Commedia dell arte, and write a synopsis of the play, indicating a brief description of the scenery and characters in the play. This analysis will be used in preparation for our trip to Italy where we will see actual architecture, décor, and paintings of costumes and masks from the style and time period of the play.
Synopsis of Play is due by our departure on May 20th.
Journal entries: The student will collect images from the museums (postcards, visual images) that relate to the visual elements in this play set in Italy in the commedia dell arte style. Visual elements such as architecture details, furniture and clothing and masks relating to characters and scenes in the play would be included in your Design Research Journal. A visit to the Carlo Goldoni house in Venice will be part of the tour. A handout will be provided with specific requirements for this play. Completed Project is due by June 2nd
C. Design Research Journal:
The student will keep a journal/sketch notebook that includes a daily travel log of museums, historic sights and theatres that they visited while on tour in England and Italy, as well as illustrating and documenting architecture, furniture/décor, costumes and masks. The student will notate material as to source, date of object and museum or historical sight. This research material should relate to the course material on period styles covered in the lectures, and include research material relating to the two plays listed above. A handout will be provided with a detailed list of sketches/images required for each day of the tour and the requirements of the journal project. Design Research Journal due on June 2nd
E. Grading: (Total 100%)
- • 3 Quizzes 15%
- • Final Exam 10%
- • Project A. Designing Shakespeare
a. Script Analysis and Discussion 10%
b. Journal entries for play 15%
- • Project B. Designing Servant of Two Masters
a. Synopsis and Discussion 10%
b. Journal entries for play 15%
- • Project C. Design Research Journal 25%
