University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus College of Humanities Department of English Undergraduate Program – Fall 2016
Course Title: Drama Code: Ingles 3217; Credit Hours 3 Instructor: Dr. Christopher Olsen, E-MAIL: [email protected], phone during office hours 764-0000 (8-9122) or leave message with English Dept. Classes: Tues&Thurs; 11:30am-12:50pm. LPM 309. Office Hours, Tues&Thurs, 1- 2:30pm or by appointment. Prerequisites: None Texts: Plays and essays will be available at Chevere Copy Center or you can purchase them on your own. The plays include Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen; Antigone by Sophocles; Hamlet by Shakespeare; Suburbia by Eric Bogosian; Machinal by Sophie Treadwell; Angels in America by Tony Kushner; Private Lives by Noel Coward, Beyond Therapy by Christopher Durang. Course Description: This class is designed to explore different genres of plays in which you will be also learning about theatre history, understanding performance theory, and developing practical skills in theatre making. You will be better prepared to read, understand, and criticize play scripts. You will be asked to do some research as part of a group on a particular genre of theatre. By the end of the course, it is expected that you will have a strong understanding of different genres of plays. This may sound like a challenging course (it is!), but I guarantee that your enthusiasm and participation will make this adventure an exciting ride. Good luck! Course Objectives: 1. To gain a better critical understanding and aesthetic appreciation of drama. 2. To be able to better identify the language and terminology associated with drama. 3. To develop critical writing skills about drama. 4. To develop research skills. 5. To develop critical thinking skills 6. To be able to perform dramatic materials 7. To know the basic language of performance. Research Project: Make a presentation to the class on the work and era of one of the playwrights we are studying. This assignment includes handing in a short paper on the topic.
Play Reviews: Write one short critical theatre review.
Exams: There will be two exams.
Class Participation: This class is a discussion and participation class. You are expected to contribute INGLES 3217/2
in the discussion and participate in performance exercises. You will be receiving an attendance/participation grade.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. You will be excused for two (2) classes without penalty. Any further absences will adversely affect your grade.
Grading: The course is based on 400 points. The breakdown is as follows: Exams (2) = 200 pts.; Quizzes = 40 pts.; Group Class Presentation=50 pts.; Theatre Review=50 pts.; Class Attendance/ Participation = 60 pts. Grade Scale: 448-500 = A; 395-447 = B; 347-394 = C; 300-346 = D; 0-299 = F.
Class Schedule
Class Dates Assignments
Week Aug. 8-14 Introduction and what is Drama? What is a Genre?
Topic #1: What is Realism?
Week Aug 15-21 Hedda Gabler Read Hedda Gabler Early Realism
Week Aug. 22-28 Hedda Gabler Begin Suburbia Realism Today
Week Aug. 29-Sept.4 Suburbia Finish Suburbia
Topic #2: What is Non-Realism?
Week Sept. 5-11 Group Presentation on Realism Read Machinal
Week of Sept. 12-18 Expressionism Finish Machinal Machinal
Week Sept. 19-25 Political Symbolism Read Angels in Angels in America America
Week Sept. 26-Oct. 2 Angels in America Angels in America
Week Oct. 5-9 Group Presentation on Non-Realism Round-up on Modern Theatre Practice
INGLES 3217/3
Topic #3: What is Comedy?
Week Oct. 10-16 Midterm Exam & Intro to Comedy
Week of Oct. 17-23 Private Lives Begin Private Lives Comedy of Wit
Week Oct. 24-30 Begin Beyond Therapy Finish Private Lives Comedy of Identity
Week Oct. 31-Nov. 6 Beyond Therapy & Group Presentation of Comedy
Topic #4: What is Tragedy?
Week Nov. 7-13 Antigone Read Antigone Ancient Greek Tragedy Final Theatre Reviews Due
Week Nov. 14-20 Finish Antigone & Hamlet Read Hamlet Tragedy in the Renaissance
Week Nov. 21-27 Hamlet Finish Hamlet Thanksgiving Break!
Week Nov. 28-Dec. 4 Hamlet & Group Presentation on Tragedy
Week of Dec. 5 Final Exam – Time to be determined
Ley 51 Los estudiantes que reciban servicios de Rehabilitación Vocacional deben comunicarse con el (la) profesor(a) al inicio del semestre para planificar el acomodo razonable y equipo asistivo necesario conforme a las recomendaciones de la Oficina de Asuntos para las Personas con impedimento (OAPI) del Decanato de Studiantes. También aquellos estudiantes con necesidades especiales que requieren de algún tipos de asistencia o acomodo deben comunicarse con el (la) profesor(a).
Reminders:
· You are expected to attend ALL classes and you should provide a WRITTEN excuse if you miss more than three classes. · After the midterm, a written warning will be given to students whose work in class is inadequate (a “D” or “F” grade). · · INGLES 3217/4 · · Your requirements for passing this course include the following:
Two Exams One Group Presentation Eight Quizzes One Theatre Review
· Any form of cheating will result in dismissal from the class.
· In order to receive an “A,” it is expected that you are contributing beyond the requirements of the course and are consistently scoring high grades on all your assignments.
· In order to receive a “B,” your work in consistently above standard and your work is on a level which is superior to the average.
· In order to receive a “C,” you are fulfilling the requirements of the course but are doing only the minimum needed to pass.
· I don’t expect to give out any “Ds” or “Fs.”