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THA 32: SURVEY OF MODERN DRAMA (3 UNITS)
Note: this is a late start, short-term class. In the fall and spring, it runs approximately eight weeks. There is a section that begins at the beginning of the semester and runs until mid-semester. There is a second section that begins mid-semester and runs to the end of the semester In the summer session, the class runs for the full session. You will see the starting and ending dates listed in the CCSF Class Schedule.
What You'll Learn
This class will give you a good general sense what different kinds of plays constitute the Modern Era of drama. Extending from the end of the 19th Century to the present day, this period of theatre consists of many different genres and styles of performance . While not a complete collection of every movement and "ism" the class will provide you with a useful "roadmap" to help you understand the rich variety of offerings presented on the contemporary stage. BY reading and discussing the scripts, you will learn what characteristics define the different types of plays, and very importantly, how the form and content of the various plays express social, moral and political issues.. You'll also learn interesting things about how the plays were and are mounted and also the terms that critics and audience members use to describe and analyze them.
What Is Expected
Reading - you will read a total of nine plays. They are listed below, and all of the scripts are widely available, either in libraries or at the CCSF Bookstore. Alternatively, you can view productions of the plays provided on DVD at the Rosenberg Library Media Center.
Discussing - each play will have its own discussion conference where you will be expected to exchange ideas and opinions with your classmates. This is nearly half of your grade.
Testing - there will be a content quiz on each play, and a final exam.
Writing - you will be expected to view two streamed plays offered onsite over the course of the semester and write a short critique of each one.
Picnic by William Inge
The Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
The Emperor Jones by Eugene O'Neill
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
Sunday In The Park With George by Stephen Sondheim
"Master Harold"...and the boys by Athol Fugard
Fool For Love by Sam Shepard
There is a more detailed syllabus and additional information below
David Parr, Instructor, Theatre Arts
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office: BNGL 207
Email: dparr@ccsf.edu
Phone:(415) 452-5394
Note: This course is not available for honors credit
There is no in-person orientation for this class.
It is not necessary to email the instructor prior to the start of class.
SETTING UP AND LOGGING ON:
The Theatre Arts Online classes on a software platform called "Canvas".
1. If you HAVE NOT used Insight at City College this academic year, you will receive an message to your City College email address containing information on how to login and access this course. Please look for this email to be delivered to you around the first day of classes.
2. Further login instructions will appear here in a few days.
If you get frustrated and confused, email me at dparr@ccsf.edu and I'll help you figure it out.
ONCE YOU'VE LOGGED ON
Go to the "Handbook" area to view an expanded version of this syllabus with helpful tips included.
Important Note: The course will not appear on your list of classes on the Insight homepage until the first official day of instruction.
1. We will be reading nine scripts during the course of this semester. For a list of the titles, click HERE.
2. I will make available at the Rosenberg Library media center, DVD's of performances of all of the pieces that we are studying.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
Describe the major forms of drama that emerged in the modern era, from the late nineteenth through the twentieth century.
Analyze a play in terms of the social, philosophical and historical context in which it was written.
Observe influences of earlier dramatic forms on contemporary theatre.
Identify directorial and production choices that constitute the interpretation of a script.
Develop preferences in viewing based upon a personal aesthetic which is consistent and well-informed.
BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a historical and critical survey of theatrical forms in the Modern era. We will read and discuss nine plays ranging from Anton Chekhov's The Three Sisters to Sam Shepard's Fool For Love. The goal of the course is to provide you with the resources to make your own playgoing a richer and more satisfying adventure. It should also provide you with enough knowledge of the subject to serve as a prerequisite for additional courses which require completion of a Modern Drama class. Discussions will cover textual analysis, with an eye towards interpretive possibilities and the relationship of plays to their social contexts.
EXAMINATIONS AND PAPERS:
Quizzes - There are nine quizzes, one on each of the plays. They are multiple-choice format, and you will have ten minutes to complete each one. They become available with the opening of the main page for the play, and you must score a passing grade before getting access to the discussions on that play. You may make multiple attempts on the quizzes, but only the score from the first attempt counts toward your point total.
Examination - There is a final examination with twenty questions. Ten are multiple choice and ten are matching columns. Also, an essay question will be made available to you approximately one week before the final exam. This will require analysis supported by documentation from the texts. Your essay must be submitted via the "Communicating" module by the close of the final examination. There is no midterm.
Papers- you will be expected to view two streamed plays offered onsite over the course of the semester and write a short critique of each one. They are graded on a credit (100pts.)/no credit basis.
All written materials should be a minimum of 450-600 words in length, and must be submitted via the Assignments tool on the website.
FINAL GRADE BASED ON:
Grades in this course are earned on a cumulative point basis, the more points, the higher the grade. It does not matter particularly when you earn the points. The important thing is to complete the work by the end of the course. You can track your cumulative point total in the "Evaluation" module.
Allocation - Points are awarded as follows:
9 Quizzes @ 100 Pts. apiece 900
1 Final Exam @ 200 Pts. 200
1 Final Essay @ 100 Pts. 100
2 Viewing Critiques @ 100 Pts. apiece 200
1 Discussion participation 1000
Total 2400 Pts.
Extra credit - You can help insure your grade by doing extra credit work. These points are awarded as follows:
2 Additional viewing critiques @ 100 Pts. apiece 200
Grade computation - Final grades will be awarded on the basis of 2400 points constituting 100 per cent. 70 per cent of that (1680 pts.) or better will be a passing grade.
ASSIGNMENTS:
We will read and study these plays at the rate of a play every six days. The study unit on each play will open according to the schedule in the calendar. Once open, the unit will remain accessible for the remainder of the semester. There is also study material provided online which will point the way to further web research resources. You should click on these links and read the next level of material to prepare for the quizzes and exams.
Use the discussion and internal email modules to develop relationships with other students in the class. They are a great support system and learning resource. There is much more detailed information available in the "Information" module on the website.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to contact me if you need assistance.
David Parr
Instructor
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