Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: This course focuses on the relationship of theatre to various cultures throughout history, and on the contributions of significant individual artists. This course introduces students to elements of the production process including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will also survey different periods, styles and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, films and viewing and critiquing live theatre, including required attendance of theatre productions. (C-ID THTR 111).
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Analyze and evaluate the nature of theatre and its role in society.
- Assess the historical, artistic, social, and philosophical contexts in which theatre exists.
- Critically analyze dramatic literature and performances.
- Identify and examine theatrical components in production.
- Propose alternative solutions to theatrical production situations.
- Appreciate viewing theatre as an art form.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Background and development of theatre: the rise of theatre, the development of drama and theatrical performance, theatre and its relationship to society, multicultural issues, relationship to TV and film | 4.00 |
The play and the playwright: the elements and structure of a play, basic differences between the play and the novel, and the substance, form, and technique of the playwright | 3.00 |
The acting and the actors: theories and techniques of acting, the actor’s relationship to the technician, playwright, and play | 3.00 |
The direction and the director: theories and techniques of directing a play, coordinating roles of the physical theatre | 3.00 |
The evolution of theatre architecture | 3.00 |
The design and design technicians: the role of costumes, scenery, sound, and lighting design and designers in production, technical elements of the play and the role of the technicians in properties, lighting, painting, building, special effects, music or sound effects, and wardrobe and make-up | 3.00 |
The business of show business | 3.00 |
The audience and dramatic criticism | 3.00 |
The Greek theatre: development, performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance | 4.00 |
The Roman and Medieval theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance | 4.00 |
Asian theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance | 3.00 |
Renaissance theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance | 4.00 |
Neoclassic, and Restoration theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance | 4.00 |
Romantic theatre: performance style, production elements, and cultural and /or political significance | 3.00 |
Realism and Modern theatre: performance styles, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance | 4.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Collaborative Group Work
- Discussion
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Reading Assignments
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Research Projects
- Papers
- Oral Presentation
- Written Assignments
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read Theatrical Spaces and be prepared to discuss the various classifications used in theatre.
- Read How to Read a Play and Watch a Production. Then, watch a short scene from your assigned production. Be prepared to discuss your reaction to the scene based on the reading.
Writing Assignments
- Write a three-page analysis of the production of "Master Harold and the Boys," identifying and evaluating the design and performance elements of the production.
- Write a three-page paper comparing naturalism to realism.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Write a 7-15 page research paper in APA on a theatrical production of your choice as approved by the instructor. Your paper should serve as a critical analysis of how the various aspects of theatre covered in this course are applied to your chosen production. Additionally, your paper should integrate the social, political, and theoretical topics covered in class as they relate to your chosen topic.
- Prepare an individual project that demonstrates an understanding of and engagement with some aspect of theatre (i.e. make a model of a set design you create, or write a short original script).
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Suzi Zimmerman. (2020). Introduction to Theatre Arts 1: Volume One. Meriwether Publishing, 2nd. 978-1566082631.
Zero Cost Textbook
#TheatreAppreciation, Kiara Pipino, 2022, Sony Oeneta - https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/1307
Minimum Qualifications
Drama/Theater Arts (Masters Required)