CSEM 29: THE SECRET LIFE OF THEATRE
Fall 2010
Mondays & Fridays 12:00-12:50 p.m.
SEM 210
Jen Plants
jplants@drew.edu
cell: 410-905-3464 (use only in case of emergency---email is the best way to contact me!)
Office Hours: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays (ARTS 128)
Welcome to The Secret Life of Theatre! Please review this document carefully
and refer to it first when you have questions about the course.
COLLEGE SEMINAR LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the College Seminar, students will be able to:
- Enter into and participate in a scholarly conversation both orally and in writing;
- Comprehend, evaluate and analyze materials and texts [written, aural, visual numeric] as well as think synthetically and creatively about them;
- Evaluate and explain the appropriate use of different kinds of information from a variety of academic and non-academic sources
COURSE DESCRIPTON:
When you hear the word "performance," what comes to mind? Can we use the principles of theatre to think about work that doesn't happen on a stage? YouTube phenomenon lonelygirl15, the guerilla antics of Improv Everywhere (whose "missions" have included bringing Ghostbusters to life in the reading room of the New York Public Library,) and reality TV are all theatrically based performances that create alternative identities and situations. By examining contemporary performances (on the page, on film & television, online and in person) and experimenting with some of those forms ourselves, we'll explore what it means to perform and how widely we can define "theatre."
DONUT AND LIBRARY TRAINING:
This seminar is designed with the assumption that you will have completed both the orientation to the Drew Computing environment (DoNUT) and the orientation to basic use of the Drew Library, both of which are a part of the Common Hour, within the first four weeks of the semester.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Shanley, John Patrick. Doubt. Dramatists Play Service, Inc. (ISBN: 978-0-8222-2219-4)
Course Pack: Exact cost (cash only!) and date of availability TBA.
FIELD TRIP:
As part of this course, there will be a field trip to see The Liar Show at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers in New York City on Tuesday, September 28. The show starts at 6:30 p.m., and we’ll be taking a NJTransit train that departs Madsion at 4:28 p.m. Additional details will be discussed in class. Attendance is required, and an assignment will be connected to this trip---missing it will count as two absences for the class.
FILM SCREENING:
There will be one film screening as part of this course. It will be scheduled at a time that is (mostly) convenient for everyone. Attendance is required, and a W2L assignment will be connected to this night---missing it will count as a regular absence from the class.
GRADING:
The College Seminar is a collective exploration of a topic. Its success depends on the thorough preparation and participation of each of its members. Missing class means depriving yourself of the insights you will gain through discussion and depriving others in the room of your contributions. Therefore students are expected to be present at each meeting of the seminar and prepared to participate fully in the conversation. The College Seminar will be graded as follows:
Attendance and Participation 50%
Students will not be penalized for absences covered by a Drew Policy (Religious Observance, Athletics, Serious Illness, Death in the Family) (e.g. Athletes are allowed a maximum of two absences, i.e. x/24 rather than x/26). However, it is possible for a student to miss so many classes that they cannot be considered to have taken the class and will not earn credit for it. Participation will be evaluated on the basis of a rubric. (See attached.) Chronic lateness will lower your attendance grade.
Course Assignments 50%
Writing to learn exercises are not counted if you are not in class; missed in-class writing assignments or oral presentations or activities cannot be made up.
NOTE: No extra credit will be offered in this class.
Keep in mind that attending every class and submitting every assignment is what is expected of you. Fulfilling just these basic requirements (in that you show up and do the basic work) will earn you a “C.” To achieve a grade beyond this, the quality of your written, spoken and artistic work needs to go beyond the basics in terms of the quality of thinking and the quality of expression.
Drew’s Official Grading System (per faculty regulations:
A, A- Excellent
B+, B, B- Good
C+, C, C- Satisfactory
D+, D, D- Marginal
U Unsatisfactory
WRITING TO LEARN ASSIGNMENTS:
The writing component of this seminar will be a series of 15 short assignments based on the reading (or viewing, or listening, etc.) These assignments will focus on “writing to learn”---that is, developing your ability to understand complex information and arguments, communicating their essence, and using them to your own purposes. There will be a “Writing to Learn” (W2L) assignment at least once a week, and each W2L assignment will require no more than one page to complete. Assignment topics and guidelines will be announced in class and posted on Moodle with appropriate lead time.
Even if no W2L assignment is due for a particular class, you should arrive with a note or two about the day’s assigned reading (or viewing, or listening, etc.) This can be a question, a sentence or two that you want to discuss, a point made by the author that you want to refute, etc. The idea is that even if a W2L assignment isn’t due, I could say to you, “Why don’t you start the discussion today,” and you’d have the means to do so!
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
All work in the College Seminar must adhere to the College Standards on Academic Integrity. (The policy can be found on Drew’s website.) You must do your own work. You must cite sources appropriately in all papers and presentations. You must acknowledge the contribution of other students to your work. Any student who is in violation of this policy will be referred to the Dean’s Office for further action. Evidence of plagiarism will result in (at minimum) failure of the assignment in question and possible failure of the course.
