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Welcome to the Survey of the Art of Comedy!
In this course we study the great comedies of Western theatre from the ancient Greeks to modern day. We will look at the various styles of comedy and how they relate to the times in which they were created. How do they reflect the times in which they were written and are they still relavant today? Along the way, I will help you discover some great comedy from the last 2,500 years. You will be asked to share your favorite comedies with the class and comment on the ones that I have chosen. If your favorite comedic play is not included, please forgive me, the course is only one semester long.
Why only Western comedy?
This class focuses on the comic tradition of Western Europe. There are many other great comedic theatrical traditions from around the world but this class is an attempt to link together one tradition of comedy. My expertise focuses on Western theatre (though as a designer, I have worked on productions of many other traditions: Noh, Kabuki, Kyogen, etc). There are other classes at CCSF that explore these traditions and taught by instructors that are more expert in these areas. I highly recommend that you explore these other classes.
Rules, Policies, Expectations
Rules, Policies, Expectations
Textbook
Textbook
All files are located on Canvas
Course Description
Course Description
This is an in-depth study of comedic styles, including classical and contemporary plays.
You will view a read a selection of comedic plays and read/watch supporting materials giving insight into the style, historical significance and backgrounds of the playwrights. You will engage in weekly discussions and quizzes
Course Objectives
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
Analyze the development of stage comedy
Compare comedic styles and staging practices from various eras
Evaluate comedic stage presentation applying acceptable vocabulary from dramatic criticism
Identify types of comedy and their social and historical significance
Methods
Methods
Weekly discussion
Weekly play readings
Video lectures
Supplemental videos
Viewing and analyzing a local college or professional production
Exams and Papers
Exams and Papers
Weekly quizzes as well as Midterm and Final written examinations
One Performance Analysis paper of a local professional or community production. ( I will make suggestions to assist you.
Cheating
Cheating
Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic F for the exam/quiz in question with subsequent discipline according to CCSF rules.
Cheating includes:
Assisting (or being assisted) on an exam or quiz
Copying the work of others including online resources
Special Needs
Special Needs
I encourage any students with special needs to register with and be evaluated by the Disabled Student Program Services (DSPS) before any special considerations may be granted.
Exam and grading policy
Exam and grading policy
There are no "throw-out" exams. All material covered in this course is important.
Students with special needs cannot be given extra time on exams unless they have registered with and been assessed by DSPS (this is state law).
Generally there are no make-up exams. If a genuine emergency requires that you miss course work, you must provide me with appropriate written documentation (e.g. Dr.'s certificate)
Grading Scheme
Grading Scheme
You grade will come from an accumulation of points as follows:
14 quizzes worth (20 points each, 280 points total) Late quizzes lose 10% for each week it is late
14 discussions worth (20 points each, 280 points total) Late quizzes lose 10% for each week it is late
Final Exam (150 points)
Total points possible: 710
Grades:
Grades:
A 710-639 Points
B 638-568 Points
C 567-497 Points
D 498-426 Points
F Less than 426 points
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