Course Syllabus
THAR 10B: SCENE STUDY AND CHARACTERIZATION
Course Syllabus Summary: SPRING 2021 (Section 6138)
Course Description
This enjoyable, yet fast paced, course is designed to provide you with a solid background in character development through script analysis, vocal /physical techniques, and the study of a variety of acting tools. The primary mode of learning and assessment in this class is scene study. You will perform in three different kinds of scenes, as well as assemble a contrasting monologue package by semester's end. In addition, you'll be creating a unique portrayal of a classmate for one of your first performance assignments!
In between performances, we will explore a range of techniques and approaches to acting that you can apply to your performance work. There will be both homework and out-of-class rehearsals expected for this class; make certain you can make the full commitment because your actions directly affect others in this course. If you "choose to accept this mission," I am delighted and I look forward to working with you!
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of THAR 10A or college equivalent. Transferable: CSU and UC.
Student Learning Outcomes
(from the official Course Outline of Record – view full Outline on college’s website)
“Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to develop, rehearse and perform a variety of roles in scenes and monologues from modern realistic plays, creating distinct and believable characterizations through the application of physical and vocal techniques, script analysis, research, and varied acting methodologies.”
Class Meetings
This course will meet synchronistically. That means that we will meet each week via Zoom from 2:30pm-4:50. (The class is listed to end at 5:00, but we end at 4:50 for students who have later classes).
During each class meeting, we'll work in a variety of ways, as a group in the main session, in teams in breakout rooms, and sometimes in individual coaching sessions. There may also be times when students are instructed to leave the Zoom room to complete assigned tasks offline for a period of class time and then return to the class meeting.
Instructor Contact
Instructor: Laura Downing-Lee
(Students are welcome to call me "Laura", "Ms. Downing-Lee", or "Ms. Lee"; use whichever you are most comfortable using. My preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
Instructor Email: ldowning@santarosa.edu
Instructor Phone: (707) 527-4420
(Calls will go to Voice Mail; I will receive an email notification of the voice mail and return your call as soon as I can.)
Zoom 10B Coaching Office Hours: Tues./Thurs. 5:00-5:30* (By appointment; email me for an office hour appointment and I'll send you the Zoom link.)
Zoom Office Hours: Tues./Thurs. 10-11am, Friday 1-2pm* (Email me for an office hour appointment and I'll send you the Zoom link.)
* If none of my office hour times work for you, contact me and we will set up a special appointment.
Course Web Site
Students will use the Canvas course web site for course communication and organization. This is the first semester that I am using Canvas so it may take awhile for us to get fully underway. However, the plan is to use Canvas for assignment instructions, submitting most assignments, viewing peer team work, sharing resources, and viewing grades
Course Communication
Please make it a habit to check Canvas, the announcements section of your myCubby (via SRJC's Portal), and your personal email daily so you don't miss something important
Instructor to Class: I will post general course announcements on the “Instructor Announcements” page in Canvas, as well as sending them using the SRJC Portal's email system (myCubby) throughout the semester. Canvas notifies students according to their preferred Notification Preferences as soon as the instructor creates an Announcement. A “Q&A Forum” is also on Canvas to ask for assistance of your classmates or of instructor.
Instructor to Individual Student(s): When sending individual messages to students, I may use Canvas, the Portal, or send an email from my JC email (ldowning@santarosa.edu) directly to your email address. Please check Canvas, your "myCubby", and your email daily so you don't miss an important class message.
Student to Instructor: You can send me a message via Canvas or email me directly at ldowning@santarosa.edu. I do not release my cell phone to students except in urgent situations, so you do not currently have the ability to text me. I can also receive phone messages if you call my SRJC number, 527-4420.
Textbook
Barton, Robert. Acting: Onstage and Off. SEVENTH edition. ISBN - 9781305077447
If you already have a copy of the 6th edition of the entire textbook (also used in THAR 10A), that's okay; we'll make it work for you this semester.
The SRJC Bookstore has the complete textbook available for a digital subscription for the semester. Although you can also rent or purchase a hard copy of the textbook through the bookstore, the digital subscription is the most economical option...by far! [Please note that the 120-day rental begins the day you start your subscription. Although the spring semester is 129 days long, you will be okay because we don't use the textbook in the last two weeks of the semester.]
You can locate and order textbooks online via the SRJC Bookstore. Note that if you want to pick your books up in Petaluma, you need to order them from the Petaluma Bookstore website.
Recommended Technology and Software
Your Main Device: All of our class meetings will be on Zoom so you will need to use a device with a camera and microphone (built-in or external). In addition, you'll often need to view a script or other document at the same time you are doing an exercise so, if your main device has a small screen, I recommend having access to a second device if you can (such as a tablet or smartphone). If you do not have access to a second device, don't worry. One solution: SRJC library has an inventory of laptops and tablets (as well as hotspots, if you have internet accessibility issues) available for student check-out. Visit that page on the SRJC Libraries website if you think you'll need to take advantage of this service.
Recommended-Access to Printer: In order to easily access course materials during the semester, I recommend that you have access to a printer. If you do not have a printer, don't worry. Just let me know on your course Questionnaire (you'll receive that on the first day) so that I can make arrangements to get hard copies to you, in that situation.
Suggested-Access to Scanner: While this is not essential, having access to a scanner can make submitting assignments a bit easier. If you don't have one, don't worry. Photographing a document with your cellphone and sending the photos to me will work too.
