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3 Credit hours

“The purpose of theater, like magic, like religion . . . is to inspire cleansing awe.” David Mamet
“Theatre is a safe place to do unsafe things that need to be done.” John Patrick Shanley

Texts Required:
Experiencing the Art of Theatre, 1st Edition, Downs, Wright, Ramsey. Wadsworth, 2006
Stages of Drama, 5^th Edition, Klaus, Gilbert, Field, eds. Bedford St. Martin, 2003

Play Attendance

Students are required to attend three plays during the semester.  This will likely mean evening attendance, although in some cases matinees may be available.  Some performances are only offered on weekends.  Be prepared to spend approximately $36.00 on tickets to performances.  Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from performances.

Course Description
Theatre 101 examines the contributions of individual artists to the collective art of theatre.  Through discussion and attendance at plays, students will become familiar with elements of dramatic structure and the roles and responsibilities of the director, lighting designer, costumer, playwright, sound technician, actors, and scene designer.

This is a nonperformance course open to non-majors designed to enhance students’ understanding of dramatic art and the appreciation and enjoyment of live performance.  Skills in observation, writing, critical thinking, and verbal expression are emphasized and developed.  Students are required to attend three plays during the semester.  This course fulfills an arts and humanities requirement to the A.A. and A.S. degrees.

Some material in this course, particularly contemporary material, deals with situations, topics and language some people may find offensive.  I will handle this as respectfully as possible.  To this end, during discussions we should be respectful of the views of all class members.  Also, if you have concerns about the material covered, please see me.  Because art expresses many views from diverse perspectives, it can be in the nature of art to present material that challenges or disagrees with various world views.

Course Outcomes

1. You will be able to evaluate, understand and specifically describe theatre performances.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by

·        Attending and observing three theatrical performances.

·        Writing three written reviews that focus on understanding what the production attempted, describing the choices made by the company, identifying whether those choices are consistent with the apparent goals of the production, and subjectively evaluating whether the play was worth doing.

·        Participating in classroom discussions about the plays seen.

·        Answering test and quiz questions regarding contemporary, cultural, and historical trends in theatre and how they relate to the cultures from which they originated.

·        Participating in a group project where you will fulfill the function of a member of the theatrical production team.

·        General Education Abilities
Aesthetic response; Critical/Creative Thinking; Valuing/Ethical Reasoning; Communication

2. You will be able to evaluate and understand play scripts.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by

• Reading four plays.
• Correctly answering quiz questions about the scripts that you read.
• Participating in class discussions about the scripts.

3. You will be able to locate information about theatre performances occurring in our area.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by

·        Presenting information about theatre activities in the area and sharing your recommendations.

·        Hearing presentations about theatre activities in the area.

·        General Education Abilities
Communication, Aesthetic Response

4. You will be able to identify contemporary, cultural, and historical trends in theatre and how they relate to the cultures from which they originated.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by

• Listening to class lectures explaining this information.
• Answering test and quiz questions regarding contemporary, cultural, and historical trends in theatre and how they relate to the cultures from which they originated.
• Participating in a group project in which you will study the historical and cultural roots of one play and its playwright.
• General Education Abilities
  Historical, Cultural, and Global Awareness, Valuing/Ethical Reasoning, Aesthetic Response, Critical/Creative thinking

5. You will be able to identify the various artists involved in the creation of theatrical productions and describe their functions, tools, and processes.

You will demonstrate that you have achieved these skills by

·      Participating in a group project where you will fulfill the function of a member of the theatrical production team.

·      Answering test and quiz questions regarding the functions, tools, and processes of the various artists of a theatrical production team.

·      Writing reviews that address whether the choices made by the artists creating the production fulfilled their functions effectively.

