freshman - Theatre and society
Syllabus
“The apple cannot be stuck back on the Tree of Knowledge; once we begin to see, we are doomed and challenged to seek the strength to see more, not less.”
-Arthur Miller
Course Description: Theatre and Society will inform the student artist to see theatre as a medium of social significance. Through the study of modern and contemporary works as well as delving into the art of playwriting, students will begin to understand the importance theatre has and continues to have in society.
Course Goal: Student artists will develop an understanding of theatre as a medium of social statement, change, and definition through the study of modern and contemporary works as they relate to history and theatre history.
Essential Questions: What, in your opinion, is the purpose of theatre in society? How would you try to reflect societal norms/challenges using theatre?
Essential Skills:
1.) Student Artists will understand the differences and uses of different types of
2.) Student Artists will learn how to read works of dramatic literature such as a modern play, a musical, and a compilation.
3.) Student Artists will learn the jobs and responsibilities involved in the production of a play
4.) Students will be exposed to improvisation and basic scene work.
5.) Students will learn theatrical history and basics of theatrical theory.
National Standards Covered:
TH:Cr2.1.HSI
a. Explore the function of history and culture in the development of a dramatic concept through a critical analysis of original ideas in a drama/theatre work.
b. Investigate the collaborative nature of the actor, director, playwright, and designers and explore their interdependent roles in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr5.1.HSI
a. Practice various acting techniques to expand skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
TH:Pr6.1.HSI
a. Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
TH:Re8.1.HSI
b. Identify and compare cultural perspectives and contexts that may influence the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
TH:Re9.1.HSI
a. Examine a drama/ theatre work using supporting evidence and criteria, while considering art forms, history, culture, and other disciplines.
TH:Cn11.1.HSI
a. Explore how cultural, global, and historic belief systems affect creative choices in a drama/theatre work.
Grading System:
Per Beacon Charter High School for the Arts Faculty Agreement, all courses utilize the following formula to calculate the final course grade:
45% Major Assignments (projects, papers, performances, power-points)
35% In Class Work (quizzes, journals, discussions, participation in rehearsals)
20% Homework
Needed by Student: binder with loose leaf paper or notebook, pen, AGENDA (electronic or otherwise), professional attitude and willingness to work hard, respect for self, fellow actors, instructor and theatre space.
UNITS COVERED:
What is the affect of theatre on society?
Politics and theatre
Process Drama
Social issues
ASSESSMENTS: Students will be required to:
1.) Reflect and respond to in class readings and scenes
2.) Perform a scene from one of the plays in the curriculum
a. Memorization and performance
3.) Performance of a process drama
a. Choice of source material
b. Performance
4.) Actor’s Journal
a.) one entry weekly assigned in class.
b.) checked by instructor every Thursday – entered on Google classroom
5.) Final - Performance/reflection grade.
6.) Reading three plays
a.) written script analysis
b.) written character analysis
c.) performance of one scene/monologue from one of the plays
6.) Plays to be read (provided in class)
The Crucible - Arthur Miller
The Laramie Project - Tectonic Theatre
Twelve Angry Women - Reginald Rose
“The apple cannot be stuck back on the Tree of Knowledge; once we begin to see, we are doomed and challenged to seek the strength to see more, not less.”
-Arthur Miller
Course Description: Theatre and Society will inform the student artist to see theatre as a medium of social significance. Through the study of modern and contemporary works as well as delving into the art of playwriting, students will begin to understand the importance theatre has and continues to have in society.
Course Goal: Student artists will develop an understanding of theatre as a medium of social statement, change, and definition through the study of modern and contemporary works as they relate to history and theatre history.
Essential Questions: What, in your opinion, is the purpose of theatre in society? How would you try to reflect societal norms/challenges using theatre?
Essential Skills:
1.) Student Artists will understand the differences and uses of different types of
2.) Student Artists will learn how to read works of dramatic literature such as a modern play, a musical, and a compilation.
3.) Student Artists will learn the jobs and responsibilities involved in the production of a play
4.) Students will be exposed to improvisation and basic scene work.
5.) Students will learn theatrical history and basics of theatrical theory.
National Standards Covered:
TH:Cr2.1.HSI
a. Explore the function of history and culture in the development of a dramatic concept through a critical analysis of original ideas in a drama/theatre work.
b. Investigate the collaborative nature of the actor, director, playwright, and designers and explore their interdependent roles in a drama/theatre work.
TH:Pr5.1.HSI
a. Practice various acting techniques to expand skills in a rehearsal or drama/theatre performance.
TH:Pr6.1.HSI
a. Perform a scripted drama/theatre work for a specific audience.
TH:Re8.1.HSI
b. Identify and compare cultural perspectives and contexts that may influence the evaluation of a drama/theatre work.
TH:Re9.1.HSI
a. Examine a drama/ theatre work using supporting evidence and criteria, while considering art forms, history, culture, and other disciplines.
TH:Cn11.1.HSI
a. Explore how cultural, global, and historic belief systems affect creative choices in a drama/theatre work.
Grading System:
Per Beacon Charter High School for the Arts Faculty Agreement, all courses utilize the following formula to calculate the final course grade:
45% Major Assignments (projects, papers, performances, power-points)
35% In Class Work (quizzes, journals, discussions, participation in rehearsals)
20% Homework
Needed by Student: binder with loose leaf paper or notebook, pen, AGENDA (electronic or otherwise), professional attitude and willingness to work hard, respect for self, fellow actors, instructor and theatre space.
UNITS COVERED:
What is the affect of theatre on society?
Politics and theatre
Process Drama
Social issues
ASSESSMENTS: Students will be required to:
1.) Reflect and respond to in class readings and scenes
2.) Perform a scene from one of the plays in the curriculum
a. Memorization and performance
3.) Performance of a process drama
a. Choice of source material
b. Performance
4.) Actor’s Journal
a.) one entry weekly assigned in class.
b.) checked by instructor every Thursday – entered on Google classroom
5.) Final - Performance/reflection grade.
6.) Reading three plays
a.) written script analysis
b.) written character analysis
c.) performance of one scene/monologue from one of the plays
6.) Plays to be read (provided in class)
The Crucible - Arthur Miller
The Laramie Project - Tectonic Theatre
Twelve Angry Women - Reginald Rose