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Last Updated: March 27, 2010
THEA 274
THEATRE HISTORY: TOPICS
Wicked to Wicked; Tracing the musical line from Burlesque to Broadway.
SPRING 2010
Janeve West, M.F.A. Office Hours: WF 1 - 3
Rm 305 Wallace Hall or by appointment
309-457-2398
jwest@monm.edu
Course Information:
Course time/place: MWF 11:00 – 11:50
Wallace Hall 316
Text: Musical Theatre, A History
By John Kenrick
The Continuum International Publishing Group, Inc. 2008
ISBN: 9780826428608
Frequent handouts, websites and scripts as given by the instructor.
Other Resources:
Archive of Librettos – http://web.archive.org/web/20070531082018/libretto.musicals.ru/letter.php?letter_id=1&language=1
PLAYBILL.com Index of current Musicals http://www.playbill.com/
American Variety Stage Archive http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/vshtml/vshome.html
Glossary of General Theatre Terms – Performance and Technical
http://fountainsquareplayers.org/AGlossaryOfTeatreTerms.pdf
Timeline and Overview of Eras in Theatre History
http://www.nwmissouri.edu/library/courses/theatre/Time/WTT.htm
Course Description:
A survey of theatre emphasizing the evolution of dramatic literature, production elements, theatre architecture, and audience composition. Each year’s offering will concentrate on a particular movement, genre, or form. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Spring 2010 - Wicked to Wicked; Tracing the musical line from Burlesque to Broadway.
The musical theater is one of America's few original art forms and continues to be reflective and reactive of the current culture. This course focuses on the development of the musical theater of the 20th century, by studying musicals in their historical context from the music based performances of the Greek era through contemporary performance. Students will engage in musical theatre through readings, presentations, video and live performance.
Course Objectives:
1. To explore the history and development of the American Musical Theatre through the reading of plays, examining the historical record, studying performance theory, and theater structure/craft.
2. To develop and understanding of the many social, economic, technologic and political elements that have influenced the creation of theater throughout the ages.
3. To develop an understanding of the role of performance in current society and as it relates to its role in history.
4. To effectively analyze structural elements of play scripts and theater structures and apply discoveries to scripts and structures of other eras.
Course Requirements: (Click for More Info)
In Class Participation 100 pts.
Outside Engagement 50 pts.
Dramaturgy Assignment 250 pts.
Research Paper 200 pts.
Comparative Analysis (2) 200 pts. (100 pts each)
Conversation Starters 210 pts. (14@ 15 pts each)
Quizzes (5) 250 pts. (50 pts each)
Midterm 100 pts
Final 140 pts.
1470 total points
Class Participation – 100 points
The art and craft of theatre requires many people, working together over a sustained period of time. Class attendance and full participation will be a crucial element in this class. Class participation will be accounted for through the positive participation and completion of the following:
· Sufficient preparation for assignments and readings due
· Completion of in-class activities/assignments/writings/readings
· Positive physical and verbal class participation
· Timeliness and full attendance of the class. Excessive tardiness and/or early exits will result in a reduction in the participation grade.
Outside Engagement of the Arts – 50 points
Students will created a one-page response to the event providing a synopsis of the discussion/event and personal insight/response to the event. These responses must be handed in the class period immediately following the event. Late responses will not be accepted.
Responses will focus on the following:
· Attendance of one hour of Sweeney Todd rehearsal.
· Attendance of all Fall Monmouth College Theatrical productions AND their opening night post-show discussions. (Including Spring Showcase, no post-show discussion)
· Full attendance of pre-show discussion AND post-show discussion of Sweeney Todd.
· Attendance of one Music Department choir performance.
Note on Show Attendance–
To prove attendance of the MC or outside production, the student will turn in a ticket stub and/or program of the attended performance on the TUESDAY following the performance. “Outside performances” must be theatrical and must occur during the spring semester. If there is any question as to whether or not an outside performance can be counted toward class requirements, please see the instructor.
Dramaturgy Team Presentation – (1) 250 points
Each team will be required to research and create a 20 min. group presentation with a visual component and handout. Students will be graded not only on the content and quality of their presentation, but according to their participation in the group’s process. These presentations will provide an overview for the culture, economic, social, religious and political circumstances of a given era. Details of this project will be discussed at a later date.
