Course Syllabus: Theatre Arts 15 Voice and Diction

FALL 2005

MW 8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Course Code: 42920, 42688

Instructor: Kathleen Normington

Office: HGH 234

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 1:30 –2:30 PM and Tuesday & Thursday 12 – 1 PM

And By Appointment

Phone: 924-4542

E-mail: KJObrien@AOL.com

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This course is for the serious acting student but also for any student who wishes to develop and strengthen their speaking voice and speech. Developing a flexible vocal instrument that can convey the ideas, thoughts, and feelings of the playwright in a way that can be easily heard and understood by an audience in a live theatre performance but still retain the uniqueness of the performer is the goal for this course. Students will learn and apply the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to classical and modern texts and later in the semester to dialect work.

Methodology. Participation in class exercises including physical relaxation and vocal exercises. Analysis of text emphasizing voice and speech choices which are an essential component of an actor's performance. Scoring the text will include transcribing American English to IPA American Stage Standard English as well as scansion. Memorized and prepared performances include solo efforts and scene work with a partner. In addition there will be a midterm and final graded performance. You will also be required to schedule two coaching sessions outside of class time with the instructor.

Required Texts. Course Reader (Available in the A.S. Print Center )

Recommended Texts. A Shakespeare Glossary by C.T. Onions

English Pronouncing Dictionary with CD-ROM by Daniel Jones

A Pronouncing Dictionary of American English by John Kenyon

Additional Reading Materials. Will be distributed in class during the course of the semester and should be considered as supplements to the text. This material should be kept in a 3-ring binder and brought to every class session.

Class Attire. Appropriate for freedom of movement. This class requires some physical activity so please wear suitable clothing. Long hair kept out of your face and distracting jewelry removed during class time.

Bring to Every Class. Notebook with class notes and material including scene and monologue scripts, pencil and highlighter pen. Towel or mat for floor exercises. You will also need a tape recorder and blank tape for in class recording and a hand mirror.

Grading. Assignment Points

1. Participation 15

2. Quizzes, Homework, Exercises 20

3. Midterm 25

4. Dialect Scene 10

5. Final 30

TOTAL 100

Course Grade Scale

100-97 points = A+ 89-87 = B+ 79-76 = C+ 69-66 = D+

96-93 points = A 86-83 = B 75-73 = C 65-63 = D

92-90 points = A- 82-80 = B- 72-70 = C- 62-60 = D-

59 & below = F

Participation. Professional actors are prompt, prepared and responsible. Unlike other university classes, you cannot learn the material if you are not physically present in class. Evidence of participation includes: regular and prompt class participation, involvement in discussion and activities, obvious preparation of assignments and exercises. Because this class meets only twice a week, you will be expected to do the vocal exercises on your own time to fully develop your voice and to eliminate any vocal problems. You will also be required to meet with the instructor at least two times outside of class during the semester.

Quizzes, Homework, Exercises. There will be two quizzes on IPA, as well as other written work assigned throughout the semester.

Midterm and Final Performances. Specific guidelines and grade rubric will be given out for each assignment. Each performance will require a written analysis. The instructor will assign appropriate and challenging material for each student, however if there is something in particular that you would like to work on, please let the instructor know. At the end of the semester you will have two strong audition pieces to add to your repertoire.

*********Class Commitment. This group has a collective responsibility to treat each other with respect and kindness. You will be timely, prepared and committed to working with your fellow classmates in and out of class. All opinions will be considered worthy but negativity and disrespect will not be tolerated.

San Jose State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation in this course please tell the instructor as soon as possible so that we can make the necessary accommodations.

Plagiarism : University regulations require that instructors report any instance of academic dishonesty to the Judicial Affairs Officer. One form of academic dishonesty is plagiarism - - taking ideas, writing, or work from another person or source and representing them as one's own. Plagiarism includes both having someone else write your papers and cutting and pasting from the Internet without crediting the actual author. For advice on how to avoid plagiarism, consult the following site:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html

Theatre Arts 15 Tentative Course Calendar FALL 2005

(Subject to change at the instructor's discretion)

Date Learning Units/ Classwork Assignment

FINAL: Wednesday, December 14 7:15 AM - 9:30 AM