Janie Jones Homepage  /  Theatre Arts Department Home

Spring 2009
12:45-2:05p TTh

INTRODUCTION TO THE THEATRE

Purpose:    
        To provide the beginning student with a general knowledge of theatre and its influence on modern society. Historical growth, basic vocabulary, skills and crafts of the theatre are emphasized.
 

Desired Outcomes from the Course:
    1.    To apply specific knowledge of relevant social, cultural, economic, political, and international factors, and to describe and analyze significant aspects of change and continuity in various time periods.
    2.    To address contemporary issues and trends, and appraise the value of historical knowledge for understanding them.
 

Texts:
        Required:
            Cohen, Robert. Introduction to the Theatre. 8th ed
            Shakespeare. The Tempest
            Swerling, Burroughs, Loesser. Guys and Dolls

        Supplemental (on reserve in the library):
            Cohen, Robert. Theatre: Brief Version, various editions.
            Cohen. Theatre.
            Barranger, Millie. Theatre: A Way of Seeing, various editions.
            Brockett, Oscar. The Essential Theatre, various editions

Theatre Tickets: 
        Students are required to purchase tickets to the two SMC Theatre Arts Department mainstage productions, Musical Theatre Workshop, and to one off-campus production. This will be discussed the first class meeting.

SMC Productions:    Main Stage and Studio Stage

Examinations:
50% of grade
March 17, April 30, June 9.
 

Papers and Production Project Due Dates:
All theatre reviews must be turned in within one week of attending the play in order to receive credit. Obtain Student Attendance Card when you arrive for the performance and return completed form to house staff at conclusion to verify attendance. Attach ticket stub and program to review.

Required productions: 7.5% each, total 30% of the grade.

Production Project: 20 % of grade.

Play Reviews:
                Due at or before the beginning of class.
                    Write a 500-word essay (2 pages typed) including:
                    Paragraph 1:    Plot.  Be brief -- 6 or 7 sentences maximum.
                    Paragraph 2:    Form.  Tell what form it is -- comedy, tragedy, melodrama, and so on. Choose one form only and tell why the play falls into this category. For instance, in tragedy there is a hero who has a downfall from sources inside himself. In a melodrama the downfall is from sources outside his control -- like a tidal wave or shark. Again, use 6 or 7 sentences to develop this paragraph.
                    Paragraph 3:    Theme.  What is the show saying? Find a thematic statement, "A Streetcar Named Desire is about the total destruction of a person of worth." Defend your statement. There will be other themes besides the main one. Name them. For instance, Romeo and Juliet has several themes: "All people are the same, regardless of color." "Organized religion does not fulfill our spiritual needs." "Parents should be trusted." "Take care to do things in the right order rather than act solely on emotions." You can probably find a dozen more! List them and support them from an action in the play. Again, use a 6 to 7 sentence format for this paragraph.
                    Paragraph 4:    Production.  Discuss the production -- name actors and designers and evaluate their contributions. Refer to the program for names. 6 to 7 sentences.
                    Paragraph 5:    Universal worth.  Was this worth doing? Why? 6 to 7 sentences.
Attach the program and ticket stub. You MUST complete a Student Attendance Card when you attend the performance.
 

Grading and Attendance:
Exams:  50%; Papers:  30%; Production project:  20%

Papers are to be emailed to jones_janie@smc.edu before the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers and makeup exams will be graded down severely.  Keep all email records. Be in class and on time. Your three allowable absences, tardies or early departures are for flu, colds, interviews, appointments, etc. Students are responsible for material from missed classes. Know the SMC drop policies -- it is your responsibility to drop if you stop attending. Non-attendance is an "F" grade.

Reading Assignments:
        For each unit of study, please read the following. If you need supplemental material from lectures missed, refer to library reserve books, fellow students or online information.

    UNIT I:  Quiz is March 17

     UNIT II:  Quiz is April 30 

     UNIT III: Quiz is June 9 (Final Exam Day)

PLEASE:  NO SMOKING, EATING OR DRINKING IN THE BUILDING, EXCEPT FOR CLEAR WATER IN CAPPED BOTTLES.

  TOP OF PAGE