DRAM 1310 - 521: UNDERSTANDING THEATRE

T 6:00-10:00 PM
AS 1.105
SUMMER 2006

Professor: Adrian Cook

Office: JO 3.902
Phone: 214-763-1332 (cell)
Office Hours: 5:00-6:00 PM T or by special appointment
E-mail: adriancook@gmail.com (preferred)

COURSE OBJECTIVES__________________________________________________

This is a survey course designed to provide the student with an understanding and
appreciation of theatre as a living art form and as a social force in the world. This course
will focus on the narrative and interpretive properties of the theatre and stress the
importance of the form as a collaborative art. In addition to discussions of dramatic
structure, design, and realization, students will read full play texts and have the
opportunity to engage the theatrical process via a group production project.

Most importantly, the aim of Understanding Theatre is to produce informed and

appreciative audience members and to entice students to patronize Dallas theatre on a
regular basis.

It is important that you keep up with the reading as I will assume that assignments have
been read by the due date. Keeping up will maximize your performance in the class and
enable lecture/discussion time to provide you with supplementary material and examples
as opposed to a simple reiteration of the text. Additionally, knowing the textbook
material coming in will provide a groundwork for entering into “deeper” discussions of
the art of theatre.

REQUIRED TEXT and MATERIALS______________________________________

Arnold, Stephanie. The Creative Spirit, 3rd Edition. McGraw-Hill: New York, 2004.
*Text is available at the on and off-campus bookstores

Students should also have a 3/12 inch floppy disc, a CDR or a thumb drive (i.e. memory
stick, USB drive) for storing written work and an active UTD e-mail account.
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS______________________________________________

Grading will be based upon the following:

1. Class attendance: final grade will be lowered 1/3 letter for each unexcused absence.
To receive an excused absence, a doctors’ form is required immediately upon the
student’s return to class.
2. Completion of all required readings. (NOTE: for all chapters with plays texts, the
reading assignment includes that text – so read the plays.)
3. (5%) In-class activities (scene writing exercise and verse acting)
4. (10%) Regular pop quizzes (based on lecture information and readings). Quizzes will
be given at any time during the class period and may not be made up for any
reason. A missed quiz due to tardiness will result in an unexcused absence.
5. (10% each) Analyses: each student must attend two theatre performances and write a
short analysis (2-3 pages) on each. A program and/or ticket must accompany each
analysis. Analyses must be typed, double-spaced, MLA format, on unruled paper,
and turned in IN CLASS. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. A lecture
on how to write an analysis will be given in class, and an accompanying handout
will be provided. College level work is expected.

ANALYSIS ONE: Stanton’s Garage

At Contemporary theatre of Dallas, June 9-July 11 Thurs -
Sat 8:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM (DUE June 20)
ANALYSIS TWO: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Collin County Community College, June 22 - 25, 29 - 30,
and July 1 and 2 at 8:00PM (DUE July 11)
6. (20%) Theatre Project: Students will complete a group theatre project
based upon that described in Chapter 15 in our book. More details to follow.
Due on July 25
7. (20%) Midterm exam: 6:00-7:00 June 27 (testing will end at 7:00PM)
8. (25%) Final exam: August 1, 6:00 PM
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COURSE OBJECTIVES and OUTCOMES__________________________________

CORE OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to examine and respond critically to a variety
of artistic forms in at least one and possibly multiple forms of expression drawn from
either the visual or performing arts or some combination thereof.

COUSE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will define theatre as a specific form of expression and will explain the major
features of the form.
2. Students will be able to visually conceptualize a play.
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the playwright’s process and dramatic
structure and be able to compose a dramatic text.
4. Students will practice the process of theatrical production and articulate a
clear understanding of the responsibilities of at least one theatrical practitioner (i.e.
director, designer, actor, etc.)

SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT:

1. Student will respond to the question “What is Theatre?” at the beginning of the
course; then, on the final exam answer the question “What is Theatre? How has
your understanding of the term changed over the course of this term?”
2. Design activity (generating rough design concepts for The Bomb Show)
3. Headlines writing activity (group generation of one complete dramatic scene)
Scored with “Elements of Drama” checklist (20 points) and “Artistic Merit” (5
points)
4. Group Project -- staged interpretation of one scene from Sam Shepard’s Buried
Child. Group scored with organizational/performance checklist. Individual written
evaluation of scene work scored with organizational checklist.

CRITERION OF SUCCESS (PROFICIENCY)

1. Subjective: Keep list of how students’ understanding of theatre has changed (if at
all) Objective: 90% of students will earn at least half credit on the final exam
question
2. Each group of students will earn 15 of 25 possible points
3. Each group of students will earn 15 out of 25 possible points
4. Each group will earn 75 out of 100 possible group points; 75% of students will
earn 70 out of 100 individual grade points.

ASSESSMENT PLANS (TIMELINE)

1. First day of class; final
2. Week 3
3. Week 6
4. July 25
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CORE OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to demonstrate an appreciation for artistic

expression and ability to analyze specific works of art within a cultural or social context.

COURSE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

1. Students will attend, interpret and evaluate two live theatrical performances in terms of
chosen style, successful or unsuccessful production elements (costume, lights, scene
design), and narrative effectiveness.
2. Students will read, categorize, and evaluate four play texts.
3. Students will explicate the role of theatre as a social force.

SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT

1. Two 2-3 page play critiques – Stanton’s Garage, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Scored with organizational checklist.
2.
A. Quiz 3: Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
B. Quiz 4: Dog Lady
C. Essay question 6 – final exam (“Discuss the cultural influences at work in Dog
Lady. Use textual examples.”)
3. Essay question # 7 – midterm exam (“Discuss the feedback loop between social and
aesthetic drama. Use a specific example.”)

CRITERION OF SUCCESS (PROFICIENCY)

1. 75% of students will receive a 70% or better on Critique #1 (Stanton’s Garage); 75%
of students will score 80% or higher on Critique #2 (A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

2.
A. 60% of students will score 14 out of 20 possible points.
B. 60% of students will score 14 out of 20 possible points.
C. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question.

3. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question.

ASSESSMENT PLANS (TIMELINE)

1. Week 6 and Week 9 of course, respectively.

2.
A. June 13
B. June 27
C. Final
D. Final
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CORE OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to develop a critical approach to a given form
or forms of art and will be able to articulate a response in an intelligent and informed
manner.

COURSE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

1. Students will be able to identify and explain the theme of a given play or play text.
2. Students will self-evaluate their own production process.
3. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the diverse nature of
theatre through written responses to issues of genre, dramatic form/function, and basic
scholarly debates.

SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT
1.
A. Essay question #10 – midterm exam (“Pick any play we have read as a class,
and answer the following question: What is the PRIMARY theme of the play?
Why?”)
B. Essay question # 8 – final exam (“What is the theme of Buried Child? Defend
your answer with textual evidence.”)
2. Essay question # 12 – final exam (“In terms of the production project, what would you
have done differently if you had it all to do again? Be specific.’)
3.

A. Essay question #5 – midterm (“Theatre is unique in that it is a live art. What

are the distinct advantages or disadvantages of theatre as an artistic medium?”)
B. Essay question # 6 – midterm (“Compare/contrast realism and theatricalism.”)
C. Essay question # 1 – final exam (“Aristotle said that ‘Comedy aims at
representing men as worse, tragedy as better than in actual life.’ Discuss.”)
D. Essay question # 2 – final exam (“What are the major differences between
comedy and tragedy? Use specific plays as examples.”)
E. Essay question # 3 – final exam (“What are the major features and advantages
(or disadvantages) of the one-act play?”)
F. Essay question # 4 – final exam (“Discuss at least three dramatic/theatrical
conventions employed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Do these conventions
work? Why or why not?”)
G. Essay question # 5 – final exam (“Can we have true tragedy in the
contemporary theatre? Why or why not?”)

