DRAM 1310 is a general survey of theater including the exploration of dramatic literature, theory, and criticism; production arts, skills, and crafts; and theater history from 500 BC to the present. Course requires good reading and writing skills. Attendance at plays may be required. 

• This course fulfills the Creative Arts requirement of the Core Curriculum for Associate of Arts degrees and some Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
• Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.”
• Credit Hours: 3
• Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3
• Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 0

COURSE RATIONALE

This class is designed to provide an overview of theatrical elements, tools, and applications.  Its goal is to encourage your understanding and enjoyment of theater.  Course activities encourage students to move beyond readings and lectures to an active participation in the learning process through creative projects, research presentations, and class discussions.  As a result, the course requires good reading and writing skills, and a willingness to tap into one’s own creative instincts.  Finally, students are encouraged to attend departmental and area theater activities to witness the professional execution of concepts introduced through the class.

PREREQUISITES

None

DISTANCE EDUCATION (for online or hybrid courses only)

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

Please note that there are some the differences between online and traditional face-to-face learning. In particular, good time management and study skills are essential for you to be a successful online student. If you are new to distance education, I encourage you to review the ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

SPECIFIC COURSE NOTES

Course instruction is online. Tests may also be taken online. Some tests may require proctoring. Students can access online proctoring on their own computer for free. Online courses eliminate geography as a factor.

Internet access & student ACC mail account required. For questions or information about your student ACC mail acount, go to http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/.

Students must complete mandatory online orientation and quiz during the first week of class. Student may be dropped from the course if orientation is not completed by the end of the first week of class.

As a student, the online course allows you to study at the best time for you, whether 3AM or 3PM (or any time in between). However, it also requires that you be entirely self-motived to accomplish tasks/assignments in a timely manner. 

For this section, students will NOT be required to log in on specific days to meet as a class online. Instead, assignments will be due according to deadlines listed in the syllabus. But it is important that you check your ACC email and log into Blackboard to view announcements and updates daily. 

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

REQUIRED TEXT: The Essential Theatre by Oscar G. Brockett & Robert J. Ball; ENHANCED 10th ed. 

                                       (the newer 11th edition is also acceptable)

*Textbook is also available in an online format for purchase or rental*

One full-length play: students will sign up for a particular play. Scripts will be provided by the instructor via Blackboard or through the Drama Online database through the ACC Library.

Additional readings may be supplied by the instructor via Blackboard.

Course level learning outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• To appreciate theater as an complex multifaceted art form.
• Identify the basic elements involved in dramatic writing
• Recognize the historical roots of contemporary performance trends.
• Apply constructive criticism to theatrical forms
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theatrical production process.
• Identify the form and technique of common production elements.

General Education learning outcomes

Upon completion of this general education component of the associate’s degree, students will demonstrate competence in:

• Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.
• Personal Responsibility: Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences
• Social Responsibility (Civic and Cultural Awareness): Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities.
• Teamwork: Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (Drama Department)

• Performance Skills: Students will demonstrate proficiency in the skills of the performer's physical and vocal instrument and the application of acting and performance techniques.
• Dramatic Analysis & Criticism: Students will analyze and critique dramatic works of literature, performance and design using the Aristotelian elements of drama. 
• Techniques and Craftsmanship: Students will effectively handle materials, methods, and techniques to prepare and present neat, well-crafted projects using standard practices in the field.
• Design Principles: Students will apply a variety of skills, methods, and technologies to create works that demonstrate basic knowledge of formal elements and principles of design.
• Professionalism in Collaboration: Students will demonstrate professional decorum and discipline in collaboration with members of a dramatic production.

Theater Appreciation

TOPICS

READINGS AND POWERPOINTS

You are responsible for all reading and viewing all PowerPoint lectures for this class. Readings are mapped out for you in the class schedule; PowerPoint lectures are posted on Blackboard. You will be tested over the content of those reading assignments and PowerPoint lectures through weekly mini-quizzes. 

UNIT EXAMS

You will be tested over the information presented from each designated unit in the text and PowerPoints posted on Blackboard.  There will be three unit exams over the course of the semester. All exams will be administered through Blackboard. 

Should you require the test be administered through the Testing Center or require testing accommodations through SAS, please let the instructor know at the start of the semester.

PROJECTS

PROJECT #1: You will choose a play from a provided list, research and analyze the text, write a brief essay, and compile a PowerPoint/Google Slides/Prezi presentation that covers a variety of ways in which the play has been visually interpreted, as well as the thematic relevancy to contemporary society. More information concerning this project will be provided through Blackboard.

PROJECT #2: You will research the career of a noted professional theatre artist and submit a PowerPoint/Google Slides/Prezi presentation that includes information and pictures from their noted stage work. More information concerning this project will be provided through Blackboard.

LATE/MISSED WORK POLICY:

All assignments, exams, projects, and presentations are due by the date designated in the schedule WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

Internet or other technical issues do NOT change the due date of any assignment. 

All assignments, exams, projects, and presentations not submitted by the due date will result in a ZERO grade.

Exceptions to this policy will ONLY be made in the case of EXTREME emergencies.

If an exception to this late work policy is made, ANY WORK submitted AFTER THE ORIGINAL DUE DATE WILL BE PENALIZED 10%. The late work MUST be submitted NO LATER than ONE WEEK after the ORIGINAL DUE DATE .

ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION:

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

HARASSMENT/CYBERBULLYING:

The college is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of its students and will not tolerate harassment. Harassment is defined as oral or written expression or physical conduct that: is severe, pervasive, or persistent; is directed at a specific person or group; has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile environment. This includes harassment through ACC email, blackboard or social media/third party sites not directly affiliated with the college. Reported instances of harassment are subject to punishment per the college's policy on prohibited acts and may be reported to outside law enforcement.