Course Syllabus

THAR 2 – Introduction to Theatre Arts Syllabus

Classes: Mondays from 6-8:50pm

Office Hours: Tue 1-2:30pm by appointment in Burbank Offices and Wed 11am-12pm by appointment on zoom

Section: 5838 – Spring 2024

Instructor Contact

Sarah Wintermeyer | swintermeyer@santarosa.edu  

Course Description

An introduction to theatre as both an art form and social forum, emphasizing the interrelated processes of playwriting, acting, directing, design, technical theatre, theatre criticism, theatre management, and theatre architecture.  Students will study theatre from a variety of perspectives through lectures, attending plays, reading scripts, and hands-on experiences.  Required attendance at two or more assigned theatre productions (discounted admission; students provide their own transportation). Regular class field trips will start and end in the Studio Theatre in Burbank, but will require walking and weather appropriate clothing.

Course Web Site

Use the Canvas course website for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, asking questions, sharing resources, and viewing grades.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a general knowledge of the theatre as a complex and diverse art form, as well as its ever-changing role in modern society.
  2. Approach, analyze, and discuss theatre as informed audience members, readers, and/or  practitioners.
  3. Participate in one or more areas of the theatre at an introductory level, applying correct terminology and working constructively with others.

Course Objectives

  1. Analyze the different responsibilities and contributions of the actor, playwright, director,

    designer, technician, management, producer, critic and audience, while recognizing

    the collaborative nature of the theatre.

  1. Attend and critique a theatrical production, both holistically and through an analysis of the

    contributions of the various artistic elements.

  1. Identify and theoretically solve the artistic challenges of a script, applying basic script analysis

    techniques for structural, thematic, and interpretive elements.

  1. Correctly apply basic theatre terminology while demonstrating an introductory understanding

    of the positions, processes, and career opportunities in the theatre.

  1. Discern the interdisciplinary contributions of other art forms and fields of study to the creation

    of theatre.

  1. Recognize the major genres, styles, and movements of the modern theatre.
  2. Communicate using various theatre design "languages" such as mood, sound, light, texture,

    color, rhythm, etc.

  1. Outline and implement a basic research strategy which includes identifying questions,

    accessing key theatre resources, and problem-solving when necessary.

  1. Collaborate with others in the development of theoretical and/or practical theatre projects.

Course Materials

The Theatre Experience 13th Ed by Edwin Wilson, Alvin Goldfarb – ISBN: 978-0073514277

OR The Theatre Experience 15th Ed by Edwin Wilson, Alvin Goldfarb – ISBN:9781264300914

Class Expectations

  • The best way to learn is through active participation. Respect others by
    • showing up on time ready to learn
    • preparing for class in advance by having read/watched all the required materials
    • listening actively and speaking courteously (even when we disagree).
  • No eating or drinking is allowed anywhere in Burbank, other than water. 

Class Format

First 5: Share something intriguing! Did you watch something wonderful? Write a scene? We'll chat about discoveries, recommendations, and curiosities related to the theatre.

Thrive Time: Dive deep into our weekly theatrical concept. We'll explore, create, and try new things. Bonus experiences include attending a live theatre production, going on campus excursions, and attending workshops.

Last 5: Reflect on the day and connect about what’s next. Your feedback shapes the journey. 

This is your class, and I want you to tell me what I can do to help you get the most out of it.

Participation Requirements

Earn participation points easily!

  • Be Present: Show up on time and be prepared.
  • Engage: Share your thoughts! Comment, discuss, volunteer, and contribute.
  • Avoid distractions: Screens and side conversations are strongly discouraged.

Punctuality counts

  • On time = 1 point
  • 5-30 minutes late/early = -1/3 point lost (3 late arrivals = 1 absence)
  • 30+ minutes late/early = no point

Important Dates

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - Classes begin  |  Monday, January 22, 2024 THAR 2 begins

Sunday, February 4, 2024 - Last day to drop a semester length class without “W” symbol

Monday, February 19, 2024 - Washington’s Day Holiday (No classes, District closed)

Monday, March 18 - Sunday, March 24, 2024 Spring Break (No classes)

Monday, April 1, 2024 - Cesar Chavez / Dolores Huerta Day (No classes, District closed)

Sunday, April 21, 2024 - Last day to drop a semester length class with “W” symbol

Saturday, May 18 - Friday, May 24, 2024 - Final Examinations. The exam for THAR 2 will be available for you to take anytime between 12AM-11:59PM on Monday May 20, 2024.

Dropping the Class

It is your responsibility to drop the class. If you decide to discontinue this course, 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%). Also, for several consecutive, unexplained absences, the instructor may drop a student.

SRJC Attendance Policy

Attendance and participation make up more than 70% of your grade. Please email me when you are ill or any other time you will be missing class. We are a team now. We need to know where you are. 

All students will abide by SRJC’s attendance policy. Please note that at the instructor's discretion, the SRJC Attendance Policy may be applied: A student may be dropped from any class when that student’s absences exceed ten percent (10%) of the total hours of class time. For this class, that is 1.5 absences.

Absences 

Excused Absences

  • Official signed document (doctor note, jury summons, etc.) required (email on return)
  • One-time use per semester, discretion of instructor
  • No document = no grade.

Anticipated Absences

  • Must be discussed within the first week of the semester (before 1/22/24) 

Late Assignment Policy

All online assignments are due before 11:59PM midnight PT on the due date. Without notice, a late submission will receive a 20% penalty. Late work will not be graded unless the student sends the instructor an email or Canvas message regarding late work. 

All in class assignments are due before 5:59PM PT on the due date. Make up work (written and performance) for valid emergencies is due at the beginning of the next class period. Performance assignments may only be made up for Excused Absences.

Final Exam

There will be an ONLINE final exam on Monday 5/20/24. The exam will be available for you to take anytime between 12AM-11:59PM. The material comes from the textbook, class lectures, and supplemental materials. 

Grading Policy

Individual grades will be posted and updated monthly on Canvas. 

A 90% - 90 points or more

B 80% - 80 to 89 points

C 70% - 70 to 79 points

D 60% - 60 to 69 points

Grading Breakdown

40% Participation + Skill Demonstrations

20% Group Production Concept Project + Original Scene Development Project  

20% Quizzes and Final Exam

20% Writing  

Academic Integrity | Standards of Conduct

All students will abide by SRJC’s Student Code of Conduct policy. 

All students will abide by SRJC’s Academic Integrity policy. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. 

Emergency Preparedness

In case of emergency, dial District Police at 527-1000

For Santa Rosa Safety alerts, register with Nixle: https://police.santarosa.edu/emergency alerts-signup

For SRJC Police alerts, register your cell phone with ALERT-U Text Messaging System: Text the letters SRJC to 55155.

Disability Resources

Disability Resources Department  |  Phone: 707-527-4278  |   Location: Bertolini Hall, 3rd Floor

Students with disabilities who believe they need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. 

Trigger Warnings

Some of the plays and other materials we will cover in this course may contain mature themes or disturbing content. If you have any concerns, please speak to the instructor.

Additional Resources

I encourage you to come to class prepared to participate actively, ask questions, and be open to new experiences.