CRITERION OF SUCCESS (PROFICIENCY)

1.
A.70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question
B. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question.
2. 90 % of students will receive at least partial credit on this question
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3.
A. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question
B. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question
C. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question
D. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question
E. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question
F. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question
G. 70% of students will earn at least partial credit on this question

ASSESSMENT PLANS (TIMELINE)

1.
A. midterm
B. final
2. Final
3. A. – B. midterm
C. – G. final

GRADING______________________________________________________________
In-class activities 2x25 points 50 points
Quizzes 5x20 points 100 points
Stanton’s Garage analysis 100 points
A Midsummer Night’s Dream analysis 100 points
Theatre Project 200 points
Midterm Exam 200 points
Final Exam 250 points

TOTAL possible 1000 points

________________________________________________________________________

A = 90-100% 900-1000 points

B = 80-89% 800-899 points
C = 70-79% 700-799 points
D = 60-69% 600-699 points
F = 0-59% 0-599 points

In this class, there will be NO discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion,
gender, age, sexual orientation, or physical challenge.
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EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES_______________________________________

You may earn up to 100 points (a full letter grade) by doing extra theatre critiques. Each
extra credit critique will be worth 50 points. I have included a calendar of performances
in the DFW Metroplex. Additionally, if your schedule does not permit you to attend
performances of Stanton’s Garage or A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the class, you
may see them yourself and turn in a critique for full credit; or you may substitute an extra
credit for a required review for full 100-point value. If you choose the second route,
please indicate this in your heading.

EMAIL POLICY___________________________________________________________

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO UTD STUDENTS: As of August 1, 2004, all email

correspondence with students will be sent ONLY to the student's U.T. Dallas email address.
U.T. Dallas provides each student with a free email account that is to be used in all
communication with university personnel. This allows the university to maintain a high
degree of confidence in the identity of all individuals corresponding and the security of the
transmitted information. The Department of Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a
method for students to forward email from other accounts to their U.T. Dallas address and
have their U.T. Dallas mail sent on to other accounts. Students may go to the following URL
to establish or maintain their official U.T. Dallas computer account: http://netid.utdallas.edu/

OFFICE HOURS and INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY_______________________

The above office hours will be consistently held. I will also be available following class each
week, or I can meet with you at an alternative time by arrangement. I am also quite willing to
review work and answer questions via email. Do not hesitate to contact me/send drafts, etc.
HOWEVER, as I am only human and not a HAL-9000 computer, please do not send work
for review the night before its due date. This is too late.

ATTENDANCE POLICY_________________________________________________

This is a survey course. As such, each discussion will build not only upon the readings
but upon former discussion. In class quizzes and participation count for a substantial
portion of your grade. Not only that, but we meet once a week for four hours a week.
Basically, if you miss one class period, you miss a week-and-a-third’s worth of class.
Therefore, the importance of regular, punctual attendance cannot be overstated. Each
student is allowed 1 unexcused absence. The second will result in the lowering of your
final score by one full letter grade, each additional unexcused absence lowers your score
1 letter grade per absence. Two tardies (20 minutes or more) will count as one absence.

PLAGIARISM POLICY___________________________________________________

PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Plagiarism is the representation of another

person’s work as your own, whether you mean to or not. For example, copying or
paraphrasing passages from another writer’s work without acknowledging that you’ve done
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so is plagiarism. Allowing another writer to write any part of your essay is plagiarism.
Copying or purchasing a paper from any source is plagiarism.

Plagiarism is a serious offense. The possible consequences range from failing the assignment
to failing the course, or worse. Each incident of plagiarism at UTD must be reported to the
administration. If you are not sure how to properly cite a quoted or paraphrased source, or if
you need help with the format of a citation, check with the New Century Handbook and/or
with your teacher. Although you can (and, in fact, should) seek help and advice from friends,
classmates, tutors, and others, be sure that your written work is your own. This is easier to
spot than you might think, so don’t try it!

See the Undergraduate Catalog for information about the consequences of Scholastic
Dishonesty, or view the policy here: http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/dishonesty.html.

