English 108 Introduction to Drama
 Autumn 2010

"Ritual and Performance"

California University of Pennsylvania
3 credits

T&Th 9.30 - 10.45
Keystone Hall 102

M. G. Aune

Office Hours TTh 7.00 – 8.00 & W 2.00 – 5.00 221 Azorsky Hall (724.938.4341)

T&Th 3.30 - -5.00 Honors Area (724.938.4535)

and by appointment


aune(at)calu.edu

 

Description
The origins of drama, both Western and non-Western, make its study as a form of literature unique and compelling.  First, unlike poetry or prose, drama is written, with some exceptions, to be performed.  As a result, plays are extremely malleable; they contain potential for a great variety of interpretations.  This deceptively simple principal means that we must keep an open mind as to the variety of interpretations, but also be sure that our own interpretations are carefully supported by the text.  Second, drama has its roots firmly in ritual and ceremony and although much of the devotional element has faded, enough remains that we must keep this originary fact in mind. 

In this course, we will study a number of different plays both as literary texts to be read and as texts to be interpreted though performance.  We will begin with early plays and work to acquire the critical language necessary to discuss and write about drama.  We will move on to more recent plays and examine live and filmed performances.  At the same time, we will study the historical development of drama, both in Western and non-Western traditions. 

 

Texts (available at the campus bookshop)
 R. S. Gwynn, ed. Drama: a Pocket Anthology, 3rd ed.
Anton Chekhov, The Three Sisters
David Mamet, Oleanna
 A dictionary, bring to every class
 A flash drive dedicated to schoolwork

Grading                                  Scale                    University Interpretation

2 Examinations       200 points     100–94%       A         Superior Achievement

10 Quizzes                100 points     90–93%          A-       

2 Reviews                  200 points     87–89%          B+

Total                          500 points     84-86%           B         Above Average

                                                            80-83%           B-

                                                            77-79%           C+

                                                            74-76%           C         Average

All scores will be posted on           70-73%           C-

the Blackboard gradebook.           60-69%           D         Below Average

                                                            Below 60       F         Failure

 

Grade Guidelines

These descriptions apply to the final grade in the class and the score on particular assignments.

A work is outstanding.  It goes beyond the basic requirements of the assignment and the class.  The work shows evidence of critical and original thinking.  Ideas are clearly supported and explained.

B work is more than satisfactory.  It shows understanding of the given task and an understanding of the rules for writing as set out in the syllabus.  Thinking is clear, though not necessarily highly critical or highly original.  Ideas are supported and explained, although not always clearly or consistently.

C work is satisfactory.  It shows familiarity with though not a complete understanding of the given task and rules for writing as set out in the syllabus.  Thought shows inconsistent critical engagement or originality.  Ideas are too broad and not clearly supported with evidence.  Writing tends to summarize or describe rather than analyze.

D work is below average.  It shows an inconsistent understanding of the given task, text, and rules.  Thought and writing are often disorganized and do not communicate an understanding of audience or genre.  Paper seems to be written quickly with little attention to revision or proofreading.

F work is unsatisfactory.  It shows little if any understanding of the given task, text, or rules.  Thought and writing are disorganized and do not communicate an understanding of audience or genre. 

 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
 Students with disabilities reserve the right to self-identify; must register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) to receive services; will provide the appropriate notice from OSD for accommodations which specifically involve faculty.

            Requests for approval for reasonable accommodations should be directed to OSD.  Approved accommodations will be recorded on the ODS Accommodation Approval notice and provided to the student.  Students are expected to adhere to the ODS procedures for self-identifying, providing documentation and requesting accommodations in a timely manner.  The OSD is located in Azorsky 105 and the telephone number is 724.938.5781.

 

Academic Honesty

According to the University Bulletin, “[t]ruth and honesty are necessary prerequisites for all education, and students who attempt to improve their grades or class standing through any form of academic dishonesty may be penalized by disciplinary action ranging from a verbal reprimand to a failing grade in the course or dismissal from the University. If the situation appears to merit a severe penalty, the professor will refer the matter to the appropriate dean or to the Provost. The student may appeal the penalty as outlined above with the Academic Integrity Committee hearing appeals above the level of Dean.” 

I assume that all work you turn in for this course is yours, and any material that you have acquired from an outside source is documented properly.  Failure to do so is considered plagiarism and, per University policy, may result in failure of the course or dismissal from the University. 

Late Papers

Late papers will lose ten points per day until they are turned in.  You are responsible for turning in all work assigned in this class.  Failure to do so will result in failing this class.

Attendance and Participation

According to the University Catalogue, “[r]egular class attendance is a prerequisite to successful class performance.”  Important material will only be presented in class, thus attendance is important for preparation for examinations.  If you are unable to attend class, you must contact me via phone or email within twenty-four hours.  You are still responsible for any work done or due in class that day.  If you are more than fifteen minutes late to a class meeting or if you leave early, you will be considered absent.

            Participation includes not only contributing to class discussion, it also covers prompt attendance, listening and responding constructively to your classmates, attending class prepared to discuss the readings, and bringing your books and writing material to every class meeting.  If you attend class but are unprepared to discuss the homework, or do not have your books or writing material, you will be considered absent.  If you accumulate more than three absences, you may lose one letter grade from your final grade.  If you miss four or more classes, you will not pass the class.  If you must miss a class because of a university-related activity, your coach or supervisor must contact me in writing at least one week before the absence.

Cell Phones

If you use your cell phone in class, you will be asked to leave and be marked absent for that day.

Paper Format

Unless otherwise noted, all assignments are to be typewritten, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, in twelve-point Times font.  Your name, the date, the class, my name and the assignment are to be at the top of the first page.  Do not forget to title your work.  Any papers longer than one page must have page numbers and be stapled.


This website was created using Microsoft SharePoint Designer at the English Department of California University of Pennsylvania, by M. G. Aune for use by the students enrolled in English 108 Autumn Term 2010. All images and text, unless otherwise noted are copyright 2010 by M. G. Aune.

This page was created August 2010.