·      General Education Abilities
Aesthetic Response, Valuing/Ethical Reasoning, Critical/Creative thinking, Communication

Attendance

Students are allowed six absences.  All subsequent absences will result in a 40 point deduction from your grade.  Two instances of tardiness will equal one absence.  If you are late to class, please enter the room and take your seat quietly.  The last day to withdraw is Nov. 12.  If you stop attending and don’t withdraw, you will fail the course

You cannot succeed in this course of you do not attend class.  Much of the material for the tests comes from class lecture, discussions, and other activities that complement the textbook.  If you rely only on reading your textbook, you will be unprepared for tests and other assignments.

Assignments                                                                                       Grading
Two tests, 100 points each:                       200 pts.                        A = 684 – 760 points (90% or above)
Two quizzes, 50 points each:                     100                              B = 608 – 683 points (80 – 89%)
Three play reviews, 50 pts. each:   150 pts.                        C = 532 – 607 points (70 – 79%)
Events:                                                        20 pts.                        D = 456 – 531 points (60 – 69%)
Four play quizzes, 10 points each     40 pts.
10 line play:                                                             50 pts.
Group project:                                           200 pts.
TOTAL:                                                   760 pts.

Tests:  The tests will consist of multiple choice, matching and some fill in the blank questions.  There may be essay and/or short answer questions.

Quizzes:  The quizzes will consist of multiple choice, matching, short answer, and fill in the blank questions.

Reviews:  These will be at least two double spaced, typewritten pages with 1” margins on all sides of the page (use 12 point fonts).  These should describe specific elements of the performance and your response to what you observed, evaluating whether or not the production met its goals.  Keep in mind that your views are your own; do not feel any need to agree with my responses or tastes.  Your grade is based more on how you defend/explain your ideas than on the ideas themselves.
Grammar and spelling are grading factors.  Do not turn in first drafts.  These will be returned to you for revision and considered late.
You must attach your ticket stub to your review to receive credit. You must see the entire play to do a review.

Events Presentation:  You will present a calendar of theatre events for a given week, sharing and explaining your personal recommendations, as well as turning in a written recommendation.

1 Scene Play:  You and another class member will write dialogue for a one or two page scene.

Group Project:  You and a few other class members will research, plan and design a production of a play and present your production plan to the class.

Some of the information provided in this course occurs through viewing videotaped material, guest lecturers, and other means.  Students will be responsible for this material and it may appear on tests.

Final Exam
Students with an ‘A’ and 2 absences (or fewer), or a ‘B’ and 1 absence (or fewer . . .?) are not required to take the final.  You may take the Final scheduled for another section of Thea 101 with the instructor’s permission.  Do not schedule any airline flights, doctor appointments, etc. that conflict with the Final Exam scheduled for this class.  Please notify your parents or anyone making travel arrangements for you of this schedule.
The Final Exam is cumulative.
Wed. Dec. 17, 7:00 a.m. (Sec 01), 11:00 a.m. (Sec 02)

Grading
Doing each assignment completely is a ‘C’.  Work that is above average falls into the ‘B’ range.  Work that is outstanding earns enough points for an ‘A’.  Determine the grade that you would like to earn and do the assigned work accordingly.  The quality of your work determines your grade.

Some of the work in this class will be graded through a classroom presentation and group project, where your work will be seen by your peers.

Tips
Students who succeed with this course state that they work 6 – 8 hours weekly outside of class (on average).  Reading the chapters as assigned, seeing plays before the last two weeks of the semester, an early start on researching for the group project, and asking questions when encountering problems or confusion will greatly increase your chances for success in this course.

Classroom Behavior
Please arrive to class on time since late arrivals and early departures are disruptive and disrespectful to other students.  Do not begin side conversations with other students since this not only distracts you and the person you’re conversing with, it distracts others as well and is disrespectful to everyone in the room.  Also: Turn off and put away all cell phones, mp3 players, and laptops during class.  Having these devices out is often distracting not only to you but to other students, and is disrespectful to instructors. Your device may be kept in the care of the instructor if it creates a distraction during class.