Suggested Software and Apps: You might need the following software for this course at some point. If you don't have one, don't worry; these are just suggestions. If there are other software or apps that we find would be useful this semester for the class, I'll update this part of the syllabus and let you know. (Suggestions from students are also welcome!)
Important Dates
Day Class Begins: Thursday, January 21, 2021
Last Regular Class Meeting: Thursday, May 20, 2021
FINAL: 1:00-3:45, Thursday, May 27, 2021
College-Wide Dates for Full Semester Classes
Last Day to Add without instructor's approval: Jan. 26, 2021
Last Day to Drop a Semester-Length Class and be eligible for a refund: Jan. 31, 2021
Last Day to Add with instructor's approval: Feb. 7, 2021
Last Day to Drop without a 'W' symbol: Feb. 7, 2021
Last Day to Drop with a 'W' symbol: Apr. 25, 2021
Last Day to Opt for Pass/No Pass: Feb. 28, 2021 Note: This class cannot be taken P/NP.
Dropping the Class
If you decide to discontinue this course (although I hope you won't!), it is your responsibility to officially drop it to avoid getting no refund (after 10% of course length), a W symbol (after 20%), or a grade (after 60%).
Attendance
Make it your goal to show up on time AND ready to work for every class meeting. Acting is a collaborative art form and your daily participation is crucial to your learning experience, as well as those of your fellow actors.
- Attendance in Uncertain Times: We are all facing stressful and uncertain conditions this year due to Covid-19, as well as our region's fires and other events. If you are unable to attend class temporarily due to situations like these, please contact me right away and I will accommodate your absence(s) as best I can. All I ask is that you only use this option when you really need it.
- Otherwise, three (3) absences will result in your course grade dropping one full grade; four (4) absences will result in you being dropped from the course. Three late/unprepared arrivals will equal one absence.
- With the exception of an excused absence, failure to attend any scheduled in-class rehearsal, coaching session, or performance may result in a grade drop of two letter grades (from an A to a C) for that assignment. An excused absence is supported by a written/signed document on letterhead with contact information from a doctor, court official, or other authority.
- Any anticipated absences for the semester (ACTF, team/class events, long commutes, or personal responsibilities) must be discussed with me within the first two weeks of the course. Unless it’s an emergency, please don’t schedule work, or make travel plans or personal appointments (counseling, doctor appt., etc.) during class time. This class is filled with partnered exercises and assignments; therefore, any absence can negatively impact the whole class.
Late Policy
Unless posted other, all assignments are due at the start of class on the due date. A late submission will receive a 10%-20% penalty, depending on the assignment. Submissions more than one week late are not accepted without prior arrangement. Late work will not be graded unless student sends instructor an email with URL for late work.
Performance Assignments
Over the course of the semester, you will complete the following performance assignments:
- One “original” monologue (something special!), working with a partner
- One creative short partnered scene
- Two partnered scenes from published plays
- Two monologues in a contrasting monologue package
Other Assignments
- Attend both online SRJC productions this semester. (You'll receive a free "ticket" for each show). If you are either in the cast or crew, you will still be able to complete this assignment.
- Complete written performance packets for each performance assignment (includes scoring, research, and analysis assignments designed to help your performance work).
- Complete 5-8 reading worksheet/quizzes and one exam on terms/concepts
- Maintain daily/weekly notes on class subject matter in your notebook (actor's journal). Over time, you may be asked to enter these in Canvas, but for now just maintain them at home.
- No Class Binder This Semester: Since we will not be face-to-face this semester, you will not be required to maintain a class binder. However, you are encouraged to retain all class materials for future reference.
Grading Policy
Since this is my first semester using Canvas, it may take me awhile to post grades and comments on the online Canvas grade book, so you may be receiving that information via email for awhile. If you have any questions about your grade in the class at any time, please contact me and we will discuss your progress.
Grades will be assigned as follows
90%-100% (450-500 pts.) = A; 80%-89% (400-449 pts.) = B; 70%-79% (350-399 pts.) = C; 60%-69% (300-349 pts.) = D
Standards of Conduct
Students who register in SRJC classes are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Student Code of Conduct page.
Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work. See these links on Plagiarism:
SRJC Writing Center Lessons on avoiding plagiarism
SRJC's policy on Academic Integrity
Other Important Policies and Practices
Avoid Plagiarism Like the, er, Plague: Although most students have likely heard about plagiarism during their years of schooling, it still is prevalent-even in higher education. The video below reviews what plagiarism is and how not to do it.
Netiquette, or Why Is It Harder to Be Polite Online?
Netiquette refers to using common courtesy in online communication. All members of the class are expected to follow netiquette in all course communications. Use these guidelines:
- Use capital letters sparingly. THEY LOOK LIKE SHOUTING.
- Forward emails only with a writer's permission.
- Be considerate of others' feelings and use language carefully.
- Cite all quotations, references, and sources (otherwise, it is plagiarism).
- Use humor carefully. It is hard to "read" tone; sometimes humor can be misread as criticism or personal attack. Feel free to use emoticons like :) for a smiley face to let others know you are being humorous.
- Use complete sentences and standard English grammar to compose posts. Write in proper paragraphs. Review work before submitting it.
- Text speak, such as "ur" for "your" or "ru" for "are you" etc., is only acceptable when texting.
Special Needs
Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278), as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
About this Syllabus Summary: As I continue to transition my course materials to Canvas this semester, I will be making additions or adjustments to this page. You will be notified whenever that happens.