SRJC Course Outlines

3/28/2024 2:29:37 AMTHAR 2 Course Outline as of Summer 2022

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 2Title:  INTRO TO THEATRE ARTS  
Full Title:  Introduction to Theatre Arts
Last Reviewed:5/14/2018

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled06 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 or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  THAR 301

Catalog Description:
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An introduction to theatre as both an art form and social forum, emphasizing the interrelated processes of playwriting, acting, directing, design, technical theatre, theatre criticism, theatre management, and theatre architecture.  Students will study theatre from a variety of perspectives through lectures, attending plays, reading scripts, and hands-on experiences.  Required attendance at three to four assigned theatre productions (discounted admission; students provide own transportation).

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:
Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
An introduction to theatre as both an art form and social forum, emphasizing the interrelated processes of playwriting, acting, directing, design, technical theatre, theatre criticism, theatre management, and theatre architecture.  Students will study theatre from a variety of perspectives through lectures, attending plays, reading scripts, and hands-on experiences.  Required attendance at three to four assigned theatre productions (discounted admission; students provide own transportation).
(Grade or P/NP)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:Eligibility for ENGL 100 or ESL 100
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 2005
Inactive: 
 Area:E
Humanities
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 C1ArtsFall 2005
 C1ArtsFall 1981Fall 1988
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 3AArtsFall 2005
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2005Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 2005Inactive:
 
C-ID:
 CID Descriptor: THTR 111 Introduction to Theatre SRJC Equivalent Course(s): THAR2

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1.  Demonstrate a general knowledge of the theatre as a complex and diverse art form, as well as
    its ever-changing role in modern society.
2.  Approach, analyze, and discuss theatre as informed audience members, readers, and/or
    practitioners.
3.  Participate in one or more areas of the theatre at an introductory level, applying correct
    terminology and working constructively with others.

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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Analyze the different responsibilities and contributions of the actor, playwright, director,
    designer, technician, management, producer, critic and audience, while recognizing
    the collaborative nature of the theatre.
2. Attend and critique a theatrical production, both holistically and through an analysis of the
    contributions of the various artistic elements.
3. Identify and theoretically solve the artistic challenges of a script, applying basic script analysis
    techniques for structural, thematic, and interpretive elements.
4. Correctly apply basic theatre terminology while demonstrating an introductory understanding
    of the positions, processes, and career opportunities in the theatre.
5. Discern the interdisciplinary contributions of other art forms and fields of study to the creation
    of theatre.
6. Recognize the major genres, styles, and movements of the modern theatre.
7. Communicate using various theatre design "languages" such as mood, sound, light, texture,
    color, rhythm, etc.
8. Outline and implement a basic research strategy which includes identifying questions,
    accessing key theatre resources, and problem-solving when necessary.
9. Collaborate with others in the development of theoretical and/or practical theatre projects.

Topics and Scope
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I. What Is Theatre?
    A. Short history and theoretical overview of origin
    B. The role of theatre in society today
    C. Difference between theatre, other arts, and other events
II. How to Read a Play
    A. Dialogue and stage directions
    B. Structure, plot and story
    C. Character
    D. Language
    E. Theme
III. How to See a Play
    A. Buying tickets
    B. Attending a play
    C. Audience etiquette
IV. The Role of the Audience
    A. Relationship between audience and performer
    B. Composition and expectations
    C. Brief history
V. The Role of the Critic and Reviewer
    A. How to access and read a review
    B. Comparing reviews
    C. Writing a review or critique
VI. Types of Plays and Productions
    A. Genres
    B. Styles, theories, and movements
    C. Conventions
VII. Producing Companies and Theatres
    A. Types and categories (for profit, academic, etc.)
    B. Where theatre is produced today
         1.  Local area/region
         2.  Famous theatres
         3.  Broadway and off-Broadway
    C. How a theatre company is organized
VIII. Theatre Architecture and Theatrical Spaces
    A. Short history
    B. Audience configurations
    C. Theatre buildings and found spaces
    D. Working spaces within a theatre
    E. Theatre tour (virtual and/or actual)
IX. The Art of the Playwright
    A. Short history and theories
    B. The process, research and terms
    C. Career paths
    D. Brief study of a modern playwright
X. The Art of the Actor
    A. Short history and theories
    B. The process, research and terms
         1.  Researching and analyzing a character
         2.  Introduction to performance techniques
              a.  Vocal
              b.  Physical
         3.  The process:  auditions to performance
         4.  How actors rehearse and memorize a role
    C. Career paths
    D. Brief study of a modern actor
XI. The Art of the Director
    A. Short history and theories
    B. The process, research, and terms
         1.  Director's concept and research
         2.  Collaborating with others
         3.  Rehearsal process
         4.  Staging techniques (brief introduction)
    C. Related positions
    D. Career paths
    E. Brief study of a modern director
XII. Stage Management
    A. Duties and tools of a stage manager
    B. Brief overview of education, training, and career paths
XIII. The Business of Theatre
    A. Box office
    B. House management
    C. Producer
    D. Artistic director
    E. Promotions, public relations, and audience development
    F. Government support, grants, and underwriting
    G. Unions
XIV. Introduction to Theatre Design and Technology
    A. Principles of design (line, mass, color, texture, etc.)
    B. Design and Technology Areas - With each of the following design
         and technology areas (1-6 below) the class will study:
               - A brief history and theoretical overview of the area
               - An introduction to the area's process, research, and terms
               - The various positions and responsibilities within the area
               - A brief overview of education and career paths within the area
         1.  Scenery
         2.  Properties
         3.  Costume
         4.  Makeup and hair
         5.  Lighting/visual effects
         6.  Sound/composition
XV. The Process of Designer/Director Collaboration
    A. Interpreting a script
    B. Working from the original concept
    C. Outlining a research path
    D. Communication tools and techniques
    E. Developing a cohesive vision

