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       Campbell University Department of Theatre Arts

INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE

Instructor:      Prof. E. Bert Wallace                                                                                           Office:                    Fine Arts 108

Course:          THEA 131-1/131-2                                                                                                Email:                      wallacebert@campbell.edu

Semester:       Spring 2008 (08/MC3)                                                                                          Phone:                    814.4328

Class Meets:  MWF 9:00-9:50/11:00-11:50 in Ellis Theatre                                                    Office Hours:        MWF 10:00-11:00 AM

Labs Meet:    MTWTH in the Scene Shop                                                                                                                   and by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES

The course is a survey of the basics of theatre and theatrical production.  Course includes lecture, class discussion, work in the Scene Shop, and work on a practical theatrical production project.  After successfully completing this course, the student will be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the art of theatre as an informed member of the audience.

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

Important Note:  This class uses an interactive response system – you must purchase specific equipment to take this class.

·         Another Opening, Another Show, by Tom Markus and Linda Sarver, 2^nd Edition

·         Drama: A Pocket Anthology, R. S. Gwynn, ed.  3^rd Edition.

·         Access code for online registration with CPS

o        Codes are available for purchase in the Campbell bookstore or online. 

·         Handheld CPS response pad

o        These are available in the bookstore.  You must purchase a response pad to take this class. 

o        You must register your response pad online using your access code (see above).

o        You must bring your response pad to class with you every day.  If you lose it or it stops working, you must buy another one.  If you don’t have your response pad with you in class for any reason, you will be unable to participate in any quizzes or activities using the pads and will not be able to “make up” this work.  This will affect your Class Participation grade.  A few quiz grades will be dropped.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

·         A maximum of 6 (excused or unexcused) absences will be accepted; a 7^th absence equals course failure.

·         Absences normally considered “excused” (participation in Campbell-sponsored events, sickness, etc.) are included in the total number of absences allowed.

·         Students arriving after attendance has been taken are tardy.  THREE tardies equal 1 absence.  Tardy students must inform the instructor of their presence after class or an absence will be recorded.

PLAY ATTENDANCE

·         All 131 students must attend both Departmental productions this semester (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged and Quem Queritas).  Dates and times will be publicized later in the semester. These productions will be discussed in class and will be included on tests.

·         Attendance at other theatrical events is strongly encouraged.  See EXTRA CREDIT, below.

·         If you do not attend the two Departmental productions, you cannot pass the course.

THEATRE LAB

·         Lab work is REQUIRED of ALL 131 students. It is not registered for separately – it is part of the basic course requirement.  Lab consists is coordinated by Technical Director Keith Hight and generally involves building scenery.  We also sometimes have a limited number of opportunities to work on a run crew or in theatre promotion.  No prior experience is necessary for any lab work.

·         You will meet with Mr. Hight during the first full week of classes for lab orientation.  He will show you how and when to attend labs and can answer any questions.  See Mr. Hight for any problems with lab attendance.

·         Your grade will be determined by the amount of hours worked; 20 or more hours will equal an A for lab.

·         If you do not participate in lab, you cannot pass the course.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. To increase knowledge of the art of theatre
2. To increase appreciation for the art of theatre
3. To increase knowledge of play form and structure
4. To increase understanding of the collaboration nature of theatre
5. To increase understanding of the various roles of theatre practitioners
6. To increase understanding of theatrical style and genre
7. To encourage regular play attendance both during and after the course

EXAMS

·         Examinations will be a combination of multiple choice, matching, and short answer.

·         There will be four examinations given this semester.  Questions will be drawn from assigned readings, lectures, videos, and plays attended. 

·         Advance notice of absence or extreme sudden illnesses or injury is required to makeup an exam. There will be no makeup exams for unexcused absences.  A scheduled doctor or dentist’s appointment in NOT an excused absence.

FINAL PROJECT

·         Your work in this course will culminate in a final, group project.  You will be assigned to a group of 8-10 of your classmates.  You will work together on the project, which will be presented to the class during the final exam period.

·         The project will involve conceiving and presenting a theatrical scene.  Please note that no one will be pressured to act.  While each group will be required to have at least two actors, there are many other jobs to do.

·         Your project grade represents 20% of your final grade and is a combination of individual and group work.

·         The project will be discussed in much greater detail later in the course.

·         If you do not participate in the group project, you cannot pass the course.

GRADING

                First Test                                                               10 %

Second Test                                                          15 %                                                       A = 90-100

                Third Test                                                             15 %                                                       B = 80-89

                Fourth Test                                                           15 %                                                       C = 70-79

Final Project                                                          20 %                                                       D = 60-69

Theatre Lab                                                           15 %                                                       F =   0-59 (or failure to

Homework/Classwork/Participation                  10 %                                                                          participate in any

                                                                                                                                                                                   required activity               
 

EXTRA CREDIT

·         Attending other theatrical productions will add 1 point to your final grade for each play attended.

 NOTE:   You must check with the instructor in advance to make sure the play you want to attend will be eligible for extra credit.  Also, a ticket stub and a short written critique will be required for the extra credit

·         Other extra credit opportunities will be presented during the course.   These will be announced in class. 

·         Extra credit will not be counted if any course or extra credit requirements are missed.  In other words, you can’t not do lab, for example, then “make up” those points with extra credit.  It’s all or nothing.

·         Maximum extra credit:  10 points

TIMELINESS

All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned day. Late assignments will be penalized one grade for each day late, beginning with the day due.  Late extra credit requirements will not be accepted.

Course Schedule

·         A tentative course schedule is located on the back of this page.  This schedule is subject to change.  Any changes will be announced in class. 

·         You are responsible for making yourself aware of any changes, assignments, due dates, etc., even if you miss the class in which the assignment or change is announced.

·         Bring your Response Pad with you to every class.

Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities

It is the policy of Campbell University to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law.  Disabled students who need any accommodation should immediately inform the instructor as well as the Director of Student Support Services.  The Director will work with the student and instructor to make the appropriate accommodations.

Statement Regarding Academic Integrity

All students are subject to the academic integrity and behavioral expectations of the University.  You should consult your student handbook for policies on plagiarism, cheating, and other matters of academic misconduct.  Students who violate University policy are subject to course failure.