Introduction to Theatre Syllabus for 2019-2020
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

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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-1310-004 Introduction to Theatre

Prerequisites

Course Description

Survey of theater including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures and relation to other art forms. Participation in productions may be required.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Oscar Brockett, Robert Ball, John Fleming, and Andrew Carlson, The Essential Theatre. 11th ed.

Cengage Learning, Boston, MA, © 2017.  ISBN10: 1-305-41134-X, ISBN13: 978-1-305-41134-0

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

7 Quizzes (lowest dropped) = 40% of overall average
1 Critique = 30% 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

October

22           Introduction and syllabus distribution.  Please read Chapters 1-3.

23           Hitting the highlights of Chapters 1-3.  (Last day to drop w/100% refund.)

24           Chapter 4—Pages 59-76 ONLY.  Oedipus Rex

25           Oedipus Rex

29           Quiz #1.  Chapter 5.

30           The Renaissance and Shakespeare.
 

31           Shakespeare.  Taming of the Shrew.(Last day to drop w/70% refund.)

November

1           Taming of the Shrew.  (09/02 Last day to drop w/25% refund.)

5             Quiz #2.  Chapter 6—Pages 150-168 ONLY.

6             Realism, Directing, and Stanislavsky.   

7              A Doll’s House.

8             Quiz #3.  Chapter 7.

12          The Successors to Symbolism.  Six Characters in Search of an Author.

13           Six Characters in Search of an Author.

14           American Playwrights after the War.

15           Quiz #4.  Chapter 8.

19           Broadway and the New Movements.

20           Chapter 9.

21           Cultural Diversity in Theatre Today.

22           NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Holiday. 

26           Quiz #5.  Chapter 10.

27           Sondheim.  Sweeney Todd.

28           Sweeney Todd.

29           Chapter 12.

December

3             Quiz #6.  Chapter 13—Pages 345-351 ONLY.

4             Chapter 14.  LAST DAY TO DROP.

5             Chapter 15.

6             The Performance Career

10            Quiz #7.  Critique Due and Its Class Evaluation.  Show discussion.

11           Chapter 16 and 17.

12           Chapter 18.  Final Exam Review.

13           FINAL EXAM.

Additional Information

Required On-Campus Assignments:

  • Abigail/1702 at the Experimental Theatre on the Washington Street Campus.  December 6-8, 2018, at 7:30PM and December 9, 2018, 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:

10/28/19 12:08 AM

Last Edited on:

10/28/19 12:08 AM