Mar 28, 2024  
2020 - 2021 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2020 - 2021 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

THE2730 THEATRE APPRECIATION COURSE PROCEDURE


THE 2730 THEATRE APPRECIATION

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:

This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or sophomore year.

Catalog Description:
THE 2730 - THEATRE APPRECIATION (3 hrs.) [KRSN THT1010]

The goal of this course is to create an interest in and appreciation of the exciting world of theatre.  No theatre background is necessary and the students are not required to perform.  Units of study include theatre spaces, theatre history, acting styles, playwriting, musical theatre, as well as the design and technology.  Attendance and evaluation of a live theatre performance is a requirement for successfully completing the class.  Emphasis is placed on appreciation of theatre as a collaborative art and will fulfill three hours of humanities credit towards graduation.

Course Classification:

Lecture

Prerequisites:

None

Controlling Purpose:

Theatre is an entertaining and enlightening part of our social and cultural fabric.  Theatre Appreciation is designed to broaden the student’s understanding of theatre and its relationship to history and the world.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of this class, the student will be able to explain:

  1. Classify and define theatre performance terminology, concepts, and elements.
  2. Analyze and evaluate plays and performances.
  3. Identify and describe historical context of theatre.
  4. Describe the collaborative nature of theatre.

Core Outcomes:

The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course outline or syllabus meet or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Groups project for this course as approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.

Units Outcomes and Criterion Based Evaluation:

The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period.  Instructors may add other material as time allows.

UNIT 1:  ORIENTATION: ELEMENTS, GENRE AND STRUCTURE

Outcomes:  The student will define theatre and recognize the structure of a play.          

  • Establish a working definition of theatre.
  • Examine the elements of theatre: art, crafts, impersonation, and performance.
  • Classify plays according to genre.
  • Analyze the structure of a play by identifying its components.

UNIT 2:  EARLY GREEK THEATRE

Outcomes:  The student will identify the origins and explain the evolution of theatre.       

  • Discover the birth of theatre.
  • Identify and explain the impact of the Greek gods and goddesses.
  • Analyze plot and character in Oedipus Rex

UNIT 3:  SHAKESPEARE

Outcomes:  The student will appraise the impact of Shakespeare on modern theatre.      

  • Explore the impact of the Renaissance on Europe in general and on theatre specifically.
  • Analyze plot and character in Twelfth Night.
  • Evaluate Shakespeare’s influence on modern theatre.

UNIT 4:  THE ACTOR

Outcomes:  The student will appreciate the complex requirements and unique history of modern acting.       

  • Analyze acting through the elements of imitation, embodiment, technique, virtuosity, and magic.
  • Discuss the process of and skills involved in becoming an actor.
  • Investigate the history of modern performance through the Moscow Art Theatre and Group Theatre

UNIT 5:  THE PLAYWRIGHT

Outcomes:  The student will recognize the elements of a quality play as well as the names and styles of noted playwright.         

  • Contrast the playwright’s role in early and modern theatre.
  • Appraise modern professional playwriting skills and rewards.
  • Employ basic playwriting skills by developing an original script.
  • Analyze the qualities of a fine play.
  • Read and evaluate A Streetcar Named Desire to compare and contrast writing styles and dramatic structure.

UNIT 6:  ANALYZE AND EVALUATE A LIVE PERFORMANCE

Outcomes:  The student will critically evaluate key components of a live performance.         

  • Identify components of the main genres.
  • Identify elements of plot and structure.
  • Students are required to attend and evaluate a live performance of a play or musical.

UNIT 7: THEATRICAL DESIGN

Outcomes: The student will recognize and appreciate the different areas and fundamentals of theatrical design.

  • Identify the main areas of theatrical design.
  • Understand and identify the main components of theatrical design.

UNIT 8: MUSICAL THEATRE

Outcomes: Students will understand and articulate basic musical theatre history and identify the anatomy of a musical.

  • Analyze the musical form through critically viewing Company by Stephen Sondheim.
  • Recognize and state the major movements in American musical theatre.
  • Appreciate the construction of a musical from conception to final performance.

Projects Required:

As assigned

Textbook:

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Materials/Equipment Required:

Attendance Policy: 

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy:

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size:

Based on classroom occupancy

Course Time Frame:

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college.  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program: 

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.