COURSE SYLLABUS FOR
DRAMA—LITERATURE AND TECHNIQUE
What sets the genre of drama apart from other genres of literature is that it can be studied and analyzed for its literary content alone, but then it can be more fully understood through performance--understood better both by the actor and the audience. This unique blend of the written word and artistry of the stage is one characteristic that sets drama apart from other literary genres.
During this semester course, we will be studying and analyzing literary selections of this genre and some of the techniques and the craft that bring it alive on stage. Because of this dual emphasis, there will be the activities normally associated with the English classroom—reading and writing assignments, class discussions, analyzing selections (with an emphasis on character and character development)--plus activities that will help you begin to understand the workings and craft of acting. It should be a challenging course that reveals and teaches things about drama and about yourself as you gain in your ability and appreciation of literature and as you improve your poise and confidence being in front of people.
The following are concepts and skills that we will touch on during semester:
PLAY ANALYSIS
theme
plot
mood
tone
symbolism
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
text and subtext analysis
importance of observation
script clues
finding or inferring a complete picture
KNOWING YOURSELF AND OTHERS
building working relationships
dealing with “stage fright”
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF ACTING
concentration and focus
imagination
PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF ACTING
relaxation
movement
VOCAL SKILLS
breathing and voice preparation
projection and enunciation
The semester will include the following units—each will account for a major grade:
Glass Menagerie
study and analysis of text and characters
analytical and reflective papers on text and characters
performance of a monolog from the play
Mime
study of text and video by Todd Farley
demonstration of basic skills
creation and performance of a mime sketch
Miracle Worker and Flowers for Algernon
analysis of texts and characters
analytical and reflective papers on text and characters
performance of a scene from one of these
Other components of class:
Quizzes (no retests on these)
on all reading assignments for the various plays
on the various chapters in Theater: Preparation and Performance that
emphasize script and character analysis
on chapters in Mimeodrame
Reports
You will need to report on plays you have read and watched, the
number varying with the grade you want to be eligible for:
1 read, 1 watched—eligible for a C or D
2 read, 2 watched—eligible for a B
3 read, 3 watched—eligible for an A
(A slight deviation will be made for those with a role in a
school wide stage production during the semester.)
Journals
Journals, usually on assigned topics, will be due on Fridays.
Culminating Experience
You will prepare and perform a monolog (or two person dialog),
performing it during one of the last 2 periods of the semester.
Grading Scale
School scale will be followed:
A: 100-95 B-: 86, 85 D+: 76,75
A-: 94, 93 C+: 84, 83 D: 74-72
B+: 92, 91 C: 82-79 D-: 71-70
B: 90-87 C-: 78,77 F: 69-0
Assignments made throughout the semester have the potential to significantly raise or lower your grade; these are recorded on a check minus, check, check plus basis. I will be utilizing the Academic Support Program, so please get assignments—both reading and writing ones--done on time. Please be people of integrity on all class work—it is a matter of character. Because of the importance of this aspect of your life, I will be following the Academic Integrity Policy to further engrain this trait in your personhood. If an assignment is made the day you are on a field trip and is due the next day, you will have one extra day to complete it; all other assignments are due on the assigned due date.
You will need a folder with clips for your journal and another folder or (preferably) a loose-leaf binder for class work and other writing assignments. Bring your text, pen, class notebook to class each day.
These will be the texts and resources used and available during the semester:
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
The Miracle Worker by William Gibson
Flowers for Algernon by David Rogers
THEATER: PREPARATION AND PERFORMANCE, David Grote
MIMEODRAME by Todd Farley
COPIES OF PLAYS that you read and report on.
THE DRAMA SOURCEBOOK OF PRINCIPLES AND ACTIVITIES by Neil K.
Johnson—reproducible sheets
THE BIBLE—whatever translation/paraphrase you prefer.
ROOM RESOURCES—There are many other resources available to you in my room
that you may want to or be asked to utilize throughout the semester.
VARIOUS AV PROGRAMS—we have available several videos and audio programs
that will bring the expertise of others into the room.
My evaluation of your work will be both objective and subjective. Quizzes, projects, writing assignments, attitude, participation, and performance will all be considered as I determine your grade for the semester. You can benefit and learn from this course whether you have none, little, or much stage experience.
Underlying the entire course is my desire for you to deepen your understanding of our scriptures and strengthen your relationship with Jesus as you study and use the literature of drama and the craft of the stage. I truly hope this happens in an interesting and dynamic way.
Mr. Weyhrich
(I am available for assistance before school (T-Fri) and 5th hour as well as all student help days. My extension is #269.)