California University of Pennsylvania
3 credits
W 6.00-8.45 PM
Duda Hall 211
M.
G. Aune
Office Hours TTh 2.00 – 3.30, W 4.00 – 6.00 and by appointment
724.938.4341
223 Azorsky Hall
aune(at)cup.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
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
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.