Assignments:
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As a 3-hour lecture course, students will complete 6 hours of homework per
week, which will include:
I. Reading:
    A. Read approx. 10-25 pages per week from text
    B. Read, analyze, and discuss 2-4 plays:
         1. plays assigned to the whole class (1 - 2)
         2. A play for Acting scene (if from a published play)
         3. A play for Director/Designer project
II. Attending Plays:
    Attend 3-4 theatre productions selected by the instructor and be prepared to
    discuss each production in class (Also see III.C Reviewing below)
    Production Details:
    A. Students will have multiple performance dates to choose from unless
         specifically designated as a class field trip (see below)
    B. Students will provide their own transportation
    C. Tickets:
         Selected productions may be Theatre Arts productions (voucher), SRT summer
         productions (voucher or discounted admission), community theatre productions
         (discounted admission), or professional productions (discounted admission).
         Students will obtain or purchase tickets through the Theatre Arts Box Office
         (unless special arrangements have been made with a non-SRJC box office)
    D. Field Trips to Community and/or Professional Productions:
         Class may attend a designated performance as a group.  Students will still
         provide their own transportation.  Those students unable to attend a
         scheduled field trip performance with the class or another performance
         of the same production will be given an alternative assignment (viewing
         another live or recorded production)
III. Hands-On Experiences:
    A. Playwriting assignment:
         Write a brief original scene in two drafts.  (approx. 2-3 pages).  Participate in a
         in-class reading of the script
    B. Acting scene:
         Stage, rehearse, memorize and perform a 2-3 person scene (1-3 minutes)
         1. Scenes may be from published plays or neutral scenes.
              (See I.B.2. above)
         2. In preparation, complete a short written scene/character analysis.
              (approx. 1 page)
         3. Alternative Assignment:  Students unable to participate may be given an
              alternative assignment to be determined by the instructor
    C. Critiquing a Play assignment(s):  1-4 short written assignments
         Suggested assignment options include:
         1. Compare and contrast two reviews of the same professional production.
              (approx. 2-4 pages)
         2. Write a critique of one of the assigned productions attended, following
              review criteria.  (approx. 2-3 pages)
         3. Complete a worksheet answering analysis questions about an assigned
              production attended [approx. 2 pages/worksheet]
    D. Production Hours:
         The student will actively participate in the production process by completing
         10 hours in one of the following areas:
         1. Costume shop
         2. Scene shop
         3. Ushering (4 performances)
         4. Publicity
         Timeline and Log:
              Hours must be completed within the posted times/calendar for the area
              selected.  Students will maintain and submit a log of their hours; may also
              complete a brief summary or survey of their learning experience
         Alternative Assignment Option:
              Students already completing substantial production hours in other courses,
              or those who are unable to participate in any of these areas may complete
              a comparable research project relating to the production of plays
             [Note:  This assignment will be also be used for sections offered during the
              summer or as part of the Study Abroad Program.]
IV. Director/Designer Project (Culminating project):
    Teamed with 1-2 fellow student(s) -- 1 serving as director and 1-2 as designer --
    each student will research, conceptualize, and create a collaborative production
    treatment for a play of their choosing.  Projects will be displayed and/or presented
    by the team in class.  Written documentation will include a summary of research
    and script analysis, as well as bibliography
    (approx. 3-5 page written documentation)
V. Quizzes and Exam:
    A. Approx. 10-20 quizzes on assigned reading; may be in-class or take-home quizzes
    B. Final exam on terms and concepts covered during the semester

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 - 40%
Acting scene character analysis; playwriting assignment; critique assignment(s); Director/Designer project summary
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
10 - 20%
Director/Designer Project (collaboration; display/presentation)
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
10 - 15%
Acting scene
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
15 - 30%
Final Exam (multiple choice, true/false, matching items, completion, short answer, essay); reading quizzes
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
15 - 25%
Attendance and Participation; Production Hours


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Instructor prepared materials
Theatre: A Way of Seeing. 7th ed. Barranger, Milly. Wadsworth. 2015
The Theatre Experience. 13th ed.  Wilson, Edwin. McGraw-Hill. 2014 (classic)
The Enjoyment of Theatre. 9th ed. Patterson, Jim and Donahue, Tim. Pearson. 2013 (classic)
Another Opening, Another Show: A Lively Introduction to the Theatre. 2nd ed. Markus, Tom and Sarver, Linda. McGraw Hill Education. 2004 (classic)

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