1
THE 3549 - The Theatre of African- American Liberation Movements in America
Professor – Belinda (Be) Boyd • Phone – 407 – 823 -0872 • Email - [email protected] • Available for Questions - Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 am -5pm EST, Tuesdays, Thursday from 5 – 7 and Saturdays 1pm-5pm EST.
Enrollment Requirements Credit Hours: 3 Class Hours: 3 Prerequisite(s): None. Corequisite(s): None. Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s):
Course Format Web based
Academic Calendar Link https://calendar.ucf.edu/2020/spring
UCF Library Link https://library.ucf.edu/
COURSE DESCRIPTION
African Americans have historically used theatre as a way to generate and transmit political analysis, organize communities, and galvanize resistance. This course investigates the playwrights and plays that reflect the activism and empowerment of African Americans pre-civil rights to Black Lives Matter.
2
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Explore and define the ways in which the sociopolitical issues and events of the Civil Rights Movement, Black Power Movement, and Black Lives Matter shaped African American theater and drama. • Discover and define the major African American figures who developed the rhetoric and philosophies of “black aesthetics.” • Develop an awareness of and define major modern and contemporary African American plays and playwrights that contributed to the liberation movements of African Americans. REQUIRED PLAYS
The Dutchman Amiri Baraka/Leroi Jones For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf – Ntozake Shange In the Blood Suzan-Lori Parks Ruined Lynn Nottage The Colored Museum – George C. Wolfe Fires in the Mirror – Anna Deveare Smith Hands Up: 6 Playwrights: 6 Testaments by Nathan James, Nathan Yunberberg, Idris Goodwin, Glenn Gordon, Dennis Allen II, Eric Holmes
*** A note about playscripts and videos. Some required playscripts or videos have been uploaded for you. However, you may have to download or purchase others. To save money, you might want to try local libraries or library loans before you purchase.
MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS
1. FINAL PAPER (400 POINTS ) – Due Friday April 17, 2020 – by 5pm
A. READING LIST FOR FINAL PAPER ******YOU WILL CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PLAYS AS A FOCUS OF YOUR FINAL PAPER o The Taking of Miss Janie – by Ed Bullins o Intimate Apparel – Lynn Nottage 3
o The Gem of the Ocean – August Wilson o Blues for Alabama Skye – Pearl Cleage o Jar the Floor – Cheryl West o A Soldier’s Play – Charles Fuller o Miss Evers Boys – David Feldshuh
B. APPROACH TO PAPER ASSIGNMENT • CHOOSE A PLAY FROM THE READING LIST ABOVE UNDER MAJOR ASSIGNMENT 1.FINAL PAPER. o Imagine that you are writing a paper addressing a performing arts board of trustees. Your theatre has created a season of plays that you believe will be both financially successful, diverse and educational. However, by majority vote, one of the plays above was rejected. Note: a theatre season is the series of plays produced by the theatre company in one year. o As a member of the board, you have been charged to persuade your fellow board members to allow this particular play to be included in the particular season. You have strong feelings about the need to include this play in this season. o Your arguments should include: o Discuss a brief synopsis of the play for the members of your board who have heard about it but not read it. o Tell us why the story is relevant today, regardless of when the story of the play takes place or when it was written. Discuss the play’s: historical, social, political and artistic relevance. Give specific examples from the news today as to how this play relates. o Choose two of the characters in the play and discuss how they represent various current issues/conflict in our society. Give specific examples from real people in the news. o Discuss how aspects of the play help us improve either race relations, gender relations, class relations, generational relations? How could the themes or situations in the play help the readers understand an issue, solve a problem, or make a decision? 4
o Cite how this play might be similar to another play, television show, movie or piece of fiction that historically changed a perspective in society. o How do you personally relate to this play? Either - through your own personal experiences, your relatives’ experiences or friends - define the need for people in your community to see this play. o What scene in the play moved you the most? Specifically discuss why?
C. Length and Format Requirements for Response Paper • Provide a cover page that includes: Your Name, the Play you have Chosen to Respond to, Date of Submission. • Should be double spaced • Length should be between 1400 – 2000 words • Times Roman 12 font • Your paper must be submitted to two places to be considered submitted accurately and on time:
o Submit to Turnitin.com on or before due date and time (Turnitin info below) o Submit to professor through webcourses email on or before the due date and time.
