Course Syllabus and Grading Policies

Teacher Contact Information
Name:  Margaret Brown
Extension (in school):  5256
Cell Phone:  596-9656
Email:  mbrown@bradfordareaschools.org
Web: http://www.teacherweb.com/pa/bradfordareahighschool/mrsbrown/Table1.stm
Prep (Best Conference Time):  7th Period
Preferred Method of Contact:  email or cell phone

Textbook
Theatre in Action
Web: http://www.theatre.glencoe.com

Other Resources & Materials
Materials Required Daily for Class:  Pencil, Binder or Folder for Papers
Computer Needs/Access:  Blackboard, Teacherweb, Study Island, Internet
Websites:  Listed on the Teacherweb page or embedded in lessons
Blackboard Access: Use BASD's Website for Link and Sign-in
Supplemental Materials:  Library Resources (for monologues and other acting material)

Course Information
General Course Description:  Drama I focuses on the fundamentals of drama - the basics.  We will be working on the background of drama while performance is slowly introduced.
Topics to be covered:
The Stage:  Time will be spent on understanding the parts, areas, and types of stages.
Types of Theater:  There will be a unit in which theatre, types of theaters, and historical theater are examined and presented to the class.
Warm-up Activities:  Warming-up for performing is extremely important, and this must be practiced daily.
Script Work and Writing:  A variety of scripts will be read and worked.  A two person scene will also be written by students later in the year.
Improvisation:  The art of improv will be a major part of the class later in the year.
Monologues: It is important to learn to shape and perform a monologue in front of an audience.
Scenes:  Working with fellow actors on scene work will help prepare students for Drama II.

Course Objectives
Learning Goals:  Students will learn the vernacular for drama, participate in warm-up exercises, perform different kinds of scripts, and learn about the history of theatre.
Knowledge / Skills Students will Gain:  Vocabulary, Scripting, Cold Reading, Dramatic Approach, Comedic Approach, Improvisational Techniques, Blocking, Familiarity With Technical Theater, Historical Background

Instructional Philosophy
Expectations for Student Performance:  Participation is a must. Students must be on time in order to gain all participation points. Students need to bring materials to class, and not leave to go to lockers. All assignments must be completed on time. Make up missed work within two days following absence.
Emphasis: Performance, Projects, Assignments, Tests and Quizzes
Collaboration:  Individual Work, Group Work

Course Policies
Attendance: This course is heavily weighted on participation.  There is very little room absence.
Late Assignments:  5 point deduction per day
Make-up work due to absence: Two days from the date of an excused absence. Five points will be deducted for assignments turned in later. Incompletes are assigned at the discretion of the teacher.
Homework: Unfinished classwork, projects, rehearsal, studying
Academic Dishonesty:  Zero point value assignment

Tutoring and Other Academic Assistance
I am available by appointment 2nd Period, 7th Period, or after school.

Teaching and Learning Strategies
Format of Class: This course uses a textbook as a framework with integrated activities on blackboard, other internet and media, and hands-on experience with theatre and performance.
Required Activities:  Participation in class, warm-up activities, performance and projects (including use of internet and computer).
Predominant Strategies Employed: Jigsaw, role-playing, scripting, pantomime, KWL, wordplay.

Course Outline
Warm-Up Activities
Theatres
History
Acting Exercises
Auditions
One-Acts
Scripting
Performance

Grading Procedures / Assessment Plan
30% - Participation ("Daily" Grade Category).
30% - Performance ("Lab" Grade Category).
30% - Projects ("Point System" Grade Category).
10% - Tests and Quizzes ("Exam" Grade Category).
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100% - Total Points