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Southern State Community College Curriculum Committee – September 2016 THEA 2220: Script Analysis TAG: OAH024 Page 1 of 4

I. COURSE TITLE: Script Analysis COURSE NUMBER: 2220 CATALOG PREFIX: THEA

II. PREREQUISTE(S): THEA 1121, ENGL 1101

III. CREDIT HOURS: 3 LECTURE HOURS: 3 LABORATORY HOURS: 0 OBSERVATION HOURS: 0

IV. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course focuses on play structure, research, analysis, and bringing the script to life on the stage. Plays from several periods and genres will be examined from the point of view of the playwright, dramaturg, director, designer/technician, and actor.

V. GRADING:

Grading will follow policy in the SSCC Catalog:

A = 90-100 Excellent B = 80-89 Good C = 70-79 Average D = 60-69 Poor F = 0-59 Failing

VI. ADOPTED TEXT(S):

Ball, David. Backwards & Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays. ISBN: 9780809311101 Shakespeare, William. Hamlet (Applause First Folio Edition). ISBN: 9781557833785 Gibson, William. The Miracle Worker. ISBN: 9780573612381 Scripts of Current SSCC Theatre Season

VII. COURSE/LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Develop critical thinking skills through analysis of classic and contemporary scripts. 2. Utilize various methods of interpretation, including a step-by-step approach that explores both the objective and subjective point of view. 3. Identify a script’s components, such as plot, character, and theme. 4. Identify genre (tragedy, comedy, etc.) 5. Analyze character, dialogue, and dramatic action. 6. Research the playwright, production history, and given circumstances. 7. Use script analysis techniques to explore production concepts and design. 8. Synthesize analysis information for practical application in production (directing, acting, designing, etc.) 9. Evaluate production choices based on script interpretation and analysis. 10. Interpret a script through written analysis. 11. Interpret a script for performance.

VIII. COURSE METHODOLOGY:

Lecture, discussion, multiple readings (including reading aloud), written assignments, projects, and minimal performance will be utilized. A Blackboard Supplement may also be used.

IX. COURSE CONTENT/OUTLINE:

Aristotle’s Poetics The Initial Reading Breaking Down the Script: Scenes, French Scenes, Units, Beats Dramatic Action: GOTE (Goals, Obstacles, Tactics, Expectations) Plot Structure and Conflict Genre Character and Dialogue Analysis Images, Mood and Atmosphere Given Circumstances Supplemental Research (Circumstances, Author, Production History, Outreach) Interpreting for Performance and Design Evaluating Theatre

SAMPLE COURSE SCHEDULE:

WEEK 1 Introduction to the Course, Aristotle’s Poetics, History and Intent of Script Analysis, SSCC Theatre Season (www.sscctheatre.com), Hamlet -Initial Reading Assignment WEEK 2 Shakespeare and First Folio (History and Guidelines, Scoring a Monologue), Hamlet Group Scene Interpretation (Acts I & II) WEEK 3 Hamlet Group Scene Interpretation (Acts III-V), Scene Breakdown, French Scenes/Units/Beats WEEK 4 Backwards and Forwards Chapters 1-3, Group Work –Reciprocal Action (Trigger/Heap), Discuss Hamlet Reciprocal Action, Initial Read -Script #1 WEEK 5 Backwards and Forwards Chapters 4-7, Defining Dramatic Action, Stasis and Intrusion, GOTE, Script #1: Dramatic Action Assignment WEEK 6 Backwards and Forwards Chapters 8-9, Plot Structure (Exposition, Forwards, Traditional Structure), Group Examination of Hamlet Plot Structure, Genre Analysis, Script #1: Structure Analysis WEEK 7 Backwards and Forwards Chapter 10, Group Character Analysis, Group Dialogue Analysis of Hamlet WEEK 8 Midterm: Script #1: Dialogue Analysis and Character Analysis, Initial Read Script #2 WEEK 9 Backwards and Forwards Chapters 11-12, Images and Themes, In Class Magazine Activity for Hamlet, Images Assignment for Script #2 WEEK 10 Dramaturgy and Research (Lessing), Backwards and Forwards Chapters 13-15, Given Circumstances of Hamlet, the Actor’s Packet, the Bibliography, Script #2: Given Circumstances Assignment WEEK 11 Field Work (The Author, Production History), Outreach Exercises, Script #2: Outreach or Field Work Assignment WEEK 12 Share Outreach Ideas, the Tenth Reading Performance Work, Pass out Final Project Info for Script #3, Hamlet Film WEEK 13 Backwards and Forwards Chapters 20-22, Evaluating Theatre, Discuss SSCC Theatre Production, Production Analysis, Tenth Reading Performance Work, Hamlet Film WEEK 14 Backwards and Forwards Chapters 16-19, Atmosphere and Mood, Unique Factor, Climax, Changing Eras, Stylization, Group Practice Design Requirements (each group pick play and design category from hat), Script #1 or #2: Technical Preparation, Hamlet Film WEEK 15 Tenth Read Performance, Work on Final Project, Hamlet Film FINAL FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS

X. OTHER REQUIRED BOOKS, SOFTWARE AND MATERIALS:

Students are required to attend the current SSCC Theatre production. May need access to computer for Blackboard Supplement.

XI. EVALUATION:

Attendance: 100 points (-10 absence, -2 tardy or leave early) Attendance is required for Script Analysis. If you are late or absent, it affects everyone in this class. Most of what we do in class can’t be “made up”; however, if you do have to make up an evaluation/assignment, you MUST have written documentation in order to do so. You will make up/turn in the evaluation/assignment the day you return to class. Faculty may recommend that the College withdraw students who have missed more than 20% of the total scheduled classes of a course (WI).

Participation: 100 points This grade encompasses your conduct, attitude, teamwork, self-discipline, ability to take direction, contribution to class, homework, etc. Always be on task and in the moment. NO CELL PHONES. NO LAPTOPS. NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE THEATRE (ONLY BOTTLED WATER).

Three Initial Reading Responses (120 points) Score Shakespearean Monologue (10 points) Scene Breakdown (20 points) Dramatic Action Assignment (60 points) Structure Analysis (60 points) Midterm (100 Points) Images Assignment (20 points) Given Circumstances Assignment (60 points) Outreach or Field Work Assignment (20 points) Production Analysis (40 points) Technical Preparation (60 points) Tenth Read Performances (30 Points) FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS (200 points)

TOTAL: 1000 points

XII. SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Time management, team player, self-discipline

XIII. OTHER INFORMATION:

FERPA: Work submitted in this class may be seen by others. Others may see your work when being distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for demonstration purposes.

Students also need to know that there is a strong possibility that your work may be submitted to other entities for the purpose of plagiarism checks.

DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service Office, Central Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.