D. TURNITIN INORMATION o If you are not signed up for Turnitin.com – you will have to create an account o Class ID Code – 23360614 o Enrollment Key - 046424 ▪ Turnitinwebsite https://www.turnitin.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm4 6st8OE4gIVB5-fCh31eA-IEAAYASAAEgKV5vD_BwE (Links to an external site.)
E. WRITE AND REWRITE o Proof carefully. Spelling, grammar and syntax count. Be specific. Provide clear examples. 5
2. Quizzes – 100pts each
• You will have nine quizzes - each quiz is will have 20 questions, each worth 5 points. (See WEEKLY SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNMENT PAGE FOR DUE DATE FOR EACH QUIZ.) • Check the time limit for each assessment. The quizzes will include the required material covered in each module – format for quizzes is multiple choice. • All material covered in each module is considered material for assessment for quizzes, including all video material (unless otherwise noted). To prepare for each exam, it might be helpful to create an outline of the material covered in each module as you are reading it. I recommend that you review the outline and material before you take each quiz. You will have only one attempt to take each quiz. • Please make sure that you are ready to take the entire quiz once you begin. Once you click on "begin assessment" the clock begins. When the time limit is up - you will not be able to go back and finish the quiz.
3. Mid-Term (300pts)
• 50 comprehensive questions covering Modules 1 - 7 worth six points each in the form of multiple choice. Questions will resemble the type of questions that appear on weekly quizzes. • Below is an example of the format for a question on quizzes and the mid-term.
▪ The University of Central Florida is located in what city?
A. Orlando B. Miami C. Tallahassee D. Gainesville
▪ The athletic team name for the University of Central Florida is the ______.
A. UCF Knights B. UCF Bears 6
C. UCF Koalas D. UCF Buffalos
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
January 6 – 18 – Module One and Module Two
• Syllabus – Quiz 1 – Sunday January 12 – 5pm - Financial and Attendance Quiz • Module 1 - Theoretical Frameworks: Analyzing African American Drama • For My People – Poem • Module Two: The Civil Rights and the Black Power Movement • Brief History African American Theatre • The Civil Rights: The Roots for the Black Arts Movement • Faces of the Black Power Movement/ Feminist Freedom Warriors - Angela Davis • Quiz 2 – Saturday January 18
January 18 – 26 – Module Three
• Module Three - The Black Arts Movement and Plays • The Beginning of the Black Arts Movement • Read Dutchman • The Rise of the Black Arts Movement • Quiz 3 – Sunday January 26
January 26 – February 8 – Module Four and Five
• Module Four – Women and the Black Arts Movement • Black Arts Movement – Gender Issues 7
• Black women’s manifesto • Module Five - Major Female Playwrights of the Black Arts Movement • Lorraine Hansberry, Sonia Sanchez, Adrienne Kennedy and Alice Childress • Ntozake Shange • Read for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf • Quiz 4 -Saturday Feb 8
February 8 – 20 – Module Six
• Module Six - August Wilson • August Wilson: The Pittsburg Cycle and The Four B's • UCF Gallery – The Piano Lesson Video • Read The Piano Lesson • Quiz Five – February 20
Feb 20 - Feb 26 – Module Seven
• Module Seven – Black Broadway Milestones • Quiz Six -February 26
Feb 26 – March 3 - Module Eight - Review and Mid-Term
• Module Eight – Time for you to review your notes for mid-term • Mid-term March 3
Spring Break – March 9-13
March 16 -29 - Module Nine 8
The Next Generation – Beyond the Black Arts Movement
• Module Nine – The Next Generation – Beyond the Black Arts Movement • A New Black Aesthetic • Suzi Lori Parks – In the Blood • Lynn Nottage Ruined • George C Wolfe • Quiz Seven – March 29
March 29 – April 6 – Module Ten 21st Century Living Newspaper Playwrights
• Module Ten – 21th Century Living Newspaper Playwrights • Anna Deavere Smith • Read Fires in the Mirror – by Anna Deavere Smith • View Video Reading- Hands Up: 6 Playwrights: 6 Testaments by Nathan James, Nathan Yunberberg, Idris Goodwin, Glenn Gordon, Dennis Allen II, Eric Holmes o Link for Hands Up below – This is a reading, in that people will have scripts in their hands - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kurybA9V_g • Read – Trayvon Martin: Playscript • Watch Video - Why Black Lives Matter – Alicia Garza • Watch Video – Pipeline by Dominique Morissau • The Influence of the Hip Culture and Theatre • Quiz Eight - April 6
April 6 -12- Module Eleven The New Generation
• Module Eleven – The New Generation • Black Theatres in the US Building, Thriving, Surviving • How a New generation of Black Playwrights is taking on Race and Privilege in the Current Political Climate • 10 Works Over 5 Years by Black Playwrights. All Intended to Unnerve • Quiz Nine – April 12
9
Final Paper Due - Friday April 17, 2020 by 5pm