MAJORS/MINORS/FINE ARTS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - Your dramaturgy project will correspond with one of the three MC Theatrical productions. Your materials will go on display in the lobby outside of your corresponding theatre.
NON MAJORS – Though due earlier in the semester, the visual component of your dramaturgy project will be on display in the lobby of the Wells Theatre at the Spring Night of Scenes on Sunday, April 25. All members of your team must be present to answer any questions of your audience.
Research Paper – (1) 200 points
Each student will be required to research and write an 6 – 8 page paper. This research paper will attempt to connect your major and/or area of interest to the historical evolution of Musical Theatre. Papers will include an annotated bibliography, works cited and references and will be sent to TURNITIN.COM. NO internet sources will be accepted. Details of this project will be discussed at a later date.
Conversation Starters – (14) 15 pts each = 210 points
Each week students will be asked to reflect, respond, generate materials or the like according to the era in history or current show the course is discussing. Assignments could include: Cast the current production the class is discussing with contemporary Hollywood actors and argue for your choices, or generate a costume design for the leading character according to the popular fashion of the time. These assignments will be handed in on Wednesdays. These assignments will always include a “synopsis” or “outline” the chapter component.
Comparative Analysis – (2) 100 pts each = 200 pts
Students will write 1 comparative analysis on MC’s production of Sweeney Todd productions. Students will write 1 other comparative analysis of another musical theatre production of their choosing. This analysis must be turned in by April 30th. Format and details of the structure and content of these analyses will be covered during a class period in the early part of the semester.
Quizzes (6) – 250 pts. (50 pts each)
There are currently 6 quizzes scheduled for the semester. These quizzes will be given at the beginning of the class period noted in the schedule. Students who miss quizzes because of absence or tardiness will not be permitted to make them up except in the case of extreme extenuating circumstances. Students arriving after the start of the quiz will not be permitted to begin it late. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
Midterm 100 pts
Final 140 pts.
Pop Quizzes – I reserve the right to pop-quiz at any time.
COURSE POLICIES
Extra Credit Opportunities:
Students may earn up to 20 points of extra credit (4 pts each evening) by ushering for any of the three MC performances this semester. Students must sign up at least one week in advance. Those interested in ushering must contact BOTH Professor West and Valerie Koopman (vkooopman@monm.edu)
General Note on assignments:
Attendance:
Your participation in this course is essential; as a result, so is attendance. In the event of illness or other mitigating circumstances, you are allowed to miss 3 class periods without penalty. Each subsequent absence after 2 will result in a one-full letter grade reduction of your final grade. An excused absence will ONLY be granted to those students who are directly involved in a Monmouth College event such as a sporting event, debate tournament or music concert (or the like) AND are on the list of students sent out to faculty by said coach, director, or event sponsor. Extraordinary circumstances will be dealt with on a one-to-one basis as needed and at the instructor’s discretion. Students will NOT be excused to attend events of any campus social organization.
Tardiness:
Students arriving 10 min. after the start of class will automatically be counted as absent. Extraordinary circumstances will be dealt with on a one-to-one basis as needed and at the instructor’s discretion. Students who prove consistently late to class will see a corresponding reduction in their participation points.
Missed Assignments/Class Work/Presentations-
Performances/exams/ materials due will be rescheduled in ONLY extraordinary circumstances and at the instructor’s discretion. Written assignments which are handed in any time after class on the “due date” will be penalized at the rate of one letter grade per day. Students who e-mail prior to class to notify me of their absence should not assume this makes their absence excused. This late-penalty includes assignments that are handed in/e-mailed immediately after class on the due date. ALL paper assignments handed in must be stapled. Any unstapled items will NOT be accepted.
If You Know You’re Going to Miss a Class –
It is your responsibility to notify the professor, turn in assignments and take any exam/quiz/presentation PRIOR to leaving. You MUST notify the professor at least one week in advance to make arrangements for these events.
Extensions –
Extensions on assignments are RARELY granted and only occur in the most extreme circumstances. Students interested in an extension on an assignment must set a meeting with the professor to discuss their request at least one week prior to the due date of the assignment.
