British Theatre

Course Details

Course Number: THEA 4393-4493  Section Number: 101

Summer II 2011

Location: ( All )

Classroom Number: N/A

Days & Times:

TBA

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Brandon Smith   
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Course Objectives

 

 

Students will be expected to…

 

  • Understand and apply Aristotle’s Six Elements of Drama to production analysis
  • Apply Freytag’s Pyramid as a reference for dramatic structure
  • Develop a working knowledge of seminal British theatre history from 400-the present, and apply this knowledge in production critiques
  • Become conversant in basic theatrical vocabulary
  • Experience a wide range of venues and production styles in the London area
  • Write detailed and thoughtful critiques of productions
  • Develop an artistic sensibility based in-part on comparative analysis and experience

Course Expectations

 

  • Participation – In this class the bulk of coursework is based on experiential learning.  Therefore students must be present and actively participating in class, during discussion, at performances, in workshops, etc.  Every student must attend all scheduled events and classes—no exceptions.

 

§Artist Workshops –British theatre professionals & scholars of distinction will regularly contribute to the course in the form of lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and/or practical theatre workshops.

§Live Performances are the cornerstone for learning in this class. Students will attend several productions as a group. Tickets for these performances will be included in the course tuition.  In addition to the performances organized by the instructor, students will be expected to see a minimum of one performance per week at their own expense.  Reviews for productions will be written for on a weekly basis, and the top reviews will be posted in an online blog.
 

       Research Paper – Each student will be responsible for a research paper.  This paper will be over an approved subject relating to a topic, activity, or event relating to the London experience.  The paper should be 10-12 pages in length, double-spaced, and include appropriate research and documentation.  Students will be asked to present their paper at the culmination of the course.
                                                OR

      Research Project--This assignment may be done in lieu of the research paper.  Students will be assigned 2 notable London Theatre topics to research (actors, actresses, locations, companies, playwrights etc).  This research will include traveling to take photographs in the city, conducting interviews, and scholarly research in museums and libraries.  All of the research for this project can and should be completed in London.  The top student work from this project will be assembled in a Blurbbook and may be submitted for publication.
 

       Critiques/Reviews-- Each week students will demonstrate an acquired knowledge of theatre terminology, history, & critical technique via written critiques.  This critique can be over a class-sponsored event, or an event attended outside of class.  During the third week of the trip the class will vote on the most compelling non-sponsored review, and students will be encouraged to attend the production as a group.  Reviews will be turned in to the instructor on USB drives.
 

       Aristotelian/Freytag Analysis--Students will be givenworksheets outlining The Six Elements of Drama and Freytag’s Pyramid to help guide critiques.  These worksheets will be turned in the day after we attend a production, and will be used as a baseline for discussion and critique writing.
 

       Notebook/Journal--Students will be expected to take notes during class in a spiral notebook.  This notebook will also be used as a journal.  Students will be expected to make bi-weekly journal entries chronicling their experience in London as it relates to the course.
 

      Review Reports--Each student will compile a sampling of published reviews (online reviews, national newspapers, etc.) for one of the productions seen by the group.  The student will then create a short report highlighting the various critical responses to the production. This “Review Report” will be shared with the class as a starting point for in-class discussions.  Review reports will be assigned the first day of the trip, and should be completed well before the due date.
 

       Final Exam--There will be one comprehensive exam at the end of the course. The exam may include multiple choice, matching, short answer, identification, & essay questions. Essay questions & a study guide will be provided in advance.


Grading Standards

 

There will be a total of 100 points possible in this course.

 

Productions Critiques (10 points each)………………………………..40 points
Aristotle/Freytag Analysis…………………………………………….20 points
Notebook/Journal…………………………………………………..…...5 points

Review Report……………………………………………………......…5 points

Final Exam…………………………………………………………..….15 points

Research Paper/Project…………………………………….………...15 points

 

Grading Policy

 

A = 90 – 100

B = 80 -89

C = 70 –79

D = 65-69

F = 64 or less


Final Exam8/5/2011  10:00am

Submission Format Policy

Most assignments will be submitted electronically via USB thumb drive. 

Exceptions to this may include journals and play analysis worksheets.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

 

    

       Late work: Assignments are due in class (no email submissions).  Any assignment that is turned in after class will receive a 10% deduction for each weekday it is late. Assignments submitted more than one week late will not be accepted. If you know you will be absent, you are responsible for completing/submitting assignments by their due date.

       


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Absences:  Due to the nature of the coursework absences are strictly prohibited for any reason.  Each absence will result in a deduction equal to one letter grade for the semester.  No one gets sick.


Other Policies

 

Grading Challenges: Concerns must be submitted in writing no later than one week after the assignment has been returned. Concerns must be clearly stated, with justifications as to the source of the concern.

 

 Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")–whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.