DROP POLICY_________________________________________________________
See here for details on deadlines and procedures for dropping:
http://www.utdallas.edu/student/class/current/newpolicywpwf.htm

CLASS CONDUCT______________________________________________________

This class is highly driven by discussion and sharing of ideas. It is important at all times
that instructor and students alike feel free to openly discuss their views and give their
input. I will not tolerate rudeness, belittling or other forms of “verbal bullying” in the
classroom. If your behavior is disruptive you will be asked to leave.

Do not leave your trash in the classroom. Make sure that any drinks you bring are in re-
sealable containers. No food in the class without prior consent, please.

We will begin our discussions promptly; please come ready to participate!

DISABILITY SERVICES ____________

Disability Services provides for the special needs of students with disabilities. Students
are urged to make their needs known to Disability Services as soon as they are admitted
to the university. The Office of Disability Services is located in the Student Union, (972)
883-2070. If you have special needs, you must make them available to me in writing.

The University of Texas at Dallas is an equal opportunity/affirmative action

university.
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Dallas that, to the extent provided by
applicable law, no person, including students, faculty, staff and temporary workers, shall
be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by the university on
the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sex, veteran status, sexual
orientation or disability.
A complete policy statement regarding the UTD Equal Employment Opportunity/
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Affirmative Action Program may be found at:

www.utdallas.edu/utdgeneral/business/admin_manual/pdf/d11300.pdf.

CLASS ITINERARY_____________________________________________________

NOTE: The following is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.

Week 1 – May 16

INTRODUCTION
Respond and speak – basic questions
Contentless scenes

Discuss Arnold, “The Nature of Theatre”” and Chapter 1: “The

Impulse to Perform”
Discuss Arnold, Chapter 2: “Theatre and Society”

Feel free to come enjoy MULE DIXON performing live at The Orchid this
Friday (May 19), from 10:00 – close

Week 2 – May 23

Special lecture topic: How to Analyze Theatre

Reading due; Arnold, “The Nature of Performance” and Chapter 3: “The

Playwright’s Vision” including Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August
Wilson (Remember – read the plays) Discuss Joe Turner’s Come and
Gone.

Week 3 – May30

Readings due; Arnold, Chapter 4: “The Art of the Actor”;

Arnold, Chapter 5: “The Director”; Arnold, Chapter 6: “The Designers”

Design activity

Week 4 – June 6

Readings due; Arnold, Chapter 7: “The Musical Theatre”; “The Nature of

Style…”; Chapter 8: “Understanding Style: Realism”; Chapter 9:
“Expressing a Worldview Through Realism”
Discuss And the Soul Shall Dance
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Week 5 – June 13

Readings due; Arnold, Chapter 10: “Understanding Style:

Theatricalism”; Chapter 11: “Expressing a Worldview Through
Theatricalism”
Discuss Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

* * * Thursday, June 15, 8:00 PM Attend Stanton’s Garage with class * * *

Week 6 – June 20

Readings; Arnold: “The Nature of Genre: Structure and Genre” and

Chapter 12: “The Elements of Drama and Dramatic Structure”
Writing exercise (Headline Scenes – bring a magazine or newspaper to
class)
Scene readings
Midterm Review

* * * Thursday, June 22, 8:00 PM Attend CCCCD’s production of A Midsummer

Night’s Dream * * *

Week 7 – June 27

MIDTERM
Chapter 13: “Genre”; Chapter 14: “Choosing a Genre: Comedy”
Discuss Dog Lady

* * * Thursday, June 29, 8:00 PM Attend Kitchen Dog Theatre’s world premier
production of Raw Vision* * *

Week 8 -- 4th of July – No Class on Tuesday

Week 9 – July 11

A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Raw Vision critiques due.

Reading due; Arnold, Chapter 15: “The Project”
Discuss Buried Child
Project Information
Initial project group meeting

Week 10 – July 18

Work on Project

Week 11 – July 25
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Design Presentation
Project Presentation
Final review

Week 12 – Aug 1 – 6:00 – 8:00 PM

FINAL EXAM