EN-203 Introduction to Drama

Course Description: 
This course introduces students to various types of dramatic literature, from the Ancient Greece dramas to the contemporary Eastern and Western Theatre.  Its purpose is to familiarize students with not only the history and theoretical aspects of theatre, but also its practical manifestations through playwriting, acting, directing, stage production and theatre management.

• This course also meets PLO #(s) 2.1 of General Education program.
• Prerequisite Courses: EN 120b

A.  PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs): 
      The student will be able to:
1. Enrich and deepen self-knowledge by exploring different academic experiences
2. Articulate and understand their experiences through effective writing, reading, speaking, and various modes of artistic expression
3. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and basic skills appropriate to their personal and professional goals in their chosen area of specialization

B.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs): GENERAL
The student will be able to:
1. Define and identify the different periods of theatre history
2. Define, identify, and analyze a selection of plays using basic theatre terminology associated with the different types of theatre
3. Define, identify, and apply dramatic literary critical theory and methods
4. Identify historical, cultural, and biographical contexts for selected plays and their authors
5. Write a short play, act out and/or do dramatic readings from scenes of selected plays, and apply theatrical production techniques learned

I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered

C.  STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) – SPECIFIC:
The student will be able to:

General SLO 1: Define and identify the different periods of theatre history     

General SLO 2: Define, identify, and analyze a selection of plays using basic theatre terminology associated with the different types of theatre

General SLO 3: Define, identify, and apply dramatic critical theory and methods

General SLO 4: Identify historical, cultural, and biographical contexts for selected plays and their authors

General SLO 5: Write a short play, act out and/or do dramatic readings from scenes of selected plays, and apply theatrical production techniques learned

D.  COURSE CONTENT
Theory: Students will be assessed on their ability to understand information – e.g., theatre history, types of dramas (play genres), types of theatrical expression in western and eastern/Asian theatre (e.g., Greek, Elizabethan, Noh, Kabuki, Kathakali, Wayang Kulit, etc.), dramatic element (plot structure, characterization, etc.) – in the assigned chapters of the textbook, additional lecture handouts, and any other information from class lectures and discussions. The form of assessment will be quizzes, journal writing, oral presentations (individual or group) and one short research essay.

Practicum: Students will be assessed on the practical skills (voice, movement, use of space, etc.) taught in the lecture and practicum classes. The form of assessment will be creative writing assignments (e.g., writing a short scene with two characters and/or a monologue), practical demonstrations (e.g., demonstrate basic mastery of a physical/vocal warm-up technique, or demonstrate basic performance skills such as acting in a 1-to-2-minute “silent” scene), presentations, and performances (including the Final Group Project).

E.  METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Lecture, group discussion, viewing of videos/DVDs, practicum (acting classes), performance projects. Students should EXPECT to have to perform (i.e. act) in this course.

F.  REQUIRED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
Cohen, Robert. Theatre: Brief Version. 7th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2006.
(or, most recent edition)
Other reading materials will be assigned and provided by the instructor.

G.  REFERENCE MATERIALS
DVDs on theatre making and acting are available at MITC.
Books on drama, theatre design, and plays available at the LRC.
Students are encouraged to watch DVDs of previous student drama presentations at COM, available at MITC.
*Due to the lack of opportunity to attend a theatre production on island, students are encouraged to search the Internet (e.g. YouTube) for video clips of theatrical productions of plays by the playwrights/directors studied in class.

H.  INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
None

I.   EVALUATION
15% Attendance and participation (missed practicum classes cannot be made up; students are expected to put in hours of rehearsals OUTSIDE class sessions); 40% Theory (quizzes, essay, etc.); 45% Practicum (includes performance assignments, and final group project)

J.   CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None