Theatre Appreciation

DRAM-1310-020

Mondays/Wednesdays 10:30-11:55am

ACC- San Gabriel

16 weeks: 01/21/26- 05/17/26

Credit Hours: 4

Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3

Instructor: Nicole Furneisen                              Office Hours: Thursdays on site 12-1pm, &

by virtual appointment via Blackboard Zoom

Office: ACC Highland Main Office

Office Phone: 512-789-6073

Email: nfurneis@austincc.edu (return emails as frequently as possible)

REQUIRED TEXT:             The Essential Theatre by Oscar G. Brocket & Robert J. Ball; 11th ed

(The older 10th edition is also acceptable)

Suggested online materials for your Theatre Appreciation class.

REQUIRED DAILY MATERIALS: pencil/pen, notebook, and working computer with internet.

COURSE TIMES: 

Theatre Appreciation

Dram-1310-021

M/W 1:30 PM - 2:50 PM

1/20/2026 - 5/17/2026

Building 1000, 1320 Lecture

San Gabriel campus

16 weeks:

Credit Hours: 4

Classroom Contact Hours per week: 3

COURSE LOCATION: San Gabriel campus

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is a general survey of theatre including exploration of dramatic literature, theory, and criticism; production arts, skills, and crafts; and theater history from 500 BC to the present. It is designed to provide an overview of theatrical elements, tools, and applications. My goal is to encourage your understanding and enjoyment of theatre. Course activities encourage students to move beyond readings and lectures to an active participation in the learning process through individual 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 theatre activities to witness the professional execution of concepts introduced through the class.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To begin to answer the question “What is theatre.”
• To develop a vocabulary for the critique of theatrical forms

• To understand and appreciate dramatic literature.
• To recognize the historical roots of contemporary performance trends.
• To analyze the production process.
• To identify the form and technique of the production elements.

GENERAL STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the general education component of an associate degree, students

will demonstrate competence in:

• Communication Skills: Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through writen, 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.

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 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.