Appreciation of Theatre

Course Details

Course Number: 1503 Section Number: 01

Fall 2011

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: Mainstage

Days & Times:

M - W - F 10:00 am.

Course Attachments

Textbooks

MSU Faculty Member

Don Henschel Jr.
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Course Objectives

The goals of the course include:

1. Exposure to one of the fine arts in some detail, in this case the theatre.

2. Development of an appreciation for the genre in some of its many forms and

an understanding of the work of the contributing artists.

3. Development of an understanding of the structures, history, guiding principles

and methods of production past and present.

4. An understanding of the place theatre holds in the art and entertainment

world; it's relationship to music, dance, television and film.

Course Expectations

We will strive toward the achievement of these goals through three means. We will study the information contained in the general course text and a number of handouts. Secondly, we will attend two MSU productions and one additional staged production off-campus, usually at Backdoor Theatre. We will write a critique on each of these works and turn them in on time. Thirdly, we will attend class and participate in the discussions of these productions and general principles.

Grading Standards

Grading will be based upon three quizzes at 5 pts.@, the midterm for 10 pts. Three critiques at 14pts.@ a project for 13 and the final exam for 20 pts. The total possible is 100 pts.

Submission Format PolicyNote: 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

The rules are simple. There are no excused absences. You will be dropped from the class upon the third absence. That leaves you two freebies. I'd strongly urge you to save them for serious illnesses and family deaths.

You cannot make up work unless you notify me in advance of the due date. If you know you're going to be absent for an announced test or a paper deadline, see me in plenty of time and you can probably do it ahead of the deadline. If you wake and find yourself near death's door on the morning of a deadline you must call me before class to arrange for a make up. Miss a midterm, the final, or a critique (any one of the three) and you're dead meat. Kaput! S.O.L, Gone …

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

Other Policies

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information that needs sharing, or if you need special accommodations in case the building must be evacuated, please see me as soon as possible.

Federal privacy law prohibits me from releasing information about students to certain parties outside of the university without the signed consent of the student. Thus, in almost all cases I will not discuss your academic progress or other matters with your parents. Do your own work. If two papers look alike to me. . .they both get an F, no questions, no discussion.

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.