Fundamentals of Drama
James Schroeder, Instructor
Room 703 E-mail:
*Please bookmark our virtual classroom on my Teacher Website located on the RHS webpage
Course Description: Fundamentals of Drama is an introductory course that explores all aspects of theatre. Students will learn basic theatre terminology and theatre history; develop basic acting skills of interpretation, voice, and movement; and gain an understanding of how theatre relates to other disciplines and to daily life. A variety of performance opportunities will be available in the form of class activities and projects, monologues, and scene studies. Students will also be encouraged to participate (on or off stage) in at least one theatre performance.
Texts:Exploring Theater, Basic Drama Projects, The Stage and School, and Theatre: Art in Action
Standards:
TAHSFT.1 Analyze and construct meaning from theatrical experiences, dramatic literature and electronic media
TAHSFT.2 Develop scripts through improvisation and other theatrical methods
TAHSFT.3 Act by developing, communicating, and sustaining roles within a variety of situations and environments
TAHSFT.4 Design and execute artistic and technical elements of theatre
TAHSFT.5 Direct by conceptualizing, organizing, and conducting rehearsals for performance
TAHSFT.6 Research cultural and historical information to support artistic choices
TAHSFT. 7 Integrate various art forms, other content areas, and life experiences to create theatre
TAHSFT.8 Examine the roles of theatre as a reflection of past and present civilization
TAHSFT.9 Explore the business of theatre
TAHSFT.10 Critique various aspects of theatre and other media using appropriate supporting evidence
TAHSFT.11 Engage actively and appropriately as an audience member in theatre and other media experiences
Course Units
- Introduction to Theatre
- The Stage and Stage Movement
- Non-verbal Communication and Pantomime
- Script Evaluation – Set and Costume Design
- Acting – Improvisation and Scene Work
- Script Writing
- Classic Plays for study
Materials Needed: A Notebook to take notes on theatre terminology and a pen or pencil need to be brought to class every day. These notes may be kept on the I-pad, but the student is responsible for keeping up with the information and studying for tests.
Grading Policy: Class participation and the willingness to attempt all assignments are necessary in this course. Progress reports will be sent home approximately every 4 weeks. The grading policy is as follows:
60% - Objective tests, class performances, projects, journals,
20% - Class participation and willingness to cooperate in small and large groups
20% - Final Exam
GeorgiaBEST: All pathway classes will be participating in the GeorgiaBEST soft skills (work ethics) training this school year. Students will focus on these skills in their Advisement Class and their pathway classes. A grade in the 20% category will be given each semester.
Make-up Work Policy: For each grading period, makeup work must be completed no later than two weeks
after progress reports areissued. Students may not make up work outside of the grading period window once
the time has passed.
Re-Test Policy: Any student can retest any chapter test regardless of the grade on the test provided that the
student attends tutoring asdirected by the teacher. The student must retest within two weeks of the grade
being returned. The higher of the two grades will be recorded. This excludes benchmark assessments, final
exams, standardized tests (such as EOCT, Milestones, EOPA, AP Exams, etc.), and major projects and
research that required an exorbitant amount of time in and outside the classroom (ie: research paper).
Exam Exemption: Exam exemption policies must be approved by the superintendent each school year. Any
and all exemption policies do not apply to EOCTs, AP exams, or any other PSD mandated examinations.
Class Policies/Rules: All policies of the Polk School District Board of Education and student handbook will be
Class Policies/Rules: Students should be willing to attempt all assignments and be respectful of others. All PSD rules and policies also apply.
Homework Policy: Students are to complete homework assignments when assigned and be prepared to turn in completed assignments when requested. Failure to turn in homework assignments will result in to after school detention at each occurrence. Parents will be notified if students are continually failing to turn in homework. Students who continually fail to turn in homework can be referred to administration for disciplinary action.
- Daily work and homework submitted late will not be accepted.
Late Assignment Policy: Students are expected to turn in all completed assignments at the time scheduled by the teacher. Any project or composition/paper turned in late will result in a ten-point deduction per day late.
I have read and I understand the information presented on the syllabus. Signing this syllabus further grants permission for students to read all listed course material indicated on this class syllabus.
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