Catalog Description

Formerly known as DRMA 21
Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Introduces Dramatic Arts Majors and other students to the fundamental techniques of script analysis. Focus on students' ability to interpret and describe concepts and ideas related to historical and contemporary dramatic literature. Emphasis on development of techniques of script analysis specific to use in acting, directing, design, and critical and social analysis. (C-ID THTR 114) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Analyze texts from a theatrical point of view.
  • CSLO #2: Describe and evaluate the structure of a play.
  • CSLO #3: Identify and examine the various genres of drama.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Interpret and analyze the major theme of a play;
2. describe and evaluate the structure of a play;
3. interpret and analyze the characters of a play;
4. establish and define the character relationships within a play;
5. identify and evaluate the use of rhythm and tempo to create mood in the context of a play;
6. identify and examine the various types of genres such as tragedy, comedy, farce, and satire;
7. identify and compare plays from the major dramatic movements such as Realism, Absurdism, and Expressionism; and
8. identify and compare the social impact of a classical play performed during ancient times and today.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
    • AA/AS - Literature & Language
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Classroom Discussions
          • Example: Students will discuss the elements of action in WAITING FOR GODOT. Students will then develop a carefully organized essay that presents the information from the discussion. The grade based upon participation and completion, using a rubric developed by the instructor and shared with students.
        • Essay Examinations
          • Example: Example within the exam includes: Discuss the unity of time, place, and action in OEDIPUS REX by Sophocles and compare with its appearance in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF by Tennessee Williams. The grade is based upon a rubric developed by the instructor and shared with students.
        • Reports
          • Example: Students will write a comparative report of two live plays they will see and incorporate elements of all major course objectives including theme, plot, characters, rhythm, genre, dramatic movements and social impact of story.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor will lecture on five major genres and show examples of stage versions of each genre. Students will discuss differences between a overarching comedy and a farce to understand definable differences both in the script and in production.
        2. students will work in small groups to present specific examples of scenes from dramatic movements with contrasting styles of plays and after presentations, students will discuss noticeable similarities and differences.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read Chapter 4 "Tragedy: Definition and Analysis" in "Poetics" by Aristotle and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and "The Seagull" by Anton Chekhov. Be prepared to discuss the theme of fate and destiny in both plays. 3. Read from "The Actor and the Target" by Declan Donnellan as assigned.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Write a critical analysis of the dramatic action of "The Death of A Salesman" by discussing Arthur Miller's use of the Aristotelian elements of character, diction, theme, and spectacle. 2. Choose one of the characters in "Hamlet" and write a report discussing the throughline of action and the subtext.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        1. Attend Stage Performances.

        Required Materials

        • Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers
          • Author: James Thomas
          • Publisher: Focal Press
          • Publication Date: 2014
          • Text Edition: 5th
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Backwards and Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays
          • Author: David Ball
          • Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
          • Publication Date: 1983
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • The Longman Anthology of Drama and Theater: A Global Perspective
          • Author: Michael Greenwald, Roger Schultz, and Roberto D. Pomo
          • Publisher: Longman Publishing Group
          • Publication Date: 2004
          • Text Edition: Revised 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Poetics
          • Author: Aristotle, Malcom Heath translator
          • Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
          • Publication Date: 1997
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?: Yes
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • The Compact Bedford Introduction to Drama
          • Author: Lee A. Jacobus
          • Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's Press
          • Publication Date: 2012
          • Text Edition: 7th
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.