CLASS PARTICIPATION & ATTENDANCE:
This class has both an attendance and participation requirement. To succeed, you’ll need to both regularly attend class and participate in classroom discussions/exercises. Participation grades will be recorded weekly, and midterm participation reports will be distributed.
A student who comes to class everyday, but who never participates in discussions/exercises will earn a grade of C- (70%) for the attendance/participation section of the course. Rising above that requires only this: taking an active, present role in your own education. Students who miss class are still responsible for material covered in class, and students not in class (unless in the case of a legitimate, documented absence---see below) cannot earn credit for participation on the missed days.
There are legitimate absences for documented illnesses, family emergencies, religious observances, varsity athletic contests, theatre/music performances and field trips required for another course. Legitimate absences require documentation and at least 48 hours advance notice (when applicable.) There is a limit to the number of legitimate absences allowed. Please see the attached “CLA Policy on Absence from Class” for details.
If you are to miss class for ANY reason, please contact me as soon as possible. There is much I can do if you come to me as soon as you anticipate a problem. There is little I can do after the fact.
I strongly recommend you make arriving on time to this class and attending regularly a priority for the semester.
NOTE: If you will be missing class for Drew athletic events or other Drew-sponsored activities, you MUST provide me with a schedule of potential conflicts and make an appointment to discuss options during the first week of class.
CLASS ETIQUETTE:
Though I’m hoping that this all goes without saying, I’m going to say it: I expect that you will treat me and your fellow classmates with respect. To this end, a couple good rules of thumb are to listen more than you talk and to question more than you declaim. I will try to do the same. I hope that you will find this class both challenging and pleasurable, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Keep in mind that everyone plays a role in fostering a positive classroom environment. Though most of what follows is common sense, here are some basic rules and requests:
1) There is no food allowed in the classroom.
2) Turn cell phones (or anything else that might make noise) OFF before class begins.
3) Barring an emergency please remain in the classroom for the entire length of class.
4) Arrive on time.
5) Respect the thoughts and efforts of others by refraining from extraneous chatter, the passing of
notes and the use of computers for anything other than taking notes or class-related matters.
Please note that flagrant violation of these guidelines can not only result in a low participation grade for the day, but may also result in earning an absence for the day in question.
GETTING IN TOUCH:
Checking your email and the course’s Moodle site regularly are required parts of this course. Students are responsible for communicating changes in their contact information to the instructor in a timely fashion
Don’t forget that I’m here to help! DO NOT wait until the last minute if you have questions or need assistance. Options for compromise are many if you come to me early; options are few if you wait until the last minute; and options disappear completely if you wait until AFTER a deadline has passed. If you wish to talk about any aspect of the course, please feel free to come by my office hours or to make an appointment. (Email is the best way to make an appointment.) Most office hours are lonely times---do not hesitate to come by!
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION:
Should you require academic accommodations, you must file a request with the Office of Educational Affairs (BC 114, extension 3327). It is your responsibility to self-identify with the Office of Educational Affairs and to provide me with the appropriate documentation from that office at least one week prior to any request for specific course accommodations. There are no retroactive accommodations.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
This syllabus is subject to change. All changes will be announced in class in a timely fashion.
Significant changes will also be posted on Moodle.
Monday, August 30 FIRST DAY OF CLASS---Welcome
Friday, September 3 WHAT IS THEATRE?
READING: selections from The Necessity of Theater (CP) DUE: W2L #1 (details on Moodle)
__________
Monday, September 6 Labor Day---NO CLASS
Friday, September 10 WHAT IS A PLAY? READING: Doubt by John Patrick Shanley
DUE: W2L #2 (details on Moodle)
__________
Monday, September 13 READING BEYOND THE PAGE
READING: “As a Nun Stands Firm, The Ground Shifts” and
“A Tale of Moral Indecision Becomes One of Mystery” (CP)
Friday, September 17 WHAT IS PERFORMANCE?
READING: selections from Performance Studies (CP)
DUE: W2L #3 (details on Moodle)
__________
Monday, September 20 PERFORMANCE ART: Marina Abramovic
READING: “Walking Through Walls” (CP)
VIEWING: “What is Performance Art?” (link on Moodle)
DUE: W2L #4 (details on Moodle)
Friday, September 24 WHAT IS A PERFORMANCE AGAIN?
READING: selections from Grapefruit (CP) DUE: W2L #5 (details on Moodle)
__________
Monday, September 27 NO CLASS (Makeup for Field Trip)
READING:* “Songs of Themselves” (CP)
* This reading should to be completed before the field trip.
FIELD TRIP!
Tuesday, September 28 @ 6 :30 p.m.
The Liar Show at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers (Empire Ballroom)
Train leaves Madison at 4:28 p.m. and details will be discussed in class.
Friday, October 1 TRUTH AND LIES
READING: selection from “But Enough About Me” (CP)
DUE: W2L #6 (details on Moodle)
__________
Monday, October 4 IMPROVISATION & THE ART OF MAKING A SCENE LISTENING: “Act Two: The Spy Who Loved Everyone” from
This American Life (link on Moodle)
Friday, October 8 GUERRILLA IMPROV DAY!
