Introduction to Theatre Syllabus for 2013-2014
Return to Syllabus List

Instructor Information

Office Location

Music Building 302

Office Hours

*MR. NEWBURG’S ON-CAMPUS PRESENCE:


*PLEASE NOTE: Mr. Newburg maintains office hours for students in the EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE on the WASHINGTON STREET CAMPUS from 1:00-2:00PM Monday through Friday unless out-of-town, in a meeting, or otherwise engaged. If a student cannot find Mr. Newburg during the aforementioned availability, he is happy to have students request an appointment at different times via the email listed above.  Mr. Newburg checks that email regularly (sometimes several times a day) and usually responds within twenty-four (24) hours from his receipt of the email; that being said, Mr. Newburg generally does not check his email as much or at all at night or in the very early morning hours, so students will most likely see responses from him between 8:00AM and 5:00PM.  As he is not in his office frequently enough to check, phoning him is only the second-best way to contact him—email is preferred.  A student should allow twenty-four (24) hours for Mr. Newburg to respond before trying to contact him again. 

If a student is experiencing a technical difficulty with Blackboard or any other college-related online presence, he/she should contact AskAC by clicking here or by calling 806.371.5000 as quickly as possible—Mr. Newburg, unfortunately, is not as well versed with computer issues as the AskAC personnel, so a student should always try to contact them first to assist in getting online needs met.

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

DRAM-1310-001 Introduction to Theatre

Prerequisites

Course Description

Examines various elements of theatre; brief history with introduction to theatre plant and activities, augmented by textbook study of stage terminology and introduction to organization of production procedure.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Brockett, Oscar G. and Ball, Robert J. The Essential Theatre. 10th ed. Wadsworth, Belmont, CA, © 2011.

ISBN10: 0-495-80797-4, ISBN13: 978-0-495-80797-1

Supplies

\ none required
\

Student Performance

(minimum competencies)

After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

  1. Possess a limited understanding of theatre history.
  2. Define and explain theatre terminology, movements, and theories.
  3. Compose a critical analysis of two productions beyond the mere retelling of the plot.
  4. Develop an appreciation for the performing arts.

The course is designed to give a encapsulated view of the theatrical arts which includes, but is not limited to, its history, present status, design (in terms of production), theories on acting, plays, playwrights, directors, and critical analysis. Half the semester is devoted to the evolution on the fine art through an abridged study of its history. The class will also attend two productions during the semester to reinforce an appreciation for theatre arts. By the end of the semester, students completing the course will be able to execute all performance objectives with a 60% or better average competency rate.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Since this course is primarily presented via AC Online, common internet courtesy is required of all students particularly in the Discussions module of this course.  Students are encouraged and expected to articulate opinions on the art-form known as theatre as well as have the freedom to ask pertinent questions over the material to be discussed. This performing art can inspire "heated" discussion; however, each student must respect his or her fellow classmates' opinions as well. "Cyber-bullying" will not be tolerated. This class does inspire laughter, debates, and interrogatives, but these must be presented with the decorum demanded of a college classroom.

Grading Criteria

15 Weeks of Discussion Questions = 25% of Overall Average
15 Chapter Tests = 15% of Overall Average
Critique 1 = 15% of Overall Average
Critique 2 = 15% of Overall Average
Final Exam = 30% of Overall Average

A = 90-100 overall competency percentage
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = -59

Makeup of missed tests and/or exams are left to the discretion of the instructor and only upon receipt of documentation justifying absence. Details to be discussed on first day of class.

Attendance

\ Please see Amarillo College's Attendance Policy in your catalog.

Calendar

August
27           Assigned: Chapter 1 Discussions
29           Assigned: Chapter 1 Test
30           Last day to drop with 100% refund
 
September
2             Due: Chapter 1 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 1 Discussions by 8:00AM
3              Assigned: Chapter 2 Discussions
5             Assigned: Chapter 2 Test
9             Due: Chapter 2 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 2 Test by 8:00AM
10           Assigned: Chapter 3 Discussions
12           Assigned: Chapter 3 Test
16           Due: Chapter 3 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 3 Test by 8:00AM
                Last day to drop with 70% refund
17           Assigned: Chapter 11 Discussions
19           Assigned: Chapter 11 Test
23           Due: Chapter 11 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 11 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Last day to drop with 30% refund.
24           Assigned: Chapter 12 Discussions
26           Assigned: Chapter 12 Test
30            Due: Chapter 12 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 12 Discussions by 8:00AM
 
October—Be a Good Little Widow opens the 11th
1             Assigned: Chapter 13 Discussions
3              Assigned: Chapter 13 Test
7              Due: Chapter 13 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 13 Discussions by 8:00AM
8              Assigned: Chapter 14 Discussions
10           Assigned: Chapter 14 Test
11           Assigned: Critique #1
14           Due: Chapter 14 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 14 Test by 8:00AM
15           Assigned: Chapter 15 Discussions
17           Assigned: Chapter 15 Test
21           Due: Chapter 15 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 15 Test by 8:00AM
22           Assigned: Chapter 16 and 17 Discussions
23           Due: Critique #1 by 8:00AM
24           Assigned: Chapters 16 and 17 Test
28           Due: Chapter 16 and 17 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapters 16 and 17 Test by 8:00AM
29           Assigned: Chapter 4 Discussions
31            Assigned: Chapter 4 Test
 
November—Wait Until Dark opens the 22nd
4              Due: Chapter 4 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 4 Test by 8:00AM
5             Assigned: Chapter 5 Discussions
7              Assigned: Chapter 5 Test
11           Due: Chapter 5 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 5 Discussions by 8:00AM
12           Assigned: Chapter 6 Discussions
13           Assigned: Chapter 6 Test
18           Due: Chapter 6 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 6 Discussions by 8:00AM
19          Assigned: Chapter 7 Discussions
                LAST DAY TO DROP THIS CLASS.
20           Assigned: Chapter 7 Test
22           Assigned: Critique #2
25           Due: Chapter 7 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 7 Discussions by 8:00AM
26          Assigned: Chapter 8 Discussions
28           Assigned: Chapter 8 Test
 
December
2              Due: Chapter 8 Test by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 8 Discussions by 8:00AM
3              Assigned: Chapter 9 Discussions
5             Assigned: Chapter 9 Test
9             Assigned: Final Exam
                Due: Chapter 9 Discussions by 8:00AM
                Due: Chapter 9 Test by 8:00AM
11          Due: Critique #2 by 8:00AM
12          Due: Final Exam by 12:00PM

Additional Information

Required On-Campus Assignments:

  • Be a Good Little Widow at the Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street Campus.  October 11-12 and 17-19, 2013 at 7:30PM and October 20, 2013, at 3:00PM.  Students need see only one (1) performance of this production.  Please visit www.TheatreAC.org for more information about the show, and see the Course Calendar for assignment deadlines above.
  • Wait Until Dark at the Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street Campus.  November 22-23 and December 5-7, 2013 at 7:30PM and December 8, 2013, at 3:00PM.  Students need see only one (1) performance of this production.  Please visit www.TheatreAC.org for more information about the show, and see the Course Calendar for assignment deadlines above.

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM