DRAM 1310:
In the event of an emergency or announced campus closure due to a natural disaster or pandemic, it may be necessary for Panola College to move to altered operations. During this time, Panola College may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include, but are not limited to: online learning management system (CANVAS), online conferencing, email messaging, and/or an alternate schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to monitor Panola College's website (www.panola.edu) for instructions about continuing courses remotely, CANVAS for each class for course-specific communication, and Panola College email for important general information.
Regular and punctual attendance of classes and laboratories is required of all students. When a student has been ill or absent from class for approved extracurricular activities, he or she should be allowed, as far as possible, to make up for the missed work. If a student has not actively participated by the census date, they will be dropped by the instructor for non-attendance. This policy applies to courses that are in-person, online, hybrid, and hyflex.
Attendance in online courses is determined by submission of an assignment or participation in an activity. According to federal guidelines, simply logging into a distance learning course without participating in an academic assignment does not constitute attendance. Distance learning is defined as when a majority (more than 50%) of instruction occurs when the instructor and students are in separate physical locations. Students must engage in an academic activity prior to the course census date.
When an instructor feels that a student has been absent to such a degree as to invalidate the learning experience, the instructor may recommend to the Vice President of Instruction that the student be withdrawn from the course. Instructors may seek to withdraw students for non-attendance after they have accumulated the following number of absences:
Fall or spring semesters:
3 or more class meeting times per week - 5 absences
2 class meeting times per week - 3 absences
1 class meeting per week - 2 absences
The student is responsible for seeing that he or she has been officially withdrawn from a class. A student who stops attendance in a class without officially withdrawing from that class will be given a failing grade; consequently, the student must follow official withdrawal procedures in the Admissions/Records Office.
Please note: Health Science and Cosmetology courses may require more stringent attendance policies based on their accreditation agencies. Please see the addendum and/or program handbook for further information concerning attendance.
Panola College welcomes pregnant and parenting students as a part of the student body. This institution is committed to providing support and adaptations for a successful educational experience for pregnant and parenting students. Students experiencing a need for accommodations related to pregnancy or parenting will find a Pregnancy and Parenting Accommodations Request form in the Student Handbook or may request the form from the course instructor.
Communication Skills – to include effective development, interpretation, and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual communication
Empirical and Quantitative Skills – to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions
Teamwork – to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared purpose or goa
Social Responsibility – to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities
The purpose of this course is to 1) create an academic atmosphere in which students may develop their intellects and skills and 2) provide courses so students may receive a certificate/an associate degree or transfer to a senior institution that offers Baccalaureate degrees through the study of an introduction to the varied histories of world drama and theater as an art form, as a profession, as a social event, and as an agent of cultural definition through the ages. The purpose of Introduction to Theatre is to increase students' understanding, appreciation, and critical perceptions of the theatrical event. Readings and lectures will focus on the elements of theatrical practice; artists and innovators of theatre throughout history; and on the theatre's development as an art form and a social phenomenon; participation in class forum discussions and sharing of critiques and short reports will offer avenues to explore students' individual theatrical interests; and attendance at theatrical events will offer first hand experience in theatre arts.
After studying all materials and resources presented in the course, the student will be able to:
- Analyze theater through written responses to play texts and/or live performance.
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of theater history and dramatic works.
- Describe the collaborative nature of theater arts.
- Demonstrate the relationship of the arts to everyday life as well as broader historical and social contexts.
A general description of lecture/discussion topics included in this course are listed in the Learning Objectives section of this syllabus.
Students in all sections of this course will learn the following content:
- An appreciation of theatre as a unique art form
- The process of critical analysis through varied and proven methods
- An understanding of theatre and its impact on the context of particular historical eras
- Structure of drama
- Drama Disciplines and Design principles
- The art of Collaboration among the many theatre disciplines required for a successful production.
- Appropriate Audience Behavior
This course is offered in the following formats consisting of lecture, research, discussion, projects, and performance elements. Face-to-face contact in class as well as online content delivered through Canvas.
Assignments
- Reading assigned chapter materials, provided reading material, website content. and completing assigned quizzes over provided material.
- Participating in class discussion in face-to-face format and/or Discussion Topics for both online and face-to-face students.
- Attending Live Theatre Performances – either at Panola College or in the local area.
- Major Research Paper
- Major Criticism Paper
- Various projects over content.
Assessments
- Exams
- Tests
- Quizzes
- Discussion Assignments
- Project Assignments
- Written Assignments
- Attendance
- Class Participation
- Class Preparedness
The grading scale for this course is as follows:
- Examiniations & Quizzes – 40%
- Projects & Papers – 40%
- Final Exam – 15%
- Participation/Attendance – 5%
- Theatre – Brief – by Cohen & Sherman – 11th Edition:
- Norton Anthology of Drama – Gainer/Garner – short Edition Access to Canvas
- Chapters 1 – 11 - Textbook
- Assigned Plays from Norton Anthology
- What We Talk About When We Talk About Good – TCG
- Assigned portions of The Poetics
- Shakespeare and the Syrian Refugee Children
- Poli’s 36 Dramatic Situations
- Excerpts from Backstage Handbook
- Frytag’s Pyramid
- Works of William Shakespeare – First Folio
- Play Directing – Hodge
- The Structure of Playwrighting - Smiley
- Courses conducted via video conferencing may be recorded and shared for instructional purposes by the instructor.
- For current texts and materials, use the following link to access bookstore listings: https://www.panolacollegestore.com.
- For testing services, use the following link: https://www.panola.edu/student-services/studentsupport/academic-testing-center.
- If any student in this class has special classroom or testing needs because of a physical learning or emotional condition, please contact the ADA Student Coordinator in Support Services located in the Charles C. Matthews Student Center or go to https://www.panola.edu/studentservices/student-support/disability-support-services for more information.
- Withdrawing from a course is the student’s responsibility. Students who do not attend class and who do not withdraw will receive the grade earned for the course.
- Student Handbook: https://www.panola.edu/ (located on at the bottom under student)