Monday - Friday: Office Hours - 7:20-7:40am (Room 248); After School By Appointment Only
Colonia High School
Teacher: Stephanie Platko Grade Level: 9-12
Course: Theater Arts I
Course Description: This course provides an introduction to domain-specific vocabulary regarding theatrical performance and the ability to distinguish among artistic styles, trends and movements. Students will analyze descriptions, dialogue, and actions, participate in theatrical presentations, create dramatic action, and describe and analyze the components of theatrical design and production. They will investigate the structure of plays, assess character motivations, and explain the relationship between performance, technical design and management. Using description, analysis, interpretation and evaluation, they will critique, compare and evaluate various theatrical works. In addition, the influence of technology and culture on the arts, as well as social and political environmental changes, will be examined.
Grading Procedures: 50% of your grade will be comprised of Minor Assessment grades including all classwork, homework, group work, participation, theater journal, and quizzes. The other 50% of your grade will be comprised of Major Assessments including all group projects, tests, and performances.
Late Work Policies
MINOR Assessments
1 Day Late -10
2 Days Late -20
3 Days Late -30
4 Days Late -40
5 Days Late -50
Anything after 5 days is a ZERO!
MAJOR Assessments
1 Day Late -20
Anything after 1 day is a ZERO!
Extended Time
If you need an extension on any assignment, the request must be submitted to me in writing via email. The following conditions must be met in order to have an extension granted:
Since most work can be completed during class time, you must have used the time allotted appropriately. (i.e. working consistently, not on your phone, not watching videos/playing games, etc…)
You must communicate in your email the date the assignment will be completed and if you fail to hand in the assignment by that date, you will be denied extensions on assignments for the foreseeable future.
Absence Policies
If you are absent on a day something is assigned, you will have two days without penalty to complete the assignment after your return to class.
If you are absent on a day something is due, you must hand in the assignment upon your return to class.
ALL WORK WILL BE POSTED IN GOOGLE CLASSROOM DAILY SO THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING WHAT WE DID IN CLASS THAT DAY!
Office Hours
I am available in Room 248 from 7:20-7:40am daily and after school by appointment only. Email me at stephanie.platko@wtsdnj.com to arrange any extra help.
Textbook: Basic Drama Projects by Fran Tanner
Theater Journals: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday = Theatrical Responses; Friday = Weekly Reflection (Responses are to be 5-7 sentences long at a minimum and are graded monthly)
Required Materials for Class
A 3 subject notebook to be solely used for this class, a folder for handouts, A CHARGED Chromebook
Pens, Pencils (for script notation), highlighters
Classroom Expectations:
Be on time - this means you must be IN your seat when the bell rings.
Be prepared
You are expected to listen, pay attention, only speak when you are called on, participate, keep your head up and your eyes open, complete all class and homework assignments and respect each other as well as yourself, the teacher, and the classroom.
No food or drink in my classroom. You may bring water to class.
Cellphones and smartwatches must be turned to silent and stowed away in the caddy at the front of the room as soon as you walk in. If you are caught with your cell phone in class, the following disciplinary actions will be taken:
1st infraction = warning
2nd infraction = warning and phone call home
3rd infraction = write-up, phone taken and administration will take disciplinary action
No earbuds or headphones are to be worn in class. If an assignment requires you to watch a video, I will give you permission to use them.
No winter attire (coats, hats, etc…) or Backpacks allowed in the classroom. Leave them in your locker.
You are responsible for checking my Google Classroom if you are absent. The daily agenda will be posted in the Stream tab. See above for all absence policies regarding missing work.
All school rules (including lateness and attendance policies) are in effect in the classroom.
Be Honest and communicate your needs
Plagiarism Policy and AI
While AI tools can be incredibly powerful, it's crucial to use them responsibly in an educational setting. For this reason, I strongly encourage students to rely on their own critical thinking and creativity rather than AI-generated content. To ensure academic integrity and genuine learning, I will be utilizing advanced checker tools to detect and address any possible AI-generated submissions. These measures are in place to maintain a fair and honest learning environment where students can truly showcase their individual skills and knowledge.
Please note that any AI-generated work will be handled according to the plagiarism policy as set by the WTSD.