__________
Monday, October 11 PERFORMING ONLINE IDENTITIES
READING: “Friend Me if You Facebook” (CP)
Friday, October 15 DUE: W2L #7 (details on Moodle)
__________
Monday, October 18 Reading Day---NO CLASS
Wednesday, October 20 REALITY TV
(Monday classes meet) READING: “What Happens When People Stop Being Polite”
& “Idolatry” (CP)
Friday, October 22 DUE: W2L #8 (details on Moodle)
FILM SCREENING
Date, Time & Location TBA
A screening of the documentary Hell House will be scheduled sometime between Friday, October 22-Sunday, October 24.
__________
Monday, October 25 PUBLIC SPECTACLES: Halloween
VIEWING: Hell House (film/85 mins.)
Friday, October 29 READING: “’Signaling Through the Flames’: Hell House
Performance and Structures of Religious Feeling” (CP)
DUE: W2L #9 (details on Moodle)
__________
Monday, November 1 PUBLIC SPECTACLES Cont.
DUE: W2L #10 (details on Moodle)
Friday, November 5 VIEWING (IN CLASS):
Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping
(film/60 mins.)
__________
Monday, November 8 PUBLIC SPECTACLES Cont.
DUE: W2L #11 (details on Moodle)
Friday, November 12 THE REVIEWER vs. THE CRITIC
READING: Preface to Well (CP)
November 10-13: Attend a performance of The Verion Play
on campus at the Thomas H. Kean Theatre
__________
Monday, November 15 THE CONTEMPORARY THEATRE: The Veri*on Play *DUE: W2L #12
Friday, November 19 REENACTORS (Guest via Skype)
READING: selections from Confederates in the Attic (CP)
DUE: W2L #13
__________
Monday, November 22 DOCUDRAMA
VIEWING (IN CLASS):
selections from Twilight: Los Angeles (film/76 mins.)
READING: “The Three Questions” (CP)
Friday, November 26 Thanksgiving Recess---NO CLASS
__________
Monday, November 29 INTERVIEW PROJECT
DUE: W2L #14
Friday, December 3 TBA
DUE: W2L #15
__________
Monday, December 6 NO CLASS
CLA Policy on Absence from Class
While no class experience can be “made up” and missing a class always involves a loss or cost to the student who is absent and to the other students in the classroom who miss that student’s contribution, the College recognizes that there will be occasions on which a student is absent from class for legitimate university purposes or for personal reasons (serious illness, family emergency, religious observance). The College has defined the following policy with regard to absence from class. The expectation is that, except under the circumstances defined below, a student will be present at and prepared for every scheduled meeting of each CLA course.
Individual faculty members will have the option of defining a maximum number of absences of the below types allowed in a course; the minimum number allowed may be no fewer than one week’s worth of class meetings. Beyond that number, a student will not have completed enough of the course to pass and will either fail the course or be encouraged to withdraw from the course.
Policy: A student may be absent from class for the following reasons:
= documented illness
= documented family emergency
= varsity athletic contest (2 absences for any regular season play; possibility of additional for
post-season competition) or theatre/music performances (not for practices or rehearsals)
= required field-trip in another Drew course (2 during a semester)
= religious observance
In the case of any of the above absences, students are responsible for the material covered and for the work assigned for each class missed. The student is responsible for giving the faculty member no less than 48 hours advance notice of their absence from class except in the case of sudden illness or emergency; in the latter cases, the student should notify the faculty member as soon as possible and provide documentation upon her/his return to class.
WRITING TO LEARN ASSIGNMENTS---THE DETAILS
From the syllabus:
As part of this course, each student will complete a series of 15 short assignments based on the reading (or viewing, or listening, etc.) These assignments will focus on “writing to learn”---that is, developing your ability to understand complex information and arguments, communicating their essence, and using them to your own purposes. There will be a “Writing to Learn” (W2L) assignment at least once a week, and each W2L assignment will require no more than one page to complete. Assignment topics and guidelines will be announced in class and posted on Moodle with appropriate lead time.
What that means:
In the syllabus, all due dates for W2L assignments are noted. These assignments should be typed and are due at the beginning of class. As W2L is tool to generate discussion, no late assignments will be accepted.
W2L assignments may be a question, a topic to explore or a list to make. No W2L assignment will take more than one page to complete.
All W2L assignments will earn a plus, check or a minus. (A plus is equivalent to an “A,” a check to a “B,” and a minus to a “C.”) Assignments that do not meet minimum requirements will receive a percentage of credit somewhere between 0-60%
What earns a plus? Generally, plus assignments demonstrate all of the following:
• Thoughtful engagement with the assigned topic or question
• Connections between the student’s own ideas and the related assigned material
• A confident command of the English language (good grammar and specificity of expression)
• Careful attention to proofreading
• An ability to raise additional questions, unearth new ideas or to bring new perspective to the subject
at hand
The truth is, you’ll be surprised what you can explore in just one page if you take the assignments seriously. Choose your words carefully, and work with the express goal of creating something that if read aloud would promote discussion.