Readings and Handouts –
Students will be given reading assignments from the text, as well as numerous handouts. It is the responsibility of the student to read and maintain all materials, as well as gather all materials, notes, and handouts covered during the student’s absence. Please do not ask the professor to re-teach the class for you, and do not ask, “Did I miss anything?” at the start of the next class period.
Civility in the Classroom –
Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. In order to assure such an environment, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from using cellular phones or beepers, eating or drinking, making offensive and/or defamatory remarks, reading newspapers/magazines, sleeping, bringing a weapon of any kind, or engaging in any other form of distraction in the classroom.
o In the case of a violation of this policy, the instructor will note the behavior and expect it to immediately cease. In case of a second violation the student will be removed from the class and counted absent for the day. The student will be required to set an individual meeting with the professor to discuss the Civility in the Classroom policy.
o In the case of a third violation, the student will be removed from the class and will be referred to the department chair and/or the dean of students.
o Turn off your cell phones. Don’t refer to them when they vibrate. It’s rude.
o If the student wishes to take notes on a lap top, this should be the only activity occurring. If the student chooses to do anything other than take notes, they will be immediately removed from the class.
Plagiarism-
Making the unauthorized or unacknowledged use of others' words or ideas is plagiarism. It will result in a final grade of "F" for the course and may result in further penalties. If at any time you are unsure, ask! Plagiarism is discussed further in the College documents available online.
Students with Special Needs-
If you are a student with special educational needs, please inform the professor personally as to the nature of those needs, in writing via e-mail, within one week of the beginning of the course or the receipt of this syllabus. Please consult the appropriate college offices for further information. Students requesting accommodations because of physical or mental challenge need to be register with this office in order for the professor to grant accommodations. Mid-term or ex-post facto appeals to physical or mental challenge will only be considered when requested in written with an explanation of why the accommodations were not requested at the beginning of the semester. These appeals must be sent to the course instructor, the department chair and the dean of students. The professor is committed to maintaining a "level playing field" and will not grant accommodations that would unfairly advantage challenged or non-challenged students. Non-challenged students who feel that they have been disadvantaged by the granting of an accommodation to a fellow student are asked to provide information on that situation to the professor in writing within three weeks of their first knowledge of the date of the accommodation being made, or when it comes to the attention of the non-challenged student.
Grade Telephone Inquiries:-
Telephone inquiries regarding course or assignment grades will not be considered appropriate, due to the professor’s interpretation of federal educational privacy protections. Student privacy of educational records cannot be guaranteed in a telephone conversation, since the professor cannot guarantee the identity of the student, therefore, no student grade issues will be discussed on the telephone or in person while other students are present, unless the student whose grades are being discussed arranges for a release form. The professor will not discuss a student’s grade with anyone other than said student unless the student whose grades are being discussed arranges for a release form. If the student wishes to discuss their grade, the student must make an appointment with the professor to do so.
A note on this nature of this course:
Theater is a reflection of humanity, the way humans react and interact, and human situations. Therefore, some of the characters you may encounter, read, and/or portray could make decisions or use language which may be very different than your own. Students should be aware that they will be communicating verbally and non-verbally, and coming into direct contact with their classmates with each class meeting. If the physical and verbal nature of the course does not suit the student’s needs, the student should rethink participation in the course.
Grading Scale:
A = 92-100 D- = 60-61
A- = 90-91 F = below 60
B+ = 88-89
B = 82-87
B- = 80-8l
C+ = 78-79
C = 72-77
C- = 70-7l
D+ = 68-69
D = 62-67
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Subject to Change
Last updated:
Class/Topic Due
If topic is blank, it is a continuation of the previous class topic.
January
13 Introduction to the Course
15 What
is Theatre? We’ve been doing this how long?
Introduction, ch. 1
Handout (2)
20 Ancient Greece to 1850 Ch. 2
Die Fledermaus
22 Offenbach and Straus Paper Check Point
25 Finding your inner WICKED Ch. 3
1624 – 1880
27 Minstrelsy, Burlesque and Saloon Girls Conversation Starter #1
29 Preparing for H.M.S. Pinafore Quiz
February
1 1880 – 1899 Ch. 4 AND 5
3 Gilbert and Sullivan H.M.S. Pinafore
Conversation Starter #2
NOTE: H.M.S. Pinafore is a libretto on reserve in the Library.
