TA 115 Introduction to Theater
Syllabus
Course Description
Non-performance oriented. This course is designed to develop discriminating appreciation oftheatre in relation to the other fine arts. Fundamentals of play analysis and dramatic structures areincluded. Many facets of theatrical production and the artists who accomplish them are discussed.
Texts
The Essential Theatre (10th edition), Brockett + Ball (text only no additional access codes needed). If you live in or near Rexburg, this text can be purchased at the BYU-I Bookstore. Alternatively, you may purchase this book online on commonsites such as Amazon.com or at your local bookstore. Other course materials are accessible throughthe course via the BYU-I library or LDS.org. Students will be well-advised to study the textbook,scripts, and selected articles carefully. They will be the basis for weekly quizzes and major exams.
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Course Objectives
Theater is essentially a communal and experiential art form. Some consider it to be the most human of all the arts. To the extent possible in an online setting, course objectives will be pursued utilizing interactive and experiential processes.
Each student will
- Develop an understanding of theater by examining the creative work of playwrights, directors, designers, and actors.
- Refine critical aesthetic judgments while expanding familiarity with dramatic literature/production practice of various historical periods, cultures, genres, and styles.
- Actively engage with written and produced plays to enhance perception of there lated processes of creation, interpretation, and performance/production.
- Expand comprehension of theatrical practitioners, events, developments, and vocabulary/terminology.
- Acquire analytical skills to become a more perceptive, active, respectful, and discerning theater participant or consumer.
- Enhance their awareness of the relationship between the arts and the gospel of Jesus Christ by examining teachings of modern prophets.
Course Requirements
The efforts expected of you each week will be explained in the online lesson overview pages for each week.
- The expectation is that you spend 9-12 hours a week reading and completing the various weekly assignments. Make sure you plan your time wisely so that you complete all your assignments to the fullest extent.
- Each week you will read material in the textbook. You might also be asked to read/view a play or summarize an article. A quiz or exam will be given each week, which covers the readings and other assignments. Most weeks you will write and submit written reports thatrelate to the weekly readings and assignments.
- Your active participation in weekly discussion boards for the class is essential to achieving course objectives. The activity is a key component to your learning process during the semester. You will be evaluated every week on your discussion board contributions.
- You are required to seek out and attend two full-length live theater performances this semester in the location where you live. A production evaluation will be written for each production you view; one will be due at mid-semester and one at the end of the semester. Discuss any concerns or questions with your instructor.
- One week of the term you will participate in the creation and delivery of a group presentation. Each group member will be required to actively participate in the creation of the presentation and in facilitating the discussion board for the week.
Grades
(Philosophy and Policy)
Effort must be combined with quality to achieve high grades.
| A = | excellent work |
| B = | good work |
| C = | average work |
| D = | below average work |
| F = | poor or incomplete work |
It is possible to earn a total of 1609 points for assignments / quizzes / exams / projects this semester. The grading scale written below will be used to determine final grades.
| A | 93-100% |
| A- | 90-92% |
| B+ | 86-89% |
| B | 83-85% |
| B- | 80-82% |
| C+ | 76-79% |
| C | 73-75% |
| C- | 70-72% |
| D+ | 66-69% |
| D | 63-65% |
| D- | 60-62% |
| F | 59% and below |
Assignment Breakdown (in points):
| Syllabus Quiz | 5 |
| 12 quizzes (40 points each) | 480 |
| 2 exams (150 points each) | 300 |
| 1 Group Presentation | 150 |
| 6 Article Reports (25 points each) | 150 |
| 2 Production Evaluations (100 each) | 200 |
| 2 Play Reports (50 points each) | 100 |
| 2 Video Viewing Reports (50 points each) | 100 |
|
12 Discussion Board Evaluations(including the Icebreaker) |
100 |
| Self-report/Reminders | 24 |
| 1609 |
Late Work
Late work will not be accepted in this course unless there is an emergency situation. You will need to work out those circumstances with your instructor as soon as the emergency arises. Instructors will make the final decision in regards to accepting late work.
Extra Credit
You can earn up to 25 points of extra credit at the end of the semesters if you submit a personal philosophy paper that discusses your view about the value and place of theater in LDS culture.
Special Needs
In compliance with applicable disability laws, qualified students with a disability may be entitled to
“reasonable accommodation” in satisfying the requirements of this course. It is the student’s
responsibility to disclose to the instructor any special need s/he may have before the end of the first week of class.
Code of Honor
You made a commitment to live the BYU-I Honor Code when you signed your application form. A major goal of the institution is to provide quality educational opportunities in a wholesome spiritual environment. All students are asked to observe every point of the Honor Code, including those regarding personal and academic integrity. Your willing participation is invited and expected.