san antonio college
Theatre & Speech Department
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DRAMA 1351 ACTING I SYLLABUS
Department of Theatre and Speech Communication (Rev. 11/05)
San Antonio College 1300 San Pedro San Antonio, Texas 78212
Course Number/Title: DRAMA 1351 - ACTING ONE 3 Credit Hours
INSTRUCTOR:
Office: Office Phone: FAX: (210) 785-8464
Email:
Web Address: www.accd.edu/sac/theatre/default.htm
Office hours: 9:00a.m.-12:00 p.m. MWF, 5:30-6:30 p.m. M
I. Catalog Description: Drama 1351-Acting I is a performance oriented class whose goal is to teach the craft of acting through lecture, practical application, and class exercise.
Our principle emphases will be:
1. The development of basic skills and techniques of acting
2. Increased sensory awareness through an exploration of movement, body and space.
3. Exercises to explore the creation of a character.
II. Required Background: None
III. Text: Acting One, 4th edition, Robert Cohen
IV. Methods of Instruction: Any or all of the following: class lecture, class discussion, small group exercises and classroom performances and laboratory practicum’s.
V. Course Content:
A. To successfully complete this course the student will need to demonstrate a mastery of the basic techniques of acting including learning proper theatrical terms, analyzing dramatic literature, researching and developing characters, monologue and dialogue memorization and performance, and analyzing theatrical productions. The student will attend at least two theatrical productions, write a production critique, perform both a monologue performance examination and a final performance examination and complete 15 laboratory practicum hours outside of class.
B. Criteria for each assignment will be handed to the student who will be graded on how accurately they follow the criteria. Failure to follow the criteria can mean a lower grade.
C. Character analysis will be due for each performance. The analysis will be collected on the day the student is to perform, must be typed and will be graded.
VI. Learning Outcomes:
A. Learning Outcome 1: The student will write a theatrical production analysis from a live theatrical performance.
Performance Objective/Methods of Measurement:
1. The student will attend two live theatrical productions during the semester in which they are enrolled.
2. The student will demonstrate a basic understanding of play
structure using Aristotle’s components of order and organization to write a production critique from one of the productions viewed during the semester.
B. Learning Outcome 2: The student will be responsible for reading and researching dramatic literature with the purpose of finding characters to perform.
Performance Objective/Method of Measurement:
1. The student will be evaluated on the ability to find and analyze characters from contemporary and classical literature.
2. The student will engage in critical thinking skills by selecting a variety of characters from literature and mastering the ability to memorize lines and bring these characters to life onstage.
3. The student also uses critical thinking skills through categorization, clarification, analysis, and explanation during in class discussions.
C. Learning Outcome3: The student will perform a memorized monologue chosen from researching dramatic literature.
Performance Objective/Method of Measurement:
1. The student will perform a memorized monologue in class in front of a live audience as part of their evaluation.
2. The student will be evaluated by the instructor and fellow class members on their ability to create and perform a character from contemporary or classical literature. Basic techniques of characterization will be assessed and evaluated.
D. Learning Outcome 4: The student actors will perform dialogues chosen from researching contemporary and classical literature.
Performance Objective/Method of Measurement:
1. The student will perform a memorized dialogue with a partner as a part of the course requirements for this class.
2. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the characters being performed by writing a character analysis for each character they perform.
3. The student will be evaluated by the instructor and fellow class members on their ability to create and perform a dialogue using basic techniques of characterization such as timing, connection, memorization, concentration and conviction.
E. Learning Outcome 5: The student will learn and incorporate the use of basic theatrical terms and theories used in this discipline
1. The student will be tested on their ability to learn and memorize basic terms and theories which are used in theatre training.
2. The student will use proper terms relating to the stage during performances and will be evaluated on their ability to understand and incorporate these term and theories into their performances.
F. Learning Outcome 6: The student will be responsible for completing 15 hours of laboratory practicum time during the semester.
1. The student will be evaluated on their ability to incorporate classroom knowledge with hands on training.
2. The student will keep a time sheet detailing all hours spent outside of class.
VII. Course Requirements and Grade Computation
- College Requirements: A written, comprehensive final examination, not to exceed two and half hours in length, shall be given at the end of each semester for each course at the regularly scheduled time. Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the dean. Other examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor.
A student who must be absent from a final examination should petition that instructor for permission to postpone the examination. A student absent without permission from a final examination is graded “F”. Postponed examinations result in a grade of incomplete. The final exam must be taken within 120 calendar days from the end of the semester or the grade automatically becomes an “F”. (SAC Bulletin)
- Departmental Requirements: The student is responsible for contacting the instructor to complete a recorded “I” grade. Any student in any theatre course is required by complete AT LEAST fifteen hours of laboratory outside of scheduled class.
- Instructor Requirements: Attendance: Acting One is a skills oriented class and as such much emphasis will be placed on performing. At the beginning of the semester, most of our class time will be spent exploring space, movement, and the body. Since this work cannot be made up outside class, your attendance is mandatory. You will be allowed three absences. After your fourth absence you will be considered dropped from this class. It is your responsibility to go to admissions and drop the course. If you do not do this, or if the forth absence occurs after the drop date you will receive an F in the class. The instructor may, at his discretion, drop you for excessive absences. Failure to show up or failure to speak on your assigned performance date will result in an ‘F’ for that performance assignment. If you anticipate a problem see me well in advance of your performance date. Except for extreme emergencies (with proof) there are no make ups.
D. Grade Breakdown of Assignments:
Your final grade will be based on the following:
1. Daily Class Participation 15%
2. Lab Hours 15%
3. Two Character Analysis Papers 10% (each)
4. Production Critique 10%
5. Midterm Scene 15%
6. Monologue 15%
6. Final Examination 10%
Performance Quality: All assignments and work presented in and to this class must be polished and well prepared. All scenes and monologues must be memorized and stage decisions very evident. Please plan to be prepared and ready to perform on your scheduled date. You are also expected to prepare adequately by reading text material and other handouts as well as, being a good audience member. Test and written reports will be assigned and will be discounted if not turned in on assigned dates. Your grade will be lowered considerably if you fail to follow instructions. Both the mid-term, and final examinations and performances must be given to receive any grade in this class. Failure to take the mid-term or final exams or performances will result in a grade of "F."
College Policies:
A. San Antonio College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability with respect to access employment programs or services.
B. Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of twelve (12) must not be left unattended on campus. College Academic Council, April 1998
C. ADA Statement: As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if accommodation is needed contact the Office of Disability Support Services, CAC 124C, 733-2347.
D. A Rapid Response Team exists for the purpose of responding to emergencies. If you have a disability that will require assistance in the even of a building evacuation, notify Disability Support Services, Chance Academic Center 124C, Phone (210) 733-2347
E. Academic Dishonesty: Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but it not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For Additional information refer to the “Student Code of Conduct” in the San Antonio College Bulletin.
F. Students are required to silence all electronic devices (e.g., pagers, cell phones, etc.) when in the classrooms, laboratories, and the library. College Academic Council, 1/2000
G. San Antonio College Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance at all classes and laboratories, day/and evenings, is required. A student absent for any reason is responsible for all work missed. Both tardiness and early departure from class are forms of absenteeism. The instructor establishes the policy with regard to each.
H. San Antonio College is a smoke free campus.
I. ACCD DPS Emergency Phone Numbers:
ACCD DPS Emergency Phone (210) 222-0911
ACCD DPS General Phone (210) 208-8099
ACCD DPS Weather Hotline (210) 208-8189 (for information on college closures)
J. Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the “Student Code of Conduct” and all other policies set forth in the San Antonio College Bulletin.