5 Preparing for the Great Zigfield Paper Checkpoint
8 1900 – 1919 Ch. 6 AND 7
10 Mr. Zigfield and more “wickedness” The Great Zigfield
Conversation Starter #3
NOTE: The Great Zigfield is a movie on reserve in the Library.
12 More Zigfield – he’s kind of a big deal.
NOTE: Cherry Docs opens on the 12th.
15 Al Jolsen Ch. 8
17 Actors Equity http://www.actorsequity.org/
http://www.actorsequity.org/AboutEquity/timeline/timeline_intro.html Conversation Starter #4
19 Preparation for Showboat Quiz
Dramaturgy for Showboat
1._______________________
2._______________________
22 1920 – 1929 The Jazz Age Ch. 9
24 Showboat Showboat
Conversation Starter #5
NOTE: The CD and Libretto for Showboat are on reserve in the Library.
NOTE: The Homecoming opens on the 25th of February.
26 Midterm
March
1 1930 – 1940 Ch. 10
3 Porgy and Bess Porgy and Bess
Conversation Starter #6
NOTE: the CD and Libretto for Porgy and Bess are
on reserve in the Library.
5 Preparation for Oklahoma Quiz
Dramaturgy for Oklahoma
1._______________________
2._______________________
15 1940 – 1950 Ch. 11
17 Oklahoma Oklahoma
Conversation Starter #7
NOTE: The Movie of Oklahoma are on reserve in the Library.
19 Preparation for Peter Pan Dramaturgy for Peter Pan
1._____________________
2._____________________
22 1950 – 1963 Ch. 12
Paper Check Point
24 Peter Pan Peter Pan
Conversation Starter #8
NOTE: The MOVIE (stage version) of Peter Pan is on reserve in the Library.
26 Preparation for Hair
Dramaturgy Team for Hair
1.______________________
2.______________________
29 1960 – 1979 Ch. 13
31 Hair Hair
Conversation Starter #9
NOTE: The CD and Libretto for Hair are on reserve in the Library.
April
7 Cabaret
Quiz
Cabaret
NOTE: The Libretto, CD and Movie of Cabaret are on reserve in the Library. Conversation Starter #10
9 Preparation for Jesus Christ Superstar(JCS) Paper Checkpoint
NOTE: The MOVIE of JCS is on reserve in the Library. Dramaturgy Team for JCS
1.______________________
2.______________________
12 1970 – 1979 Ch. 14
14 Jesus Christ Superstar(JCS) JCS
NOTE: The MOVIE of JCS is on reserve in the Library. Conversation Starter #11
NOTE: Sweeney Todd opens on the 15th.
16 Preparation for Into the Woods Quiz
19 1980 – 1990 Ch. 15
21 Into the Woods Into the Woods
NOTE: The Movie, and CD of Into the Woods are on reserve in the Library. Conversation Starter #12
23 Preparation for The Producers Sweeney Comparative Analysis Due
26 The 2000’s Ch. 16
28 The Producers The Producers
Conversation Starter #13
NOTE: The CD and movie of The Producers are on reserve in the Library.
30 Where do we go from here? Quiz
May
3 Wicked Final Research Papers Due
Posted to TURNITIN.COM by 5 pm
5 Wicked Due by this date: Any program/ticket of the “Outside” performance you’re required to see.
Final: Tuesday May 11 8:00 AM – Same location.
#14th Conversation Starter will be due at the final
This final will not be moved unless under extreme situations.
Other Important Dates:
February 11 Cherry Docs Opens
Feb. 11 Post Show Discussion of Cherry Docs
February 25 Homecoming Opens
Feb. 25 Post Show Discussion of Homecoming
April 15 Sweeney Opens
April 15 Post- Show Discussion of Sweeney Todd
April 18 Pre-Show Discussion
THEA 274
THEATRE HISTORY: TOPICS
Wicked to Wicked; Tracing the musical line from Burlesque to Broadway.
FALL 2009
Student Name__________________________________________________________
Date__________________________________________________________________
Student e-mail address______________________________________________________________________
I have read and do understand the syllabus, course requirements and all course policies for THEA 274 . I understand that by registering for and remaining in this course, I agree to abide by the guidelines and policies established herein.
Signature_________________________________________________________________________