DRAM3290 Syllabus Spring 2010 Prof Carlson/page 4
University of Georgia Professor Marla Carlson
Script Analysis (DRAM 3290.78-120)
Spring 2010 Course Syllabus
MWF 1:25-2:15 p.m. 201 Fine Arts Bldg.
Office: 254 Fine Arts Bldg. Office Hours: M 11:30-1:00, Th 12:30-2:00
E-mail: and by appointment
Course description. Introduces and applies methods for analyzing scripts intended for performance. We will read 10 plays and explore different tools for understanding them, including Ball’s backwards-and-forwards analysis, classical dramatic analysis based on Aristotle, and Stanislavski-based analysis of actions. Students will attend University Theatre performances and use the appropriate tools to write production analyses. The semester will culminate in a creative project.
Learning goals. Students who complete this course successfully will be able to:
· Analyze scripts using the tools of theatre practitioners
· Reverse-analyze theatrical performances to identify the interpretive contribution of the director, designers, and actors
· Visualize a staging when reading a play
· Understand various genres and styles of drama and theatre
· Use standard terminology and concepts from dramatic criticism and theatrical practice
Required texts. The following texts are available at the UGA bookstore:
· Ball, David. Backwards and Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1983.
· Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. NY: Washington Square Press, 1992
· Wise, Jennifer and Craig S. Walker. The Broadview Anthology of Drama: Plays from the Western Theatre. Concise Edition. Toronto: Broadview Press, 2005.
Additional readings will be posted on the eLC class site. Assigned texts must be read carefully in advance and then brought to class for further work together. Either print out the readings on eLC or bring a laptop to class.
Online resources. Assignment guidelines and certain readings will be posted on eLC.
Course requirements and evaluation. Requirements for the following assignments will be discussed in class and explained in assignment guides posted on eLC. You are responsible for consulting and understanding these guidelines.
1. Four 4-page production analyses, each 10% (40%).
2. Class participation, including discussion, prepared presentation of script analysis exercises, and small-group exercises in class (20%).
3. Pop quizzes on the reading and in-class writing exercises (10%). No make ups if you miss a quiz.
4. Final project: group scene presentation; director’s approach; design; or original script (20%), to be agreed upon by week 11 (3/24) and presented to the class during the final exam period.
5. Written rationale and self-evaluation of final project, 4-6 pages, due at the start of the final exam period (10%)
Late work is accepted only at my discretion and has a negative impact on your grade. All work must be typed and printed out—I don’t accept papers via email.
Required productions and analysis papers. You are required to attend the four University Theatre productions this semester:
1. The Shape of Things: Jan 26-31 @ 8:00 pm Jan 31 @ 2:30 pm, The Cellar Theatre (one week only—reserve your ticket early!)
2. Romeo and Juliet: Feb 18-20, 24-27 @ 8:00 pm Feb 28 @ 2:30 pm, Seney Stovall Chapel (off campus)
3. The Rez Sisters: Mar 23-28 @ 8:00 pm Mar 28 @ 2:30 pm, The Cellar Theatre (one week only—reserve your ticket early!)
4. Spunk: Apr 8-10, 14-17 @ 8:00 pm Apr 18 @ 2:30 pm, The Morton Theatre (off campus)
Write a four-page analysis for each of these productions, due the Monday after the show closes—see “Assignment Guidelines: Production Analysis” on eLC. We will discuss this assignment in class before you see the first production.
Teaching method, class participation, and attendance. This class will proceed by means of discussion and exercises, including regular small-group class facilitation. Students are expected to complete the assigned reading on schedule and to participate actively in every class meeting. Absences, lateness, lack of preparation, or non-participation will lower your grade significantly.
Quizzes and in-class writing. Short quizzes will assess comprehension. Brief in-class writing exercises will help develop skills in preparation for the production analysis papers and final rationale/evaluation as well as focusing your thoughts for discussion. None of these will be announced in advance, and they cannot be made up if missed, regardless of the reason.
Final project. The final project for this class, done individually or as a group, will be presented to the class during the final exam time slot and will include a written rationale and evaluation as well as a creative presentation. Options include a group presentation of a 5-minute scene, memorized; a director’s approach for production; a design for production; or an original script. A project contract must be signed by 3/24. See “Assignment Guidelines: Final Project” on eLC. We will discuss this assignment in class right after spring break.
Academic integrity. All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” All students are responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work.
Disability accommodations. If you have a disability and require classroom accommodations, please see me after class or make an appointment during office hours. If you plan to request accommodations for a disability, please register with the Disability Resource Center at 114 Clark Howell Hall, (706) 542-8719, http://drc.uga.edu/contact_request.php.
Tentative schedule of classes & assignments (changes will be announced in class and on eLC)
Always bring the assigned text to class and read it before the due date
Week / Date / Assigned readings, class meetings / Assignments due, event reminders /1 / F 1/8 / Introductions and review of syllabus. / Buy your books!
2 / M 1/11 / Ball, viii–36—the play’s shape, backwards / Sign up for Hamlet analysis groups
W 1/13 / Hamlet—read the entire play
F 1/15 / Hamlet—Act V (group)
3 / M 1/18 / No Classes: MLK Jr. Holiday
W 1/20 / Hamlet—Acts III & IV (group)
F 1/22 / Hamlet—Acts I & II (group)
4 / M 1/25 / Assignment Guidelines: Production Analysis / Shape of Things opens 1/26, closes 1/31
W 1/27 / Ball, 39-59—exposition & forwards / Sign up for Oedipus analysis groups
F 1/29 / Oedipus Tyrannos
5 / M 2/1 / Production 1 discussion / Shape of Things paper due
W 2/3 / Oedipus (group)
F 2/5 / Oedipus (group)
6 / M 2/8 / Broadview, vii-xi—Aristotle’s elements
W 2/10 / Hedda Gabler / Sign up for Hedda groups
F 2/12 / Ball, 60-96
7 / M 2/15 / Hedda—character group / Romeo and Juliet opens 2/18
W 2/17 / Hedda—image and theme groups
F 2/19 / Uncle Tom’s Cabin / Sign up for challenge groups
8 / M 2/22
W 2/24
F 2/26 / Aunt Dan and Lemon / Romeo and Juliet closes 2/28
9 / M 3/1 / Production 2 discussion / Romeo and Juliet paper due
W 3/3 / Aunt Dan and Lemon (group 1)
F 3/5
3/8-12 / No Classes: Spring Break
10 / M 3/15 / Assignment guidelines: final project
W 3/17 / Final project conferences
F 3/19 / Harlem Duet
11 / M 3/22 / Harlem Duet (group 2) / Rez Sisters opens 3/23, closes 3/28
W 3/24 / Final project contracts due
F 3/26 / Play
12 / M 3/29 / Production 3 discussion / Rez Sisters paper due
W 3/31 / Play (group 3)
F 4/2
13 / M 4/5 / The Conversion of Thais the Whore / Spunk opens 4/8
W 4/7 / Conversion of Thais (group 4)
F 4/9
14 / M 4/12 / Eric Bentley on comedy (eLC)
W 4/14 / The Importance of Being Earnest
F 4/16 / Spunk closes 4/18
15 / M 4/19 / Production 4 discussion / Spunk paper due
W 4/21
F 4/23 / The Frogs
16 / M 4/26 / Deadline for extra credit
W 4/28 / Final project conferences
Th 4/29
Extra credit productions: Thalian Blackfriars production of The Well of Horniness, Jan 15-16 @ 8:00 p.m., Balcony Theatre (room 300), and other shows to be announced on eLC.
If you weren’t happy with your grade on a required production analysis paper, you can substitute a four-page analysis of an extra-credit production—one time only. Otherwise, seeing the show and turning in a one-page response (single spaced) can raise your over-all quiz grade half a point. No extra credit will be accepted after 4/26.