GRADING
GRADING SCALE 95 – 100 /A 83 – 80/ B- 69 - 67/ D+ 94 – 90 / A- 79 – 77/ C+ 66 - 64/ D 89 - 87 / B+ 76 - 74/ C 63 - 60/ D- 86 – 84/ B 73 – 70/ C- Below 60/ F
**Missed Assignments/ Make-Ups/ Extra Credit The instructor does not accept late assignments or make- ups for assignments and assessments once the assignment or assessment date has passed without official documentation. The instructor does not offer extra credit.
INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT
Theatre is meant to mirror the human experience. This course will include the political, social and emotional points of views of the playwrights, essayists, authors and political figures represented in the texts and material. There will be characters who are racist, sexist, identity intolerant, violent and predatory. In all cases, the playwrights and essayists have created these characters, their language and/or points of view in order to mirror the truth of the African American experience.
UCF CORE STATEMENTS
Academic Integrity
Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct at
1. Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating. 2. Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project. 3. Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written 10
permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc. 4. Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work. 5. Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own. 6. Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor. 7. Helping another violate academic behavior standards.
For more information about Academic Integrity, consult the International Center for Academic Integrity
For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”
Responses to Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule
Course Accessibility Statement
The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need disability-related access in this course should contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Campus Safety Statement
Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise during class, everyone needs to work together. Students should be aware of their surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.
• In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance. • Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Students should make a note of the guide’s physical location and review the online version at
• Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency. • If there is a medical emergency during class, students may need to access a first-aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those are located, see
Campus Safety Statement for Students in Online-Only Courses Though most emergency situations are primarily relevant to courses that meet in person, such incidents can also impact online students, either when they are on or near campus to participate in other courses or activities or when their course work is affected by off-campus emergencies. The following policies apply to courses in online modalities.
• To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to
Make-Up Assignments for Authorized University Events or Co-curricular Activities
Students who represent the university in an authorized event or activity (for example, student-athletes) and who are unable to meet a course deadline due to a conflict with that event must provide the instructor with documentation in advance to arrange a make-up. No penalty will be applied if documentation is presented and confirmed. For more information, see the UCF policy at
Religious Observances
Students must notify their instructor in advance if they intend to miss class for a religious observance. For more information, see the UCF policy at
Deployed Active Duty Military Students Students who are deployed active duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements
Resources Provided by the University 12
UCF Police | http://police.ucf.edu | 407-823-5555
Title IX Coordinator, Dawn Welkie | http://eeo.ucf.edu | [email protected] | 407- 823-1336
Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Dana Juntunen | http://osrr.sdes.ucf.edu | [email protected] | 407-823- 4683
Lead Title IX Investigator, Sarah Laake | http://osrr.sdes.ucf.edu | [email protected] | 407-823-4683
Student Conduct | http://osc.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-4638
Victim Services | http://victimservices.ucf.edu | 407-823-1200 .
UCF Cares | http://cares.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-5607
Student Care Services | http://scs.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-5607
Health Services | http://hs.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-2701
Counseling and Psychological Services | http://caps.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-2811
Shield | http://shield.ucf.edu/students | 407-823-1200
Student Legal Services | http://sls.sdes.ucf.edu | 407-823-2538