SRJC Course Outlines

3/18/2024 7:23:54 PMTHAR 6 Course Outline as of Summer 2022

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 6Title:  MULTICULTURAL THEATRE  
Full Title:  Multicultural Perspectives in American Theatre
Last Reviewed:1/25/2021

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled08 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:
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An introduction to influences and trends in theatre of the United States through the study of contemporary African American, Asian American, Latinx, Native American and Arab American drama. The course will focus on script analysis, video presentations, and play productions to gain a deeper understanding of theatrical expression within each cultural heritage.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
An introduction to influences and trends in theatre of the United States through the study of contemporary African American, Asian American, Latinx, Native American and Arab American drama. The course will focus on script analysis, video presentations, and play productions to gain a deeper understanding of theatrical expression within each cultural heritage.
(Grade Only)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 1A or equivalent or appropriate placement based on AB705 mandates
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Fall 1995
Inactive: 
 Area:E
G
Humanities
American Cultures/Ethnic Studies
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 C1ArtsFall 1996
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 3AArtsFall 1997
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1995Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1997Inactive:
 
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1. Compare and contrast the cultural characteristics of representative theatre
    traditions, including African American, Asian American, Latinx, Native
    American, and Arab American theatre, as well as with those of historically
    dominant European American theatrical traditions in the United States.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, economic, political, and historical
     forces that shaped and continue to shape these representative theatrical
     traditions in the United States.
3. Analyze and interpret the theatrical practices, dramatic literature, and
    contributions of key artists within these representative theatrical traditions
    in the United States.

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.  Identify the values, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to the definition
     of a culture.
2.  Define key terms of cultural awareness such as oppression, privilege,
     racism, unconscious bias, ethnocentrism, xenophobia, and classism.
3.  Examine the influence of ritual, ceremony, and storytelling on
     representative theatrical traditions in the United States.
4.  Analyze the effect of historical negative stereotypes perpetuated by the
     entertainment industry in the United States.
5.  Place a work of contemporary representative theatrical art in its historical,
     cultural, and stylistic context.
6.  Distinguish among the theatrical practices and conventions of
     representative theatrical traditions, as well as with those of historically
     dominant European American theatrical traditions.
7.  Analyze and interpret works of dramatic literature by key playwrights or
     performance artists from representative theatrical traditions within the
     United States.
8.  Apply tools of identification, analysis, and cultural awareness to live
     theatrical presentations.
9.  Trace the evolution of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in theatre of
     the United States.

