THEA A101: Introduction to History and Literature of the Theatre
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 12/08/2021 |
| Top Code | 100700 - Dramatic Arts |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Associate Arts Local General Education (GE) |
|
| Associate Science Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
A lecture course exploring the history of theatre from the origins of theatre to today. The history and development of theatre and drama are studied in depth in relation to cultural, political and social conditions of the time. Important plays from each era will be viewed and discussed. Required for Theatre Arts majors working towards an AA-T degree. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC: Credit Limitation: THEA A100 and THEA A101 combined: maximum credit, 1 course.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- View and analyze plays in terms of historical context, genre, playwriting, and production values.
- Identify and describe major historical periods of theatre.
Course Objectives
- 1. Critique and evaluate historic, artistic, social and philosophical environments in which theatre exists.
- 2. Outline the historical development from the Greeks through the 19th century.
- 3. Compile evidence illustrating how the relationship between the audience and theatre artist has changed over time.
- 4. Analyze the role of the theatre arts and its relationship to other parts of society
- 5. As a theatre patron analyze and critique dramatic literature and performance
- 6. Confirm the value and necessity of theatre arts in culture and society
- 7. Assess the historical relevance, context, and importance of different plays.
- 8. Compare, contrast and analyze the world view presented by the playwrights in each play.
- 9. Demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills such as listening, reasoning, analysis and criticism when reading or viewing plays.
Lecture Content
Theatrical origins and early traditions. Explanation of methodology and theoretical approach to varying histories. The course will also study the following : Origins of theatrical traditions.Analysis of plays, development of theatre architecture and design. Cultural development of specific theatrical practices and traditions in the following eras and places: The Classic Theatre of Ancient Greece and Rome. Asian Theatre: Japan, China and South Asia. Medieval Theatre: Medieval Europe, Renaissance Theatre: England (including Shakespeare) Neoclassical theatre: 17th century France Restoration Theatre: 17th century England 18th and 19th century theatre: Europe and North America 20th Century Theatre: Global trends
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
Instructional Techniques
Detailed lectures; viewing and discussion of plays and of informational videos; classroom discussion; reading, analyzing and discussing written play texts and portions of play texts. Exploration of websites and videos online. Textbook assignments
Reading Assignments
Readings in textbook, handouts, playscripts, and online. Written essay exams and homework assignments
Writing Assignments
Written essay examinations, homework assignments, play reviews
Out-of-class Assignments
Assigned readings, assigned viewing of online websites and videos.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Evaluation methods may include objective examinations and written work such as essays, assignments and theatrical critiques.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Written examination: Essay examsCompletion of vocabulary/concept worksheet homework assignments Written critique of a play.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Wilson, Edwin Goldfarb, Alvin. Living Theatre, ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2018 Rationale: -
Other Resources
1. Anonymous, Everyman, any edition. 2. Shakespeare, William, Twelfth Night, any edition. 3. Handouts and onlink links to assigned readings to be provided and distributed in Canvas by the instructor