Please be considerate of everyone’s point of view.  We all have different tastes and may have various beliefs, which will influence our ideas and reactions to plays.  Remember, nobody’s response is wrong.  Respect each person’s viewpoint.  It is vital that we maintain a safe place for people to share their ideas and responses.

Student Code of Conduct
Plagiarism is intentionally or unintentionally using another person’s ideas or expressions without acknowledging the source. It also includes quoting sources verbatim without indicating that you are quoting the source. In accordance with NIC’s Student Code of Conduct, students who plagiarize will fail the assignment and possibly the course.  Taking credit for someone else’s effort is an extremely serious academic offense, particularly because it negates any opportunity to learn from the plagiarized assignment.  Do not disrespect your educational effort or yourself as a person by plagiarizing.  Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and is defined in the Student Handbook under Student Code of conduct.  The Code of Conduct also outlines student responsibilities in this area.  Instances of plagiarism will have the minimal result in a “0” for the assignment(s) involved and can result in severe sanctions by the College.

Please see the Student Code of Conduct in the Student Handbook to make sure that you understand your responsibilities as a student at North Idaho College.

Center for Educational Access:
NIC provides services and accommodations to students who experience barriers in the educational setting due to learning, emotional, physical, mobility, visual or hearing disabilities.  For more information please contact Sharon Daniels-Bullock in the Center for Educational Access in the College Skills Center, Seiter Hall, Rm. 207.  Telephone 769-5947.

Extra Credit

• You may write one extra credit review for 40 points.  This would be a play that is not readers theatre and is in addition to the three required reviews.  You must get instructor approval before seeing the play to count it as extra credit.
• 10 points for ticket stubs and programs from seeing plays in the area.
• Involvement in an NIC production will earn 30 – 60 extra credit points, depending on the time commitment required.  This will involve evening and some (minimal) weekend hours.

Assignments and Due Dates*:

Every Friday (beginning 1/26): Events presentations
9/8: Oedipus Rex quiz
9/19: Quiz 1
9/22: 1 Scene Plays
10/3: Othello quiz
10/20: TEST 1
10/27: Death of a Salesman Quiz
11/10: How I Learned to Drive (this play may be difficult due to content)
11/24: Quiz 2
12/5, 8, 10: Group Projects, Last day to turn in reviews Dec. 7
12/17: FINAL (Test 2)
*Reviews due one week after seeing the play.
No reviews will be accepted after Friday, Dec. 5.

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date.  Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been agreed upon with the instructor.  There will be a 25% grade reduction for late work.  I require documentation for work to be turned in late without grade reduction.

Thea 101
Grade Tracking Form

A = 684 – 760 points (90% or above)
B = 608 – 683 points (80 – 89%)
C = 532 – 607 points (70 – 79%)
D = 456 – 531 points (60 – 69%)

The reverse side also has a reverse side.
-- Japanese Proverb
Plays and dates*:

Aug. 22 – Sept. 6 (Tues, Wed, Thu: 7:30 p.m., Fri./Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sat/Sun: 2:00 p.m.)
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Actors Repertory Theatre
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 W. Ft. George Wright Drive, Bldg. 5: Communications Bldg.
509-838-4013
http://www.actorsreptheatre.com
$10.00 students with ID card

Sept. 17 – Oct. 4, (Wed – Thu: 7:30 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sat/Sun matinees: 2:00 p.m.)
The Dining Room by A. R. Gurney
Interplayers Ensemble
174. S. Howard, Spokane
509-544-PLAY (7529)
http://www.interplayers.com
$10.00 students with ID card, $17.00 – 21.00 general admission, matinee $15.00

Sept. 26 – Oct. 26, (Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri/Sat: 8:00 p.m., Sun. 2:00 p.m.)
Oklahoma
Spokane Civic Theatre
1020 N. Howard, Spokane
1-800-446-9576
http://www.spokanecivictheatre.com
$26.00 general admission, 16.00 students, there may be student rush tickets 30 min before curtain

