Survey of Classical Drama

THA 31

Very dramatic ctresses in classical greek garb on a dark stage
Two actress fight over a piece of cloth
Elizabethan lovesr in a hot embrace

Welcome to THA 31 online

● This class is conducted online through CCSF’s learning platform Canvas. To access the class you must use your CCSF issued address, not a personal one and check it every regularly as this online class is not self timed. Our class moves together through modules and you will need to keep up!

● I must contacted through Canvas Inbox. However if you cannot access Canvas in an emergency, use my CCSF email pmiller@ccsf.edu and include your official name and THA 31 in subject header. One on one office hours consultations are available via Zoom virtual conferencing at your request.

● I will respond within 48 hours or sooner. If you don’t receive a timely reply, send another canvas email please. NOTE I answer email M-F 9-6pm and not on weekends.

Course Information

THA 31 Survey of Classical Drama is offered online as a short course in Fall, Spring and Summer.

This is a 3-unit, fully online course with no required on-campus meetings. You will be required to study 6 to 9 plays and theatre periods. You are also required to view videos or two live performances of your choice and submit critiques. Take your seats… the curtain is rising!

This course, along with its companion course, Survey of Modern Drama are designed to give you an overview of the different kinds of plays that have occupied the stage over the long and varied history of the theatrical art form. They do not provide an exhaustive study of each and every period, but rather they are designed to allow you to "check in" with various significant movements and trends. There is also an invitation to question the "western cannon" and what is considered classical or worthy work and to consider how these plays remain relevant to modern audiences.

The hope is that you'll come away from the course with both knowledge of the defining characteristics of many types of drama, and also an appreciation of how the particular form resulted from the social, economic and philosophical concerns of its time.

· MODULES

We will work through 10 modules including Introduction/Orientation. Modules 2-7 include a play to read, audio/video/lecture materials, a quiz, a learning activity and class discussion. Each activity has distinct Student Learning Outcomes and will be graded on Canvas so you can follow your progress.

· CRITIQUES

Two written critiques of recorded live performance are graded elements with extra credit offered for additional critiques. Links are provided to assist your choice.

· You are not graded on prior knowledge of theatre but through your completion of activities and full participation in shared learning activities. This is a shared learning space, an interactive class and you will become part of a lively online community!

We will be working with the following scripts during the course of this semester:

Oedipus Rex - Sophocles

Lysistrata - Aristophanes

Everyman - Anonymous

Hamlet - Shakespeare

Tartuffe - Moliere

The Country Wife- William Wycherley

or The Rover -Aphra Behn

Cyrano de Bergerac - Rostand

Class Policies

Detailed information about class policies, communication, add/drop are available on the following page called "Class policies".

Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for successful engagement with online learning and the Canvas platform are found in pages as well.

Important Dates

Day Class Begins: October 24 2022

Day Class Ends: December 20 2022

Course Syllabus

Can be found on Syllabus page, see bookmark bar, top right.

Log-in Instructions

Once you are registered for this class you will go to Canvas log in page.

Username: CCSF ID, examples: W12345678 or @12345678

Your Canvas password is your RAM ID password.

Instructions for new students

Canvas Support Hotline (844) 592-2198 available 24/7.

Canvas Student Guide can be found in this link.

Online Learning

What are the real challenges encountered by both new and experienced online students, and how can you be successful? Tune into this short tutorial video to help debunk common myths about online learning.

What Makes a Successful Online Learner? Valuable tips for success and what to expect.

Quicklinks

· Now playing in Bay Area Theatres ( for your critiques)

· CCSF Theatre Department ( Classes, auditions)

CCSF | Office of Online Learning | 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112