Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Eff Term	Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	11/12/2025
Top Code	100700 - Dramatic Arts
Units	3 Total Units (Lecture Units 3)
Hours	54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	108
Total Student Learning Hours	162
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course provides students with foundational tools for analyzing dramatic texts from a variety of theatrical traditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding structure, theme, character development, and historical context to support the interpretive work of actors, directors, designers, and dramaturgs. Students will analyze full-length and one-act plays through written assignments, in-class discussion, and applied exercises. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Evaluate a play script in terms of structure, theme, character development and historical/cultural context.
2. Apply textual analysis methods to interpret a script for performance, design or direction.

Course Objectives

• 1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of dramatic structure and major genres.
• 2. Identify and analyze key components of plot, character, and theme in a variety of play scripts.
• 3. Evaluate the given circumstances and contextual elements that shape a play’s world.
• 4. Apply different methods of script analysis (e.g., action-based, thematic, historical) to various texts.
• 5. Use textual evidence to support analysis in written and oral presentations.
• 6. Interpret character objectives, beats, and arcs through text-based methods.

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Lecture Content

Lecture Topics May Include:

• The building blocks of dramatic structure (Aristotelian and non-linear models)

• Genre, tone, and stylistic conventions

• Character analysis: objectives, obstacles, actions

• Units, beats, and dramatic progression

• Theme and imagery

• Subtext and dialogue analysis

• Social, political, and historical context

• Introduction to dramaturgy and its applications

• Approaches to analyzing classical, modern, and contemporary texts

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture, facilitated discussion, instuctor-led close reading and analysis. Group analysis workshops. Individual presentations.

Reading Assignments

Full-length plays and selected scenes Textbook chapters on analysis methods Instructor-provided critical articles or handouts. 2 hrs/week x 16 weeks = 32 hours.

Writing Assignments

Scene breakdowns and beat analysis Character studies and thematic essays. Midterm written analysis of a scene Final comprehensive written analysis of a play 1.5 hrs/week x 16 weeks = 24 hours. Production viewing written analysis - 8 hours.

Out-of-class Assignments

Play reading and notetaking Research for historical and contextual analysis. Preparation for presentations Dramaturgy research project - 18 hours. Final scene-analysis project presentation prep - 26 hours.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

108

Methods of Student Evaluation

• Written Assignments
• Projects (Individual/Group)
• Oral Presentations

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Written Quizzes Analysis work sheets Essays Scoring a script

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

1. Students will write essays that analyze plays and scenes study during the semester. 2. Students will problem solve by filling out analysis worksheets and scoring a script to be realized for an Acting, Directing, or Designing purpose. 3. Students will demonstrate proficiency through oral presentations.

Resources Subscreen

• Textbook: Thomas, James. Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers, 7th ed.. Routledge (2023).
• Open Education Resource: various. various. (various).

Eligible Discipline(s)

• Theater arts: See drama/theater arts Master's degree required.