Sept. 19 – Oct. 4 (Tues, Wed, Thu: 7:30 p.m., Fri./Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sat/Sun: 2:00 p.m.)
Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley
Actors Repertory Theatre
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 W. Ft. George Wright Drive, Bldg. 5: Communications Bldg.
509-838-4013
http://www.actorsreptheatre.com
$10.00 students with ID card

Oct. 16 – Nov. 1, (Wed – Thu: 7:30 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sat/Sun matinees: 2:00 p.m.)
Exits and Entrances by Athol Fugard
Interplayers Ensemble
174. S. Howard, Spokane
509-544-PLAY (7529)
http://www.interplayers.com
$10.00 students with ID card, $17.00 – 21.00 general admission, matinee $15.00

Oct. 23 - 25,  30 – 31,Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Moira’s Crossing, by Tim Rarick
NIC Theatre Arts
NIC, Schuler Performing Arts Center
FREE;  House opens 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 30, 31, Nov.1 - 2 and Nov 6 – 9 (7:30 p.m. except Nov. 2 and 9: 2:00 p.m.)
Tartuffe by Molière (translated by Christopher Hampton)
University of Idaho Dept. of Theatre and Film
Hartung Theatre on Stadium Drive, UI campus
Moscow, ID
208-885-7212
http://www.class.uidaho.edu/irt/current/current.html

Nov. 20 – Dec. 7, (Wed – Thu: 7:30 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sat/Sun matinees: 2:00 p.m.)
Together Again for the First Time by Reed McColm
Interplayers Ensemble
174. S. Howard, Spokane
509-544-PLAY (7529)
http://www.interplayers.com
$10.00 students with ID card, $17.00 – 21.00 general admission, matinee $15.00

Dec. 5 – 20 (Tues, Wed, Thu: 7:30 p.m., Fri./Sat. 8:00 p.m., Sat/Sun: 2:00 p.m.)
Relatively Speaking by Alan Ayckbourn
Actors Repertory Theatre
Spokane Falls Community College
3410 W. Ft. George Wright Drive, Bldg. 5: Communications Bldg.
509-838-4013
http://www.actorsreptheatre.com
$10.00 students with ID card

• Some plays that you see may contain material that you find uncomfortable or offensive.  I encourage you to attend and attempt to understand the choices made by the playwright and the production company.  See me if you have concerns or questions.
• There are usually a variety of styles and genres of plays to see.  The plays that are on this list have been chosen on the basis of their literary value and that the company creates the production first and foremost on the basis of the text, and not on available resources.  It is my hope that you see at least one play that pleases you.  See me if you have concerns or questions.
• You may write one extra credit review for 40 points.  This would be a play that is not readers theatre and is in addition to the three required reviews.  You must get instructor approval before seeing the play to count it as extra credit.
• 10 points for ticket stubs and programs from seeing plays in the area.
• Involvement in an NIC production will earn 30 – 60 extra credit points, depending on the time commitment required.  This will involve evening and some (minimal) weekend hours.

Last day to turn in reviews 1 and 2: Friday November 7
Last day to turn in review 3 is: Friday December 5

Course Website
http://www.nic.edu/commarts/jmjacoby/thea101.htm

Tentative Course Schedule

The reverse side also has a reverse side.
-- Japanese Proverb

After you have read the syllabus carefully, please sign and return this page.  Thank you

I _________________________________________, have read and understand the syllabus for
                              print name

Thea 101, Introduction to Theatre.  I also understand that some of my graded work will be presented in class and some of my graded work will be developed with other students.

_______________________________________________ ___________________
Signature                                                                                                                               Date

Major _______________________________________

Freshman ____            Sophomore _____       Upper Division _____  Dual enrolled ____

Reasons for taking the class: (check all that apply)
____ I love theatre!
____ I’m curious about theatre.
____ The arts are interesting to me.
____ How do they do it?
____ This is required for my major.
____ It’s a core class – just give me the darned credits! (Of course, I can’t do that, but I know the                feeling…)
____ Other: ___________________________________________________________________

What do you hope to get out of this class?