20810233Literature of the Theatre
Course Information
Description
Provides the student an opportunity to consider human values and ethics as presented in representative plays. The course follows a historical overview that will enable the student to analyze and interpret the different types of theatre.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Examine content of plays
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all assigned reading by specified date
    by participating in large and small group discussions
    by meeting instructor criteria on quizzes, test and essays
    Criteria
    you identify the classical parts of a play
    you identify the purpose of reading a play (entertainment, appreciation, and development of a central idea)
    you identify key passages while reading
    you formulate questions and opinions while reading
    you diagram the plot structure of a play
    you analyze a play to determine its genre
    you interpret Stage Directions in the text of a play

  2. Analyze plays for central ideas
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing a play analysis for each play read accurately
    Criteria
    you articulate central ideas in written form
    you identify key dialogue or action that reveals the central idea
    you relate actions and dialogue in a play to central ideas
    you relate central ideas with historical context of the original production
    you relate central ideas with philosophical world view of the playwright

  3. Write analytical essays
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing written essays in and outside of class on time and according to established guidelines
    by participating in class discussion
    Criteria
    you construct a thesis statement that describes their interpretation of the classical elements of a play text
    you compose clear paragraphs that describe the elements of plot, character, central idea, action, spectacle and dialogue in the text of a play
    you identify the specific genre of a play text
    you examine historical, cultural, and literary context of a play text
    you recognize theatrical devices inherent in a play text

  4. Extrapolate ethical questions inherent in plays
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all play analysis forms by specified date
    by participating in class discussions, simulations and readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes, tests, and activities
    Criteria
    you identify the ethical problems confronted in a play text
    you articulate opposing viewpoints of an ethical situation faced in a play
    you summarize the events and actions which lead to ethical problems in a play text
    you compose sample questions about actions which highlight the ethical stance of characters in a play
    you display knowledge of literary history as it relates to a particular play text
    you explain critical approaches that are used to analyze an action
    you relate setting and action to ethical issues raised in the text of a play

  5. Differentiate theatrical genres
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing all play analysis forms by specified date
    by participating in class discussions, simulations and readings
    by meeting instructor's criteria on quizzes, tests, and activities
    Criteria
    you examine genres from throughout theatre history
    you identify dramatic elements which form a play's genre
    you summarize the elements used to highlight genre in a play text
    you explore the basic principles of realism
    you explore the basic principles of absurdism
    you explore the basic principles of expressionism
    you explore the basic principles of classicism
    you explore the basic principles of neoclassicism
    you explore the basic principles of post-modernism
    you articulate playwrights use of elements that constitute genre or style