THEA 4500 CAPSTONE

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Number and Title: THEA 4500 (CRN 24183) Capstone project

Credit Hours: 3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3)

Catalog Description:

Capstone is the theatre major’s final project that incorporates a total synthesis of the student’s learning experience in the program

Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites: THEA 1100 with a minimum US grade of C

Learning Outcomes satisfied by this class:

1. Demonstrate competent communication skills in one or more of the following areas: creating new theatre work, acting, directing, and playwriting.

2. Assess and employ theatrical concepts in decision-making and critical aesthetic judgments.

3. Recognize and demonstrate practical skills required in professional theatre settings.

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access. For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

	Able to use the Windows^TM operating system
	Able to use Microsoft Word^TM word processing
	Able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM
	Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
	Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers may be used in this course depending on the project. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Evaluation:

Evaluation will be based on weekly examination of student’s progress in the project (50% of total grade), and a final presentation, production, performance, or demonstration of the project (50%)

Grading:

A	90 - 100%
B	80 - 89%
C	70 - 79%
D	60 - 69%
F	below 60%

Mid-term Progress Report:

The mid-term grade in this course reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade. Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W." Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, or withdraw on-line using the Swan by mid-term. Instructions for withdrawing are provided at this link.

General Policy
Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/

Disruption of the Learning Environment:

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at:

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

COURSE OUTLINE

The Capstone course is a guided individual project. Each student must present a project idea before the semester begins. The group meets once a week TBD and additionally weekly individually TBD.

Week 1 Students present project idea and discuss with instructor and other Capstone students

Weeks 2-6 Students must demonstrate weekly progress in a) discussion, b) written report to be filed weekly with instructor, c) active or live demonstration

Week 7 Students must present onstage (or in writing and in live presentation) a rough draft of the final project for a midterm grade

Weeks 8-12 Students must finalize and rehearse or prepare in writing a polished presentation to be demonstrated to the instructor

Weeks 13-14 Students must show final rehearsals or final polished writing projects or similar physical evidence of final projects

Week 15 Final Presentation