Topics and Scope
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I. Introduction to Course
    A. Establishing a safe and respectful environment for discourse
    B. American Cultures courses at SRJC and the University of California
    C. Defining a culture
         1. Values and beliefs
         2. Behaviors, traditions, and customs
         3. History (origins, significant events, shared experiences, etc.)
         4. Geography and socio-economic factors
    D. Course vocabulary - defining key terms of cultural awareness
         1. Acknowledging the changeable nature of terms and factors
              influencing changes
         2. General terms such as multicultural, diversity, cultural diversity,
              cultural identity, racial-ethnic identity, and cultural heritage
         3. Terms relating to social or personal bias such as oppression,
              priviledge, racism, unconscious bias, ethnocentrism, xenophobia,
              and classism
         4. Terms relating to immigration and minority/majority cultural
              dynamics such as acculturation, assimilation, "melting pot,"
              appropriation, pluralism, and "first/second generation"
II. Introduction to Multicultural Theatre in the United States
    A. Brief overview of relevant theatrical terminology and concepts
         1. Production elements and positions
         2. Theatre conventions and practices
         3. Theatre genres and styles
         4. Script analysis and interpretive techniques
    B. Historically domininant European American theatrical traditions
         1. Demographics of the creators of U.S. theatre
         2. Demographics of U.S. theatre audiences
         3. Characteristics
    C. Identifying multicultural or representative theatrical traditions
         1. Major theatrical traditions representing racial-ethnic groups in the
              United States:  Native American, Latinx, African American,
              Asian American, and Arab American Theatre
         2. Other representative theatrical traditions
         3. Important concerns when studying theatre and cultural heritage
              a. The complex diversity within each cultural group being studied
                   and how that influences the development of theatrical
                   traditions
              b. The use of ritual, dance, music and story-telling in the lives
                   and world view of each cultural group being studied
              c. The development of theatrical conventions derived from
                   the historical traditions of each cultural group being studied
              d. The analysis and understanding of creative endeavors within
                   their cultural context
              e. The diverse methods of theatrical presentations being used
              f. The synthesis of cultural understanding with artistic
                   interpretation of theatrical productions and play readings
              g. The historical negative stereotypes perpetuated by the
                    entertainment industry
              h. The evolution of common diversity efforts in U.S. theatre such
                   as "colorblind" casting
III. Native American Theatre
    A. Brief overview of Native American history
         1. Original tribal lands and the impact of colonialism
               a. Forced relocations and treaties
               b. Impact of brutality and oppression
         2. Assimilation and government control
               a. Boarding schools
               b. Cultural and religious suppression
               c. Bureau of Indian Affairs
         3. Changes in the 20th century and beyond
               a. Civil Rights Movement
               b. American Indian Movement
               c. Changes in tribal wealth and resources
               d. Status and location of tribes today
    B. Aspects of Native American culture
         1. Tribal society and tribal diversity
         2. Storytelling and the oral tradition
         3. Rediscovery of traditional spirituality
         4. Relationship with the earth and natural world
         5. Traditions, customs, and values within different tribes and
              indigenous communities around the country
    C. Introduction to Native American theatre
         1. History
         2. Characteristics, including themes and conventions
         3. Representative plays and playwrights/originating groups
         4. Recent developments
              a. Theatre organizations supporting Native American theatre
              b. Notable Native American theatre artists
IV. Latinx Theatre
    A. Brief overview of Latinx history
         1. From colonialism to immigration in Latin America
              a. Spanish and Portuguese colonialism in the New World
                   and mpact on indigenous populations
              b. Evolution of major powers throughout Latin America
              c. Intersecting cultures and changing societies
              d. Labor demands and immigration
              e. Catholicism
         2. Latinx history in the United States (20th century and beyond)
              a. Political, social, and economic events outside the
                   United States impacting Latinx cultural development
              b. Political, social, and economic events inside the
                   United State impacting Latinx cultural development
    B. Aspects of Latinx culture
         1. Latinx arts and literature
              a. Poetic tradition
              b. Magical realism
              c. Spanish language and "Spanglish"
         2. Traditions, customs, and values within different Latinx
              communities around the country
    C.  Introduction to Latinx Theatre
         1. History
         2. Characteristics, including themes and conventions
         3. Representation plays and playwrights/originating groups
         4. Recent developments
              a. Theatre organizations supporting Latinx theatre
              b. Notable Latinx theatre artists
V. African American Theatre
    A. Broad overview of African American history
         1. 17th-19th Century
              a. Slavery and the Middle Passage
                   i.   Minstrel shows
                   ii.  Underground railroad
                   iii. Remnants of African cultural traditions
              b. The Civil War and Reconstruction
              c. The Northern Migration begins
         2. The 20th Century
              a. Harlem Renaissance
              b. The Depression and the Federal Theatre Project
              c. The Civil Rights Movement
         3. Into the 21st Century
              a. President Obama
              b. Black Lives Matter
    B. Aspects of African American culture
         1. Literature and poetry
         2. Oral tradition
         3. Music developments and influences
         4. Visual arts
         5. Traditions, customs, and values within different African American
              communities around the country
    C. Introduction to African American Theatre
         1. History
         2. Characteristics, including themes and conventions
         3. Representative plays and playwrights/originating groups
         4. Recent developments
              a. Theatre organizations supporting African American theatre
              b. Notable African American theatre artists
VI. Asian American Theatre
    A. Broad overview of Asian American history
         1. History of Asian
              a. Vast and ancient
              b. Major societies and cultures
              c. Major events in Asian history
         2. Asian American History:  17th-19th Century
              a. International events and immigration
              b. Labor needs (such as theTrancontinental Railroad and the
                   California Gold Rush
              c. Chinese Exclusion Act and other exclusion laws
         3. Asian American History:  20th Century
              a. International events and effects of World War II
              b. Japanese internments camps
              c. Korean and Vietnam wars
              d. The Civil Rights Movement
         4. Into the 21st Century
    B. Aspects of Asian American culture
         1. Countries of origin
              a. Cultural differences
              b. Cultural similarities
         2. Traditions, customs, and values within different Asian American
              communities around the country
         3. Languages
    C. Introduction to Asian American Theatre
         1. History
              a. Traditional Asian theatrical conventions
              b. Brief history of Asian American theatre
         2. Characteristics, including themes and conventions
         3. Representative plays and playwrights/originating groups
         4. Current developments
              a. Theatre organizations supporting Asian American theatre
              b. Notable Asian American theatre artists
VII. Arab American Theatre
    A. Broad overview of Arab American history
         1. Countries and societies of origin
              a. Major powers and changes over millennia
              b. European colonization in North Africa and the Middle East
                   i.   Rise and fall of Ottoman Empire
                   ii.  Discovery of oil
                   iii. Power shifts and border changes during/following WWI
         2. Arab American history
              a. Prior to 20th century
              b. 20th century and into 21st century
                   i.  Impact of Gulf War
                   ii. 9/11 and aftermath
    B.  Aspects of Arab American culture
         1. Countries of origin
              a. Cultural differences
              b. Cultural similarities
         2. Role of Religion
              a. Muslim
              b. Christian
              c. Other
         3. A rich arts heritage
              a. Literature and poetry
              b. Music
              c. Dance
              d. Visual arts
              e. Limited theatrical heritages and the reasons why
    C.  Introduction to Arab American Theatre
         1. History
              a. Influences of cultural heritage from diverse societies
              b. Limited influence of traditional theatre conventions and
                   related theatrical forms (such as puppetry)
              c. Arab American theatre history prior to late 20th century
              d. The recent emergence of Arab American theatre
         2. Characteristics, including themes and conventions
         3. Representative plays and playwrights/originating groups
         4. Recent developments
               a. Theatre organizations supporting Arab American theatre
               b. Notable Arab American theatre artists
VIII. (optional) Additional units of study may include other representative
theatrical movements in the United States, as time allows. Such units
may include:
    A. LGBTQIA+ theatre
    B. Theatre celebrating artists with disabilities (such as Deaf theatre)
    C. Religious-based theatre (such as Yiddish/Jewish theatre; Christian theatre)

