Course Syllabus

Introduction to Theater

Faculty

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Course Description

This course is designed as an introduction to the collaborative nature of theater in addition to the analysis and criticism of dramatic literature. Students consider theater from a variety of historical periods and ethnic cultures, from the ancient world to the present and learn to appreciate theater both as literature and performance that deepen their understanding of the human experience.

Essential Objectives

1. Analyze plays as texts and as live or recorded performances.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of theater history.
3. Identify and describe theatrical productions from a variety of global cultures, historical periods, and styles which may include drama, comedy, musicals, tragedy, burlesque, opera, operetta, Noh, pantomime, vaudeville, farce, passion plays, and more.
4. Define the function of the elements of theatrical production, including stage, setting, scene design, costuming, props, lighting, sound, choreography, blocking, character, dialogue, monologue, and soliloquy.
5. Describe the collaborative nature of theater arts production.
6. Explain the impact of theatrical arts on the life of a community and how this can change in different social, cultural, and historical contexts.
7. Explore the relationship between performers and the audience.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Integrated: This course's generative AI policy acknowledges the use of AI is an essential skill in today's world. By using genAI for specific purposes, students become equipped with relevant skills and tools necessary to thrive in a technology-driven society. Emphasizing the mastery of generative AI should empower you to harness its potential, enhancing your problem-solving abilities and preparing you for future challenges and opportunities. Be aware, however, that any time generative AI is used at any point in the assignment without attribution it may be considered a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

In the spirit of developing your own skills in critical thinking and written expression, avoid reliance on AI platforms. These platforms can be useful for aspects such as "common knowledge" however, are written from a generic data driven perspective, rather than your own! Developing your voice and reflections is key to the goals of the course and your success in it.

Methods

Methods and Requirements

Greetings Students!

I am Margo Whitcomb (BFA, MA, MFA) and I am a long time theatre maker and educator. My approach centers the experience of theatre - what is theatre - how, why, and where it is made. My goal is to tackle this big subject in a lively and surprising approach. Whether you are already a theatre fan (or practitioner) or are just "theatre curious" - this course is for you. Content will be delivered in a variety of platforms: readings, videos, podcasts, digital performances, power points, interviews, and films.

Students will learn the anatomy of making theatre, (who does what and how does it happen), develop skills in interpretation and analysis, as well as grasp a historical overview of theatre's evolution and future. Supplemented with films and actors known (and unknown) to you - we will rely very heavily on the medium of videos and images in the absence of the "live" experience. The thrust of the course is on WHAT is theatre across cultures and purposes, HOW the theatre experience is made, WHY this "storytelling" persists and WHERE it is headed in the technologically innovative 21st century.

Even better, there is no cost for the text we are using. I hope you will join me in Fall 2024!

• Interactive class/discussion posts and responses
• Bi-weekly quizzes and/or assessments
• Viewing short informative and entertaining videos
• Viewing excerpts from theatrical productions, films, and television
• Short written response papers
• Mid term exam
• A final project (tbd to align with students' interest/preferences) following a one on one zoom with instructor.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Discussion Forum/Participation = 30%
• Quizzes = 30%
• Written Assignments/short response=15%
• Mid Term=10%
• Final Project = 15%%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Participation Expectations:
Full participation requires active and thoughtful engagement in class each week. Though this course is asynchronous, it is NOT a course that can be completed in an accelerated or compressed time frame. Each lesson builds on the previous and each week requires either engagement in a discussion forum and/or written reflections or assessment quizzes. The following habits and skills are important.

• Attend to the weejkly assignement modules regularly and on time
• Listen and respond to others attentively and with an open mind
• Positively contribute to class discussions
• Ask questions and seek help when you need it
• Challenge yourself to do your best work

Missing & Late Work Policy

Missing & Late Work Policy:

• Late assignments submission is discouraged. However, life happens. If necessary, assignements can be submitted up to one week past the deadline. You will lose 10% of the grade for eachday that an assignment is late. After a week, assignments will no longer be accepted for credit.
• Late work is not accepted in the discussion forum. Interacting with classmates is an essential part of online discussions and cannot be made up after the fact.
• Extensions will be granted only in extenuating circumstances and with notice from the student of such circumstances. Take reposibility to manage your time and elt the instructor know NO LATER than the due date, if an extension is needed. If a lengthy medical problem orother emergent personal issue will result in missing weekly discussions and/or assignments,please contact your instructor as soon as possible.
• Students who know that they will not have class access for a given week should make arrangements with their instructor to complete assignments and participation requirements prior to the absence.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity