Course Description

Introduction to Theatre is a selective survey of the history of the theatre and of dramatic literature from approximately 500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. Various styles of theatre, from ritual to realism and beyond, and some of the kinds of theatre which have evolved, from drama and dance to musicals and melodramas, are reviewed in their historical contexts. The architecture of buildings meant for entertainment, and the development of theatrical arts and crafts, including playwriting, designing settings and costumes, lights and sound, and acting, directing, and producing, are selectively surveyed, along with the relationship of theatre to its changing audience

There are a good many sections of Theatre 100 this semester (and next). A couple are “L” sections (prerequisite English 100). Most sections have no prerequisite, and don’t have a heavy writing component. We also have a section online.

All of the sections of Theatre 100 satisfy the University History of Fine Arts requirement.

Course Objectives

This course is intended to impart a general knowledge of theatre and how it functions as a multiple and multicultural form of art. It will provide you with a selective introduction to many different kinds of theatre from different ages and cultures, from its beginnings B.C. up to the second millennium of this modern era. With the aid of our course text, we watch the development of theatre buildings, and the changing relationship between audiences and actors. We see how drama and opera, dance, and musicals evolve and adapt to the societies of their times from the Golden Age of Greece to America and the world today. And we take a look at the various arts and crafts of theatre as they develop through the ages - from playwriting, acting, dancing, and directing to designing settings, costumes, and lighting.

Each section of the course has its own set of emphases and predilections, but all chiefly aim to enhance your ability to be an appreciative and critical audience, and to understand how theatre has functioned, and somehow continues to function, in enormously varying cultural and historical contexts. And most sections of Theatre 100 provide opportunities, which are not obligatory, for you to be creative and to actually participate in the preparation of a live theatrical production.

Texts

Each section of Theatre 100 has its own text and course requirements, which you can get from the professor who teaches your section of the course.

Most sections require a mid-term and final exams, plus quizzes and tests, and some written papers. All sections expect you to do background reading and to read several plays during the semester. Each instructor will give you a detailed description of her/his section requirements.

Attendance Policies

Attendance Policies will be available from your Theatre 100 professor.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites.

Theatre 100 as a required course

Theatre 100 fulfills the Southern Connecticut State University Liberal Arts degree general requirement in the History of the Fine Arts, and may be transferable to other universities.

Plagiarism

No one needs to plagiarize. Just make sure you acknowledge your sources, whether paraphrased or in direct quotation marks. Stealing other peoples’ words or ideas is grounds for failure in the course.

Tips

A positive attitude towards A: yourself and B: the course will help a lot. Make the most of both. “Problem-solving good, whining bad!” You are also an actor - playing the role of a professional student. The professional student, having an overall positive attitude, gives coursework high priority, and schedules reading and writing outside class time carefully in order to get the most out of the course, including a good grade. Expect to spend a minimum of five hours a week outside class on preparation and written work.

Allow plenty of time for reading and other assignments. The plays need careful attention: they are great works of art. Take notes as you read. If you don’t understand any words, look them up in the dictionary. Ask questions in class. Participate in discussions. Take notes in class.

A positive attitude and being attentive can do wonders for your academic abilities and help to make the class enjoyable as well as useful.