THR 225A: AMERICA ON STAGE
SPRING 2004
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Baraka, Amiri. Dutchman.
Glaspell, Susan. Trifles.
Greenberg, Richard. Take Me Out.
Hellman, Lillian. The Children’s Hour.
Hwang, David Henry. M. Butterfly.
Kennedy, Adrienne. A Movie Star Has to Star in Black and White.
Kushner, Tony. Angels in America.
Miller, Arthur. Death of a Salesman.
Odetts, Clifford. Waiting for Lefty.
Smith, Anna Deveare. Fires in the Mirror.
Valdez, Luis. I Don’t Have to Show You No Stinkin’ Badges!
Wilson, August. Fences.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In his essay “Cultural Hegemony and Theatre History,” Bruce McConachie outlines how analysis of plays from America’s past and present illuminate how the theatre has both reinforced and challenged existing social relations. Using McConachie’s essay as a basis, we will engage in an exploration of the images of Americans as they have been presented on popular stages from the nineteenth century to the present and consider how those images have helped shape our perceptions of our place within American society. Issues of diversity and identity, such as ethnicity, race, gender, and sexuality, will be examined through course readings as we attempt to answer how the theatre has answered the question, “What does it mean to be an American?” This course counts towards a theatre major and minor. It may also be used to fulfill the general education requirement in the Arts for non-majors.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Throughout this semester students will:
· gain knowledge of the ways in which theatre production and dramatic literature have both shaped and reflected America’s perception of itself.
· become familiar with the cultural trends, beliefs, and ideologies that have dictated what appears on America’s stages as well as what role the theatre has played in American society.
·
· further develop their reading, research, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills through course assignments and class discussion.
CLASS POLICIES:
1. No make-up assignments, quizzes, or exams are allowed without documentation of an illness or emergency.
2. Papers and assignments are to be turned into during class on the scheduled due date. I will only accept hard copies (not via email). Late papers will be penalized ten points for each day after the deadline. Papers which are five or more days late will be given an automatic zero.
3. If you have any condition, such as a physical or mental disability, that will make it difficult for you to meet the requirements of the course, please notify me during the first two weeks of class so we can make the appropriate accommodations.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Quizzes – Four quizzes will be given in class throughout the semester (see calendar for specific dates). These will enable me to see that students are keeping up with and understanding the course material, and they serve as quick reviews to aid students in preparation for the exams. Quizzes will usually consist of multiple-choice questions, short answers, and/or perhaps an essay question.
2. Student Presentations – Each student will present research on a playwright, theatre company, or theatrical event. Generally, presentations should last between 15 and 20 minutes (including time for questions and discussion) and include handouts and visual aids. Handouts should be 2-3 pages in length and include a bibliography in MLA format with a minimum of 4 sources in addition to your textbook. See me if you ever need assistance in locating resources.
3. Performance Critique – Students
4. Research Paper – This 7-10 page paper will be due on. It may deal with any aspect of American theatre whether we have directly discussed it in class or not. However, you should avoid turning in a simple summary or biographical account of an artist, company, or event. I expect this paper to have a clearly stated argument (thesis) and to be a thoughtful, thorough analysis/critical investigation of your topic. A one-paragraph proposal will be due on, your first three pages will be due on , and during the final week of class you will present your paper topic to your classmates. A bibliography of your sources (8 minimum) is a required part of this assignment and should be handed in with your paper. All written assignments for this class MUST be typed (unless otherwise stated), double-spaced, formatted in Roman Numeral 12 pt. font, and PROOFREAD. I will take points off for sloppy grammar.
**Grades for these assignments will be based primarily upon your level of work in four main areas: research, organization, preparation, and creativity (independent thinking). Work that meets the minimum requirements will earn a “C.” A “B” assignment will show some depth of thought and good use of materials, while an “A” assignment will show significant depth of thought and excellent use of materials.
BLACKBOARD: I may use Blackboard periodically this semester to post readings, assignments, and links to relevant and useful web sites, but you will always be forewarned of these postings. If you happen to miss class, be sure to check the blackboard site in the event I issue an assignment in your absence.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: You are expected to attend all classes. Two unexcused absences will be granted to you, but five points will be subtracted from your final grade for each additional unexcused absence. For the record, an excused absence requires written documentation (a doctor’s note, a police report, a note from another teacher, etc.). Attendance is taken at the start of class and tardiness will be noted and can affect your grade.
Participation in this class means active involvement in relevant class discussion and group activities. The best piece of advice I can give you is this: In order to critically engage with the material and your classmates, while reading you should take notes, make observations and ask questions. Write down all questions that are raised as you read the material and bring them to class for discussion. This will make the class more interesting for you as well as for the other students in the class. These notes will also be enormously helpful as you study for your midterm and final exams.
GRADING:
Midterm Exam 80 pts.
Final Exam 100 pts.
Report 60 pts.
Paper 100 pts.
Presentation of Paper 10 pts.
Production Critique
Quizzes/Assignments 60 pts.
Attendance/Participation 30 pts.
440 pts.*
*The total number of available points for the semester may change depending on the amount of daily work that is assigned.
GRADING SCALE:
A= 93-100 (A), 90-92 (A-)
B= 88-89 (B+), 83-87 (B), 80-82 (B-)
C= 78-79 (C+), 73-77 (C), 70-72 (C-)
D= 68-69 (D+), 63-67 (D), 60-62 (D-)
F= 59 and below
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY: Academic honesty and integrity is expected of all students. I treat cheating of any sort, electronic or human, very seriously. The written work you hand in or present in class must be your own, no mater how small the assignment, and the sources informing both your ideas and prose should be properly acknowledged. I will avail myself of W&J resources to detect digital plagiarism. If a student is found guilty of plagiarism, he or she will receive a failing grade in the course. If you are confused in any way about this, please see me. Information about W&J regulations concerning plagiarism and academic misconduct can be found in the College Catalog.
CALENDAR:
Week 1
W 3 Feb. Introduction to the Course
F 6 Feb.
Week 2
M 9 Feb.
W 11 Feb.
F 13 Feb.
Week 3
M 16 Feb.
W 18 Feb.
F 20 Feb.
Week 4
M 23 Feb.
W 25 Feb.
F 27 Feb.
Week 5
M 1 Mar.
W 3 Mar.
F 5 Mar.
Week 6
M 8 Mar.
W 10 Mar.
F 12 Mar.
Week 7
M 15 Mar.
W 17 Mar.
F 19 Mar.
Week 8 NO CLASSES – SPRING BREAK
Week 9
M 29 Mar.
W 31 Mar.
F 2 Apr.
Week 10
M 5 Apr.
W 7 Apr.
F 9 Apr.
Week 11
M 12 Apr.
W 14 Apr.
F 16 Apr.
Week 12
M 19 Apr.
W 21 Apr.
F 23 Apr.
Week 13
M 26 Apr.
W 28 Apr.
F 30 Apr.
Week 14
M 3 May
W 5 May
F 7 May
Week 15
M 10 May Summary and Review
Final Exam – Date and Time TBA
*Instructor will provide text.