THEAC101FOGLE J11

							Introduction to Theatre

Dr. Melinda Fogle Oliver

THEA C101

CRN #50251

Summer 2011

Email: mfogle@bakersfieldcollege.edu

Required Texts:

Cohen, Robert. Theatre. Ninth Edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010.

Madden, David, ed. A Pocketful of Plays: Vintage Drama. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace, 2006.

Catalog Course Description:

This course explores many aspects of the theatre. Students will learn about the key players in the theatre,
including the playwright, the director, the actor, and the designer. The goal is to heighten the student’s
appreciation and understanding of the art of theatre. The course will cover theatre history and dramatic
literature from Ancient Greece to present-day theatre.

Student Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to

A. demonstrate an understanding of theatrical terminology.

B. distinguish the various periods in theatre history.

C. demonstrate an understanding of the creative processes and skills involved in the creation of theatre.

D. understand and interpret a play, taking into account structure, style, and genre.

E. analyze and critique a theatrical production based on various critical perspectives.

Participation:

Introduction to Theatre is not a self-paced course. Links to assignments and activities will become
available during the week they are assigned. Please note that there are deadlines for all assignments.
The link for each assignment will close when the deadline arrives. Late assignments will not be accepted,
except in the case of emergency. Should an emergency arise, it is your responsibility to contact the
instructor as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Technical Difficulties:

Please note that technical difficulties do not count as an emergency or as an excuse not to particpate or
turn in work on time. Please make sure you have a backup plan in case you experience difficulties with
your internet connection or computer. You may have to work on a friend or family member's computer or
use a public computer at the local library. Please plan ahead so that you'll be prepared in the event of
technical difficulties.

Communication:

Please use your personal email account for any communication that is personal in nature and not related
to the class. Use the Green Room Forum for any communication that is related to class but not
concerned with the weekly discussion. For example, if you would like to find out which production other
students plan to see for their Play Observation Assignment, you could raise the question in the Green
Room Forum. If you have personal questions regarding the course, please contact the instructor directly.
Please use Standard English in all class communication. Abbreviated “texting language” is not acceptable
in class.

Plagiarism: This course will adhere to the College's Policy on Plagiarism.

Special Accommodations:

If you have a disability which may require classroom or test accommodations, please contact Special
Services – Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS) in Main Bldg Room 312 or call 760-384-
6250. You will need to provide written documentation of your disability. If you think you have a disability
but currently have no documentation, DSPS may be able to help you. All information will be kept
confidential.

College Policies:

It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the College’s attendance policy. It is also the student’s
responsibility to be aware of the appropriate drop dates and to officially drop the course should he or she
decide not to attend.

Contacting the Instructor:

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns in regards to our class this summer. You
are welcome to email me at mfogle@bakersfieldcollege.edu. If you choose to email me regarding this
class, be sure to include Theatre 101 in the subject of the email.

THEA C101 Assignment Overview

Projects:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the practical side of Theatre in Class Projects. Projects
will give students the chance to try out their theatrical skills.

Project #1 100 pts.

Project #2 100 pts.

Written Work:

Forums 180 pts. (12 discussions x 15 pts. each)
Each week we will have at least one class discussion. The topic for each class discussion will be provided
in the discussion forum. In order to receive credit for your participation in each discussion, you will need
to post to the class discussion and reply to at least two classmates' posts. Your posts must be at least
one paragraph in length. In other words, a sentence or two will not receive full credit. The length and
content of your replies should be substantial as well. It is not enough to reply, "I agree" or "I disagree."
You must give some thought to your replies. Posts and replies are weighted equally in terms of grading.
Replies must add something new to the discussion or further the discussion in some way. Your posts and
replies must be entered during the week they are assigned and should demonstrate your understanding
of the class reading assignments. Your posts and replies for each discussion are due by 11:59 pm on the
due date. Late posts and replies will not receive credit.

Reflection #1 60 pts.

Reflection #2 60 pts

Reflections require students to consider class topics and to give a written response to questions related to
those topics.

Play Observation & Critique 100 pts.

Each student will be responsible for attending a stage play and turning in a written critique. The specific
requirements for the critique will be made available within the first week of class. It is important for you to
find a production in your area as early in the semester as possible. Finding a production to view is part of
the assignment. If you are struggling with the assignment, please contact your instructor ASAP. Again,
late work will not be accepted.

Exams:

Quizzes and Assignments 100 pts.

Midterm Exam 150 pts.

Final Exam 150 pts.

Total = 1000 pts.

Grade Scale:

1000 – 900 = A

899 – 800 = B

799 – 700 = C

699 – 600 = D

599 & below = F

The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and/or schedule of assignments when necessary
and appropriate.