3 Credit Hours

Text Required: "The Theatre Experience," 8th Edition, Edwin Wilson, McGraw Hill, 2000

Supplies: 1 1/2" - 2" 3-ring binder

Play Attendance
Students are required to attend five plays throughout 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 $30 on tickets to performances. Many of the plays will occur in Spokane. 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.   This course fulfills an arts and humanities requirement to the A.A. and A.S. degrees.

Course Objectives 
This course will provide you with a deeper understanding, and hopefully greater enjoyment of, theatre performances. As you learn about the roles and responsibilities of the playwright, audience, director, actor, scene designer,  costumer, lighting designer, sound technician, producer, etc., you will gain insight and skills that allow you to critically evaluate theatre performances. Much of what we study can be applied to your understanding of film as well. You will also participate in some artistic problem solving exercises, thereby increasing your problem solving and critical thinking skills. Most of our entertainment and many of the ways we learn about ourselves and our society are in the film and theatrical mode. Having a greater understanding of the artistic process and a stronger ability to choose quality in these mediums, and improvement in our problem solving skills, will make us better students and, consequently, improve the quality of our lives.

Attendance
Students are allowed three excused or unexcused absences. All subsequent absences will result in a 10 point deduction from your grade. Three instances of tardiness will equal one absence. If you are late to class, please enter the room and take your seat quietly.

You cannot succeed in this course if 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.

Grading

A = 90% or above of total points

B = 80% or above of total points

C = 70% or above of total points

B = 60% or above of total points

Tests: The tests will consist of multiple choice, matching and some fill in the blank questions.

Reviews: These will be at least two typewritten pages and should specifically describe a performance and your response to what you observed. Use correct grammar and spelling. Five reviews throughout the semester.

Workbook: You will keep newspaper clippings, handouts, and other material as a reference. I will collect these periodically throughout the semester. 

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
You are required to take the Final Exam regardless of your grade standing in the course. There are no alternative times offered. Do not schedule any airline flights, doctor appointments, etc. that conflict with the Final Exam scheduled for this class.

Note:
Any student with a disability who wishes to pursue support and/or special instructional accommodation should contact NIC Student Services at (208) 769-3370.