Course Syllabus: Theatre Arts 05 Acting

Fall 2005

MW 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Course Code: 42916

Instructor: Kathleen Normington

Office: HGH 234

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 1:30 –2:00 PM, Tuesday & Thursday 12:00 – 1:00

and By Appointment

Phone: 924-4542

E-mail: KJObrien@AOL.com

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General Education. This course satisfies the Core General Education Requirement for Area C1Arts. Objectives for satisfying the GE requirements are:

1. Students will recognize aesthetic qualities and processes that characterize works of the human intellect and imagination.

2. Students will respond to works of art both analytically (in writing) and affectively (in other forms of personal and artistic expression).

3. Students will write clearly and effectively. Writing shall be assessed for correctness, clarity and conciseness.

Purpose. This course is a basic, introductory acting class teaches students knowledge, understanding, and participation in the ancient art form of acting. Introduction to significant works of drama, film, and electronic media through reading, analysis, discussion, rehearsal, and actual performance, students will explore their physical, intellectual, and emotional resources; develop an understanding of the basic principles of acting; master the skills and discipline to begin formal scene work.

Methodology. Participation in class exercises, rehearsal in and out of class, written script analysis and performance, readings and quizzes on the text, written analysis of live performances at SJSU and elsewhere, individual coaching in class, classroom discussions and critiques.

Student Learning Goals. Students will be able to:

1. Speak the language of the theatre

2. Work confidently in front of an audience

3. Critical analysis of dramatic texts, to determine character objectives, tactics and

obstacles within the structure of a scene.

4. Rehearsal skills: physical and vocal warm-ups, characterization exercises, and

appropriate performance preparation.

5. Learn to work as an ensemble, to collaborate with other actors.

6. Apply critical and creative thinking to an analysis of theatrical performance in the form of a written critique.

Required Texts. Course Reader (Available at the Student Union Copy Center )

Play scripts and additional Reading Materials will be distributed during the semester and should be considered as supplements to the text.

Class Attire. Appropriate for freedom of movement. Avoid wearing clothing that is distracting or limits your ability to move freely and participate in class.

Bring to Every Class. Course Reader and other related reading material including scene and monologue scripts. Notebook for class notes and handouts and pencil and highlighter pen. Towel or mat for floor exercises.

Grading. Assignment Points

1. Introductory Performance 0

2. Participation 25

3. Homework 15

4. Quizzes 15

5. Contentless Scene 15

6. Performance Critiques (2) 40

7. Character Analysis 15

8. Duo Scene Preview 10

9. Duo Scene Performance 30

10. Monologue Preview 10

11. Monologue Performance 25

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TOTAL 200

Course Grade Scale

200-194 points = A+ 179-173 = B+ 159-153 = C+ 139-133 = D+

193-187 points = A 172-166 = B 152-146 = C 132-126 = D

186-180 points = A- 165-160 = B- 145-140 = C- 125-120 = D-

119 & below = F

Participation. Note that about 50% of your grade is based on participation in class and performances, therefore in order to receive participation points you must attend class . I realize that emergencies do arise, so please give your classmates and myself the courtesy of a phone call prior to the missed class. It is up to you to find out about missed material due to an absence.

Homework/Quizzes. Homework includes reading assignments from the course reader and plays assigned in class, rehearsals outside of class time for scene work (a minimum of 4 hours of outside rehearsal time is required for this class) and written assignments. Written work must be typed double spaced, 12 font and turned in on time. Late assignments will be lowered one letter grade for each day the assignment is late. You may turn in most assignments personally to the instructor or by email (by 5 PM on the due date). Quizzes are taken in the first 10 minutes of the class period. There are no make-ups for missed quizzes. Refer to the attached schedule for quiz dates.

Performance Critiques. You are required to attend two performances of the San Jose State University Theatre Arts Department and write a 750-word (an approximately 3 page) performance critique of each. A ticket from the performance must be attached to your analysis. Guidelines and a Grading Rubric for writing these papers can be found in the Course Reader. A ticket stub must be attached to the paper. The paper may be handed in personally to the instructor on the due date listed on the calendar or e-mailed to the instructor (by 5 PM on the due date). If you e-mail a paper please request an acknowledgement of receipt from the instructor and keep the file in your send box. LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE LOWERED ONE LETTER GRADE FOR EACH DAY THE ASSIGNMENT IS LATE. We will be seeing the following productions:

1. Nickel and Dimed by Joan Holden

Dates: October 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 26 at 7pm , October 12 at 11 am Tickets: $10.00 Students(may be bought on the day of performance 30 minutes before curtain time or in advance at the Event Center or online)

Place: University Theatre, San Jose State University

(in Hugh Gillis Hall, entrance by MLK library)

2. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Dates: November 11,12, 17,18,19 at 7pm , November 16 at 11 am

Place: University Theatre, San Jose State University

Tickets: $10.00 Students

You are responsible for reserving and purchasing your own tickets for all performances.

NOTE: Approximately 35 FREE student tickets are available one week prior to the performances at the Associated Students Business Office located in the Student Union Building . It is on a “first come, first served” basis. Ask for a voucher for the University Theatre. CHECK OUT THE DEPARTMENT WEB SITE: www.tvradiofilmtheatre.com

Contentless Scene/Duo Scene/Monologue. These are the three major performance assignments for the semester. Each requires a written character or scene analysis in addition to memorizing lines, blocking, and rehearsing with a partner. The Duo Scene will be your Midterm and the Monologue will be your Final.

Extra Credit. May be made available by the instructor.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST . . .

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 5 Tentative Course Calendar Fall 2005

(Subject to change at the instructor's discretion)

Date Learning Units/Class Work Assignment

FINAL (Monologue Performances): Tuesday, Dec 13 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM