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Mount Wachusett Community College THE 103 SD: Introduction To Theater
Mount Wachusett Community College THE 103 SD: Introduction To Theater
Wachusett Community College
THE 103 SD: Introduction to Theater
Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
Instructor: Michael McGarty Class Times: Tues/Thurs 9:30‐10:45
Home Phone: (978) 456‐3454 Email: mmcgarty@mwcc.mass.edu
Course Description
This course introduces students to the art of theater. It is designed to give students a broad understanding and
appreciation of theatrical performance through the study of theatre history dramatic structure through literature and
production techniques. Students will also analyze the roles of the artists of theatre: actor and director; designer and
architect; playwright and critic. Participation in the course will increase students' understanding appreciation and critical
perceptions of the theatrical event.
Required Text
Markus Tom and Sarver Linda. Another Opening Another Show: A Lively Introduction to the Theatre. Second Edition
Boston McGraw‐Hill Publishing 2005
Additional Materials
Students are required to read several plays, articles and videos from a reading list provided below and in the online
“Course Content” folder.
Course Objectives
1. To engage in critical participation in theatre as either a thinking member of the audience or as a participant in
the art itself both during the course and after its completion.
2. To achieve a basic understanding of theatrical performance and the collaborative elements which combine to
produce a theatrical presentation i.e. playwriting acting directing and design.
3. To understand the development of theater through a study of its history from its Greek origins to the present.
4. To develop a better understanding interpretation and evaluation of creative work.
Attendance
A theater class acts as an ensemble; when one person is absent the entire class suffers. Since this class deals with the
theatrical process attendance is essential and only ONE ABSENCE WILL BE ALLOWED. Each subsequent absence (unless
documented as excused to the instructor’s satisfaction) will reduce your final grade by 5%. Students who have missed
three classes by the eighth week of the semester will be subject to automatic withdrawal from the course. Tardiness will
not be tolerated as it disrupts the focus and concentration of the class. You are expected at each class on time and
ready to work.
Mount Wachusett Community College
THE 103 SD: Introduction to Theater
Class Participation
1. Any learning environment requires collaboration communication and a trusting ensemble. You are expected to
conduct yourself in a mature and professional manner; focus consideration and support of others in the group
are paramount.
2. Since expanding your sense of self is part of the learning process a positive attitude and a willingness to verbally
add to the classroom discussion are expected and are part of the participation grade.
3. An element of risk taking initiative and a willingness to fail are also expected. Failure in an exercise doesn’t mean
that I don’t see the positive progress that you make.
4. Assigned classroom presentations MUST BE PRESENTED ON THE DAY SCHEDULED. There is no time in the
semester to re‐schedule assignments unless you tell the instructor well in advance.
Blackboard
Important announcements deadlines reminders journals video links and assignments will be posted and updated
regularly on Blackboard. Students are expected to check Blackboard regularly and are responsible for all information
disseminated via Blackboard. ALL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS/JOURNALS WILL BE SUBMITTED VIA BLACKBOARD.
Accessing Blackboard:
1. Connect to the Internet and open your browser. (Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer are recommended)
2. Go to URL: http://iconnect.mwcc.edu
3. Upon account activation you’ll receive your unique user name and password.
4. Once you login to your account you’ll be able to login to Blackboard by clicking on the icon.
Course Content
Class Participation 10%
Playwriting exercises 10%
Theatre Review 15%
Director’s Concept 20%
Play Analysis 20%
Theater History Exam 15%
Theatre Styles Quiz 10%
COURSE ASSIGNMENT DATES AND CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES ARE LISTED ON THE NEXT PAGE
Mount Wachusett Community College
THE 103 SD: Introduction to Theater
DATE ASSIGNMENT ACTIVITY
Introduction to the
Tues Jan. 22
course
TEXT: Read Chapters 1 2 & 3 Deconstruction of
ONLINE: Watch the following clips of Glass Menagerie on YouTube. Theater
Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksBkKtqxlqc
Thurs. Jan. 24 Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-235c7BjCg
Clip 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFeQbEUjHVk
Clip 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n1_YNBKNdE