Introduction to the Theatre/ Th100                                               Fall 2021

Instructor: Anita Adcock

Contact information: adcocka@piercecollege.edu  or bizouchatte@gmail.com or 818-719-6788

Textbook: "The  Theatre Experience" by Edwin Wilson ( 14th Edition)

                     Publisher: McGraw Hill             ISBN:978-0-07-351427-7

The 14th edition is currently at the bookstore: ISBN 9781260493351

You may use an earlier edition but be careful, since some page numbers might be different. For a short-term class, it is probably less expensive to rent it.

This is also available as an ebook.

Course Description:

This class will introduce the student to all aspects of a live theatre production, including types of theatres, performers, playwrights and genres of plays, and set, costume, sound and lighting designers. There are four basic modules, each two  weeks long. The student will create four major projects, take four chapter comprehension assignments, write two play synopses, and critique a performance.

Grading:

Four projects, each worth 15% = 60%

Four chapter comprehension assignments, each worth 5%  = 20%

Two play synopses, each worth 5% = 10%

One play critique, worth 10%

Late work is not accepted. There will be one extra credit opportunity, which will be offered in the last two  weeks and will be worth up to 5%.

Class Policies

Attendance: you will be expected to check your Canvas course at least twice a week and complete all assignments on time.

Late work is not accepted.

Drop policy: If after the first module, work has not been completed or is late, you will be dropped from the class.

Communications: Via Canvas (preferred) or via Pierce email (adcocka@piercecollege.edu)  All grades will be posted within 48 hours of submission on Canvas. Students can send a message/email any day of the week, including weekends. You may use my private email: bizouchatte@gmail.com

Extra credit: One optional extra credit assignment will be offered in the last two weeks of the semester. It will be worth up to 5% extra points.

STUDENT ACCESS

If you have a disability and believe you may need an accommodation such as materials in another format, preferential seating, sign language interpreter/real-time captioning, access to assistive technology and/or test accommodations per the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Special Services at 818-719-6430 or access them online at:

http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/specialservices

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is cheating and will be taken very seriously. All course content will be submitted to plagiarism check via Canvas to check for originality.  After one warning, if plagiarism persists the student will be dropped and may be reported to Academic Affairs for academic dishonesty, which could result in academic probation.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1.Describe the basic history, cultural significance, and creative process of theatre as an art form.

2. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding about all aspects of the theatre.

3. Illustrate and analyze the importance and function of every artist involved in producing theatre, including actors, playwrights, directors, producers, and designers.

4. Experience and critique a theatre performance.

MODULE ONE: Begins  October 25th

Introductory assignment due by Oct 27th. Mandatory. No points.

First project: Types of theatres.  Due  Nov 1

                              Chapter Summaries: Due Nov 3

MODULE TWO: Begins Nov 1st

First Play Synopsis: Due Nov 8

Second project: The Performers: Due Nov 15

                                     Chapter Summaries: Due Nov 17

MODULE THREE: Begins Nov 15

Third Project: The Playwright and the Play: Due Nov 29

                                Chapter Summaries: Due Dec 1

MODULE FOUR; Begins Dec Nov 29

Second Play Synopsis: Due December 6

Play Critique: Due December  10

Fourth Project: The Designers: Due Dec 13

                                    Chapter Summaries: Due December 15

 

PROJECT RUBRIC:

Research and Content: 10 points ( out of 15)

10 points: Information is accurate and complete. All major topics are covered and sources are provided. Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

9 points: Mostly accurate information with less than two errors. Sources may not be varied enough. May lack some clarity or content but no major errors or omissions.

8 points: More than two factual errors or omissions.

7 points: More than three factual errors or omissions.

6 points: More than four factual errors or omissions. Use of only one source.

5 points: More than five factual errors or omissions. Inadequate content.

4 points: Assignment only partially complete. Five or more errors or omissions.

3 pints: More than six errors or omissions. Unacceptable.

PRESENTATION: 5% ( OUT OF 15)

5 points: Facts are clearly explained. Grammar, spelling and punctuation is correct. Images and /or videos are correct  and clear. Professional look.

4 points: Mostly easy to read and understand. less than two errors in images, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Good visuals.

3 points: Sometimes muddled and hard to read.

2 points: More than four errors in images, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Hard to read and understand.

1 point: Unacceptable.