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-1310-002 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

On Campus 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. Plays on video will open classroom discussions and student critical analysis. Finally, the class will 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

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, unnecessary talking and/or physical disruptions will not be tolerated. Those students causing the aforementioned disruptions will be asked to leave the classroom for the duration of the period. This class does inspire laughter, debates, and interrogatives, but these must be presented with the decorum demanded of a college classroom.

Grading Criteria

6 Pop-Quizzes (lowest dropped) = 15% of overall average
Mid-Term Exam = 25% of overall average
2 Critiques = 30% (15% each) 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 = 0-59

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           Introduction and syllabus distribution.  Please read Chapters 1-4.
29           Brief overview of Chapters 1-3.  (08/30 Last day to drop w/100% refund.)
 
September
3              Oedipus Rex and Chapter 4.
5              Oedipus Rex.
10           Chapter 3.
12           Chapter 5.  (09/16 Last day to drop w/70% refund.)
17           Chapter 5.
19           The Taming of the Shrew.  (09/23 Last day to drop w/25% refund.)
24           The Taming of the Shrew.
26           Chapter 6.
 
October—Be a Good Little Widow opens the 11th
1              Chapter 7.
3              A Doll’s House.
8              A Doll’s House.
11           Chapter 8.
15           Mid-Term Review.
17           Mid-Term Exam.
22           Critique #1 Due.  First showdiscussion.
24           Six Characters in Search of an Author.
29           Six Characters in Search of an Author.  Chapter 9.
31           Chapters 9 and 10.
 
November—Wait Until Dark opens the 22nd
5              Chapter 11.
7              Chapter 12.
12           Chapter 13.
14           Chapter 14 andSweeney Todd.
19           Sweeney Todd11/20 LAST DAY TO DROP.
21           Sweeney Todd.
26           Chapters 16 and 17. 
28           NO CLASS. Thanksgiving Holiday.
 
December
3              TBA
5              Final Exam Review.
10           Critique #2 Due.  FINAL EXAM from 10:30am-12:30pm.

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.  Novmeber 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