Assignments:
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The student will complete:
 
1. Weekly reading assignments:
    a. 10-15 representative plays; may also include 5-10 play excerpts
         of varying lengths
    b. Related material
 
2. Two-three short 500-word essays
 
3. 10-15 quizzes on the assigned reading
 
4. Midterm and Final Exam
    Exam questions may include essay questions, short answers, mulitiple choice,
     fill in the blank, matching and/or true/false
 
5. Creative Project
    All students will complete a creative project, consisting of one of the following options:
     a. An oral presentation on a multicultural performance group.
     b. An oral presentation on a multicultural theatre artist.
     c. A costume or set design for one of the plays that are assigned for the course.
     d. The design and construction of a culturally-specific production element
           (i.e.a mask, traditional performance garment, etc.).
     e. A performance of a culturally-specific performance style.
     f. A ten-minute play written by the student that deals with one of the terms of cultural
          awareness (oppression, privilege, racism, unconscious bias, ethnocentrism,
           xenophobia, classism, etc.).
 
    Creative Project Research and Written Documentation
    While project documentation varies depending on the project focus, all students will
    complete research and cite their sources.  Most projects may also include a
    250-500 page written summary.
 
6. (optional) May include required attendance at one-two SRJC Theatre Arts
    productions during the semester (voucher for free attendance provided) if relevant
    to course subject matter.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
20 - 55%
Written homework; short essays; written production/video response; Creative Project documentation
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
0 - 0%
None
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
0 - 0%
None
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
25 - 50%
Midterm exam; Final exam; Reading quizzes
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
10 - 30%
Creative Project - oral presentation, performance or playwriting project


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Three Plays. Wilson, August. University of Pittsburgh Press. 1991 (classic)
 
Asian American Playwrights: A Bio-bibliographical Critical Sourcebook. Liu, Miles Xian. Greenwood Publishing Group. Westport, Conn. 2002. Ebook http://www.netlibrary.com/  (Classic text.)
 
Stories of Our Way: An Anthology of American Indian Plays. Geiogamah, Hanay and Darby, Jaye T. ed. University of California, American Indian Studies Center. 1999 (classic)
 
New Native American Drama. Geiogamah, Hanay. University of Oklahoma Press. 1980 (classic)
 
The Land Called Morning: Three Plays. Heath, Caroline, ed. Fifth House.1986 (classic)
 
Seventh Generation: An Anthology of Native American Plays. D'Aponte, Mimi Gisolfi, ed. Theatre Communications Group. 1998 (classic)
 
On New Ground: Contemporary Hispanic-American Plays. Osborn, Elizabeth, ed. Theatre Communication Group. 1987 (classic)
 
Four Arab American Plays: Works by Leila Buck, Jamal Khoury, Yussef El Guindi, and Lameece Issaq & Jacob Kader. Najjar, Michael Malek, ed. McFarland & Company. 2013 (classic)
 
The Creative Spirit:  An Introduction to Theatre. 6th ed. Arnold, Stephanie.  Lewis and Clark College. 2014 (classic)
 
Instructor prepared materials

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