School of Arts and Sciences

Course Syllabus

THEA 214 – INTRO TO THEATRE: DRAMATIC LITERATURE

Office: Loso Hall 104C Phone: 541-962-3318

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 11:00 – 12:00

Catalog description: A view of theatre through the eyes of the playwright. Includes plays from all major periods and genres

Course requirements: Students are required to participate in classroom discussions and take notes on professor lectures. The students must read through a canon of dramatic literature. The students must also prepare assignments on various aspects of dramatic literature. The student will also be required to attend theatrical productions presented by the EOU Theatre Program.

Text: 12 Plays, A Portable Anthology by Janet E. Gardner

Materials: Notebook for taking notes. A computer will facilitate the writing of the Final Project.

Course Objectives:

Familiarity with the theatrical canon of literature and its place in history.
Understanding the changing role of the playwright throughout theatre history.
Understanding of the general process of creating dramatic literature.
Increased appreciation of the dramatic literature aspect of theatre production.

Course Outcomes/Major assignments:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Appreciate the changing nature and form of theatrical literature through the reading of plays from various historical periods.
Better understand the process that a playwright goes through when creating theatrical literature by participating in the creation of their own plays.
Understand the role of the written theatrical word in its historical perspective.

Course Calendar:

Week One: OEDIPUS REX

(1/5)W Syllabus and grading. Introduction to historical period.

(1/7) F Quiz #1 / Lecture

Week Two: LYSISTRATA

(1/10) M Introduction to historical period.

(1/12) W Quiz #2 / Lecture

(1/14) F Lecture

Week Three: HAMLET

(1/17) M NO CLASS – MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

(1/19) W Introduction to historical period. / Discuss Final Project requirements

(1/21) F Quiz #3 / Lecture

Week Four: A DOLL HOUSE

(1/24) M Introduction to historical period.

(1/26) W Quiz #4 / Lecture

(1/28) F Lecture

Week Five: THE CHERRY ORCHARD

(1/31) M Introduction to historical period. / Discuss Production Reviews

(2/2) W Quiz #5 / Lecture

(2/4) F Lecture/ Mid-Term Examination

Week Six: THE GLASS MENAGERIE

(2/7) M Introduction to historical period. / Final Project Outline due

(2/9) W Quiz #6 / Lecture

(2/11) F Lecture

Week Seven: ENDGAME

(2/14) M Introduction to historical period. / Opera Comique review due

(2/16) W Quiz #7 / Lecture

(2/18) F Lecture

Week Eight: TOP GIRLS

(2/21) M Introduction to historical period.

(2/23) W Quiz #8 / Lecture

(2/25) F Lecture / Rough Draft of Final Project due

Week Nine: MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS

(2/28) M Introduction to historical period.

(3/2) W Quiz #9 / Lecture

(3/4) F Lecture

Week Ten: THE PIANO LESSON

(3/7) M Introduction to historical period.

(3/9) W Quiz #10 / Lecture

(3/11) F Lecture

The FINAL: Wednesday. March 1, 10:00 – 12:00 / Final Project due / Cabaretc. II Review due

You will be required to attend the two EOU Theatre Program productions presented during the quarter. The first is Opera Comique, which plays February 3-5 & 10 – 12 in the Lyle Schwarz Theatre. The second is Cabaretc II, which plays March 11 & 12 in the McKenzie Theatre. YOU MUST ATTEND BOTH PRODUCTIONS AND THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE!!

Disclaimer: Class schedule/assignments may be altered during the course of the term as needed.

Means of assessment: Students knowledge of dramatic literature will be assessed by the following means:

Comprehension of plays from various historical periods assessed through weekly quizzes.
Understanding of information presented in lectures through mid-term and final examinations.
Understanding of the process of creating theatrical literature through the creation of a play script.
Appreciation of the process of turning dramatic literature into a theatrical production through attendance at and reviewing of two EOU productions.

Grading method: Attendance 150 pts. (5 pts. each class session)

Reading Quizzes 250 pts. (25 each)

Mid-term Examination 200 pts.

Final Examination 200 pts.

Opera Comique Review 100 pts

Cabaretc II Review 100 pts.

Final Script Project 200 pts.

TOTAL 1200 pts.

95% - 100% = A

91% - 95% = A-

87% - 91% = B+

83% - 87% = B

79% - 83% = B-

75% - 79% = C+

71% - 75% = C

67% - 71% = C-

63% - 67% = D+

60% - 63% = D

Below 60% = F

Attendance/Lateness Policy: Students are responsible for attending class every time that it is held. Absences will result in a loss of 5 points. The only exception is mandatory university sponsored events and THEN, ONLY if I know in advance. Work due on a day that you miss will be accepted with a 10% deduction per each period it is late.

Statement of Academic Misconduct:

Eastern Oregon University places a high value upon the integrity of its student scholars. Any student found guilty of an act of academic misconduct (including but not limited to cheating, plagiarism or theft of an examination or supplies) may be subject to having his or her grade reduced in the course in question. It might also require your being placed on probation or suspended from the university, or being expelled from the university – or a combination of these. (Please see Section II of the 2002-2003 Student handbook and Planning Calendar: Campus Citizenship (Academic), p. 32ff: Campus Citizenship (Behavior), p41ff.)

If you have a documented disability or suspect that you have a learning problem and need reasonable accommodations, please contact Disability Services program in Loso Hall. Telephone: 962-3081.