Drama I

Course Syllabus

Mrs. Gdaniec

SenecaHigh School

824-3400 ext. 5575

MATERIALS AND BOOKS

You will need a three ring binder with dividers, a public library card, note cards and a date book (agenda). We will use a number of texts this semester. Copies of required reading will be provided, are available in the public library, or are available online.

DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY

Students and teachers must work cooperatively to provide an educationally sound atmosphere. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his/her classmates or with the teacher’s efforts to educate students.

CLASSROOM RULES

  1. Be on time. Students should be seated immediately upon entering the room. If an assignment is posted, it should be started upon arrival. Three lates to class will result in automatic detention. Standing in the hall between classes is not permitted.
  2. Follow classroom directions and procedures. Remain on task! Any work being done for another class will be permanently confiscated.
  3. Be prepared! Bring books, notebook, pen/pencil and assignments to class.
  4. Show respect to classmates, teacher and visitors by treating others as you expect to be treated. No food or beverages will be permitted unless prior approval is granted by the teacher. Electronic devices/cell phones/MP3 players/iPods seen or heard will be confiscated as per district policy. Please refrain from using strong scented perfume, cologne, lotions, and other personal products. Do not spray or use scented products in the classroom.
  5. Use the restroom and drinking fountain between classes not during.
  6. Adapt behavior to the classroom activity.
  7. Use school facilities and property appropriately. Please keep feet and chairs on the floor and refrain from sitting on the desk/tabletops.
  8. Show common courtesy. Treat others as you would expect to be treated.

Mature appropriate behavior is expected at all times.

CONTACTING ME

I can be contacted through district e-mail at the school e-mail address and phone number listed at the top of this page. Social media is not an appropriate method for contacting me.

COURSE CONTENT

Drama I is an introductory course for students interested in theatre and acting. The course is designed as a survey course that will introduce students to various aspects of theatre and drama including, but not limited to: theatre history, basic acting techniques, directing, costumes, forms of theatre, and others as time and interest permit. Students should expect to be actively involved in class on a daily basis. The types of assignments will include: writing, tests, quizzes, research papers/projects, vocabulary, group work, presentations, speaking, acting exercises, hands on construction and others as appropriate. There are two special assignments required for this class that will help students understand aspects of live theatrical production. Students are required to write 2 critiquesof a live theatrical performance they attend outside of school time and at their own expense. Guidelines for acceptable performances will be discussed in the class. Students are also required to become involved with the theatrical production at Seneca during the semester they take this course (Fall Dinner Theatre or Spring Musical). Guidelines for involvement will be discussed in the class.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Any student caught/suspected of cheating on assignments, quizzes, tests etc. will earn “0” credit on that assignment. Disciplinary consequences are also possible for repeated or extreme offenses. Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty.

EXTRA CREDIT

Students are expected to take advantage of after school tutoring if they are having difficulty. There is no extra credit.

GRADE CALCULATION

Scale: A=93-100

B=85-92

C=77-84

D=70-76

F=0-69

NINE WEEK GRADES are calculated using summative scores for individual units and assignments.

SEMESTER GRADES are calculated using the nine week grades, mid term exam (if given), and final exam. Each component is weighted using percentages determined by the building administration.

DAILY PROCEDURES

Class Log: A daily log will be kept by volunteers in the class. It is your responsibility to consult this log in your absence.

Assignments: All work will only be accepted at the time the teacher collects it. Work not submitted on time will not earn credit. Papers submitted without a name will earn no credit. All work must be typed or written in BLUE OR BLACK INK on standard 81/2 x 11 WHITE paper, unless directions for the assignment indicate otherwise. All papers should have a heading that includes: name, class and period, date, and assignment name. Multiple page papers should be stapled. Illegible, sloppy, and/or incomplete assignments will earn zero credit. No papers torn from spiral notebooks will be accepted.

Makeup work from EXCUSED absences will be given ONE DAY per day absent to complete. Extended illnesses will be treated on an individual basis.

Makeup tests and quizzes from EXCUSED absences must be made up on the FIRST AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING DAY that is offered upon your return to school. If this is not possible, you must make alternate arrangements prior to the first after school tutoring upon your arrival. Failure to do so will result in zero credit.

Arranging after school help is a commitment you will attend. Failure to show for pre-arranged after school help will result in zero credit for the work. Please plan effectively and don’t forget your commitments!

For vacations, fieldtrips, doctor’s appointments, college visits and any other absences that are known about in advanceyou must get your assignments prior to your departure and the work is due the day you return. If you arrive late or leave early on any given day, you are expected to pick up your work. Late arrivals or early dismissals do not exempt you from your work nor will they earn you an extension. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Loss of computer privileges at school does not excuse you from completing computer work. If you find yourself in this situation, you must make arrangements to use your own equipment outside of school.

Computer disks, flash drives, and e-mailed versions of assignments will not be accepted in place of paper copies. Plan ahead! Have extra paper, ink, and backup copies of all work in order to avoid missing a deadline.