TH1101 Introduction to Theatre
Section 2 - Spring 2003
University of Minnesota, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance

Lecture: Tuesdays 11:15 - 12:30, Rarig Center, Thrust Theatre (Room 185)
Section: Thursdays 11:15 - 12:30, Rarig Center, Proscenium Stage

Section Instructor: Jeanne Willcoxon-Rebhan
Office Hours: Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 or by appointment
Office: Rarig 506, Cubicle 12
Mail Box: Rarig 580Office Phone:612/626-9351
e-mail: will1174@tc.umn.edu

Course Description and Goals: In our Thursday section we will explore and expand on material covered in the Tuesday lecture. By acquiring the skills to critically approach the theatrical text or event we will not only begin to question and be aware of how representations on- and off-stage condition our lives and thought, but also the possibilities of our thought to re-imagine and intervene in those representations. Our section work will involve in-class writing exercise, discussion groups and on-your-feet activities. As our work will be grounded in the Tuesday lectures, it is essential that you attend the lectures to actively participate, both with your mind and body, in our Thursday sections.

Being prepared to receive what thought is not prepared to think is what deserves the name of thinking. - Jean-Francois Lyotard

Assignments: Short in-class writing assignments (3-5) - TBA

• Written response to question - January 30th
• 3-4 page Text Analysis - March 6th
• 3-4 page Revised Text Analysis - March 27th
• Mid-Term Examination - March 13th
• Quiz - April 22nd
• 2-3 page Production Analysis of There is a Field orSummer Folk - April 24th
• Final Project Group Presentation - May 1st/6th/8th
• 5 page Final Project Report - May 8th

More detailed descriptions outlining specific expectations of each assignment will be handed out on the day of the assignment

Late Assignments: Don't do it. All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period noted above. Unexcused late papers will be graded down on full letter grade for each day that they are late. If you miss class on a due date, please turn in the paper ahead of time.

Grades: Grading follows the policy outlined in the CLA bulletin: C indicates work which meets the course requirements in every way and is the normal grade in the course. B and A are honor grades indicating work beyond the basic requirements with an A denoting outstanding achievement.

• Attendance (both in lecture and section) - 5%
• Participation (active engagement in course) - 10%
• Short Assignments - 10%
• Text Analysis and Revision - 20%
• Production Analysis - 10%
• Mid-term Essay and Identification - 15%
• Quiz - 5%
• Final Group Project Presentation - 15%
• Final Group Project Report - 10%

Total - 100%

Grading Scale:

• A 93-100
• A -90-92
• B+ 87-89
• B 83-86
• B- 80-82
• C+ 77-79
• C 73-76
• C- 70-72
• D+ 67-69
• D 60-66
• F Below 60

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Extra Credit Possibility: Students may receive, one time only, up to 2 extra credit points for attending an off-campus theatre production and writing a 2-page response to that production of symposium. Students must include a program from that event to receive credit. The last possible date to hand in extra credit assignments is May 1st.

Attendance/Tardiness: Attendance is required. In this section we will work as a group and your participation is essential to not only your learning process, but the entire group's process. I will follow the course's official policy on attendance, which is: If a student misses 2 section meetings, her/his grade will be lowered. If a student misses 4 or more sections s/he will fail the course. If you must miss a class for a medical reason, documentation will be required. You are responsible for all reading and assignments missed because of absence or tardiness. If you know that you must miss a class or that you will be late, please contact me in advance. Persistent tardiness will lower your grade.

Incompletes: Incompletes are not given except in the case of serious illness or personal emergency and only if a small part of the course remains to be finished. Documentation must be provided and a written agreement for completion signed for any incomplete to be considered.

General Comments: The reading of all texts is subjective and so is the grading of texts. I will try to be as clear as possible about my expectations and criteria for each assignment. Please see me if you have any questions about expectations or about your performance in class. Also keep in mind that your final grade is based not only on the final products, but on how you have ENGAGED in the process. This section is our chance to really dig in and explore the material which has been presented in the Tuesday lecture and in our readings. This requires everyone's active participation, both verbal and physical participation; please let me know if you have any condition which would inhibit this involvement. I am always available should you have any questions or problems, please come to me immediately if you have any concerns about this course or your performance in the course. I look forward to working with you!

Please Note: Students will be required to attend two university productions:

There is a Field performance dates: February 27th - March 2nd

Summer Folk performance dates: April 11th - April 13th, April 17th - April 19th