20810238Cultural Diversity in Contemporary American Theater
Course Information
Description
Investigates the representation of gender, ageism, sexual identity and racial stereotypes in written and performance forms. Explores how popular images are created and reinforced by writers, directors, and performers. Students analyze performance, scripts, and video documentation, as well as develop an original work of theatrical expression.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze historical trends or patterns of stereotypes as represented on the American stage.
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral presentation, written product
    Criteria
    synthesize historical trends with modern social and cultural representations manifested in theatre
    Identify common racial, cultural, and social stereotypes within a script
    correlate stereotypes to theatrical genres
    analyze selection of genre used by playwright to confront and/or perpetuate stereotypes
    synthesize multiple scripts into a central theme with which you identify
    product meets minimum guidelines as specified in instructor handout

  2. Examine the audience/performance dynamic.
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product – analysis
    Criteria
    identify production elements as they are presented during performance
    identify director’s vision through critical analysis of performance and design elements
    apply basic script analysis distinctions as they are represented in performance (plot construction, character development, historical context, cultural representations and style)
    review inconsistencies of traditional representations with stylized directorial or design choices
    communicate current social representations of performance
    identify the performance impact on the audience (aesthetic distance) as it is intended and/or as it is practically achieved
    examine performance consistencies or inconsistencies as they impact overall production concept
    communicate design consistencies or inconsistencies as they impact overall production concept

  3. Examine script construction using Aristotle’s Elements of Theatre.
    Assessment Strategies
    Graphic representation of selected scripts
    Criteria
    identify theme with supporting evidence from the play
    identify intentions of the playwright  as it applies to historical context and current trends
    relate plot construction to theatre group as communicated through performance, design or directing choices
    relate psychological, emotional, and intellectual elements of character development in the script to a racial, cultural, or social group
    demonstrate relevance and intention of musical/rhythmic elements in the script
    identify patterns in dialogue variations as they relate to character and plot
    describe use of space (spectacle) as interpreted by the audience

  4. Examine performance using Aristotle’s Elements of Theatre.
    Assessment Strategies
    Debate, observation
    Criteria
    identify theme through embodiment or physical representation with supporting evidence from the performance
    determine playwright’s intent and how it’s played out through embodiment or physical representation
    relate psychological, emotional, and intellectual elements of character development as embodied by the actor to a racial, cultural, or social group
    demonstrate relevance and intention of musical/rhythmic elements in the performance
    identify patterns in dialogue variations as they are played out in performance
    describe use of space (spectacle) as interpreted by production designer

  5. Generate a plan for a production (director’s concept).
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentation, written product
    Criteria
    sound choices honor intention of playwright and director’s interpretation
    lighting choices honor intention of playwright and director’s interpretation
    set design honors intention of playwright and director’s interpretation
    costume design honors intention of playwright and director’s interpretation
    property design honors intention of playwright and director’s interpretation
    makeup design honors intention of playwright and director’s interpretation

  6. Analyze historical trends, cultural perspectives and classifications of racial stereotypes as represented on the American stage.
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral presentation, written product
    Criteria
    identify common racial stereotypes within a script and performance
    correlate racial stereotypes to theatrical genres
    analyze selection of genre used by playwright to confront and/or perpetuate racial stereotypes
    synthesize multiple scripts into a central theme with which you identify
    product meets minimum guidelines as specified in instructor handout
    compare and contrast how different playwrights portray race

  7. Analyze historical trends, cultural perspectives and classifications of gender stereotypes as represented on the American stage.
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral presentation, written product
    Criteria
    identify common gender stereotypes within a script and performance
    correlate gender stereotypes to theatrical genres
    analyze selection of genre used by playwright to confront and/or perpetuate gender stereotypes
    synthesize multiple scripts into a central theme with which you identify
    product meets minimum guidelines as specified in instructor handout
    compare and contrast how different playwrights portray gender

  8. Analyze historical trends, cultural perspectives and classifications of religious stereotypes as represented on the American stage.
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral presentation, written product
    Criteria
    identify common religious stereotypes within a script and performance
    correlate religious stereotypes to theatrical genres
    analyze selection of genre used by playwright to confront and/or perpetuate religious stereotypes
    synthesize multiple scripts into a central theme with which you identify
    product meets minimum guidelines as specified in instructor handout
    compare and contrast how different playwrights portray religion

  9. Analyze historical trends, cultural perspectives and classifications of sexual identity stereotypes as represented on the American stage.
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral presentation, written product
    Criteria
    identify common sexual identity stereotypes within a script and performance
    correlate sexual identity stereotypes to theatrical genres
    analyze selection of genre used by playwright to confront and/or perpetuate sexual identity stereotypes
    synthesize multiple scripts into a central theme with which you identify
    product meets minimum guidelines as specified in instructor handout
    compare and contrast how different playwrights portray sexual identity

  10. Create original monologue.
    Assessment Strategies
    Performance – final project
    Criteria
    you create an original script
    you offer feedback on a peer’s script
    you workshop the script and incorporate peer feedback
    you perform the monologue in front of a live audience using effective acting skills (diction, volume, gesture, emotion)
    performance theme expresses your identity in relationship to gender, age, religion, race, or sexual identity