Time Schedule:
David U. Garfinkle
DRAMA 201
Seattle Campus
Introduces theatre practitioners to the principles of play construction, to the process of reading and conceiving plays for production, and to the basic vocabulary of artistic styles through which plays are produced.
Class description
The skills of play analysis are fundamental for actors, directors, designers, playwrights and critics, and continue to inform research in dramatic literature and theatrical history, even in our postmodern era. Although the emphasis of this introductory level course is on the Western tradition beginning with Aristotle, students will investigate a range of sample plays and theories from different periods and countries, reflecting diverse aesthetic and political approaches. This student-centered course has been designed to integrate content, theory and practice for the analysis of dramatic style, historical genre and theatrical production. Students will be able to understand developments in formal features, styles and genres from the Classical tragedy through the early modern to postmodern stages.
Student learning goals
¥ analysis of English language dramatic works by form, structure, language and style
¥ analysis of plays for critical, directorial and performative practices;
¥ distinguish historical developments of dramatic, stylistic and theatrical features within the Western tradition;
¥ explain stylistic features of dramatic lines, scenes and plays by genre and era;
¥ analyze and discuss a wide range of works from the Western dramatic canon;
¥ utilize a range of learning activities to meet the course learning goals;
General method of instruction
Learning activities include in-class, small group and independent assignments, discussions and presentations. A series of types of worksheets have been designed to cover the requisite skills and vocabulary necessary for the course. These include: definitions (#1-10) for concepts and vocabulary, worksheets (#1-6) for the application of analytic skills, line-sheets (#1-6) for particular details of dramatic language, and playsheets (#1-11) to analyze sample plays. Worksheets will be posted on-line on the course website for ease of access. Most work will be completed during class time within the classroom or the drama library, except for the required readings of plays and theory, and attendance at two required School of Drama productions. Students will make small group and independent presentations to share their work. Presentation schedules will be posted on-line on the course website.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites are necessary for course completion. The course is taught in English and all texts will be in English translation.
Class assignments and grading
Students will be assessed by in-class participation, completion of worksheet assignments and two exams. Students will make two small group presentations, one in each half of the course, and one of an independent nature near the end of the course, based upon a personal selection and conceptual analysis of a play.
The course is divided in two with exams for the mid-term and at course completion. All worksheets covered up to each exam will be turned in at that time. The final exam is cumulative for the whole course. See the syllabus for grading details.
