LINKS TO SYLLUBI:
THEA 4800-Selected Topics:
Improvisational Theatre
Course Syllabus - Spring 2010
Phillip DePoy office: G130 phone: 678 466 4715
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thrusday 10:30am-noon; Wednesday 10:30-noon; 1pm-2:30.
Class meets 12:45 pm until 2 in G132, the theatre in the A&S building
Individuals
with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445,
disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.
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Course Number and Title: THEA 4800 (CRN 24875) Improvisational Theatre
Credit Hours: 3.0 semester credit hours (3-0-3)
A seminar in theatre topics, may be repeated when topics vary.
Specifically in this section: improvisational theatre methods, theories, and techniques and their application in contemporary theatre, local theatre, and other venues.
Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites: THEA 1100 with a minimum US grade of C
TH THEATRE LEARNING OUTCOMES SATISFIED BY THIS COURSE:
1. Assess and employ theatrical concepts in decision-making and critical aesthetic judgments.
2. Recognize and demonstrate practical skills required in professional theatre settings.
CoComputer 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.
 | Able to use the WindowsTM operating system |
| Able to use Microsoft WordTM word processing |
| Able to send and receive e-mail using OutlookTM or Outlook ExpressTM |
| 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 the classroom in this course in order to access Youtube materials and other examples of improv. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.
Suggested Reading:
IMPROVISATION FOR THE THEATRE by Viola Spolin
Evaluation will be based on 2 examinations (@25% of total grade), in class improvisation and scene creation (50%)
|
A |
|
|
B |
80 - 89% |
|
C |
70 - 79% |
|
D |
60 - 69% |
|
F |
below 60% |
The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on February 24, 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, which occurs on March 5. Instructions for withdrawing are provided at this link.
The last day to withdraw without academic accountability is Friday, March 5, 2010.
Week 1: Theory and Foundation
Week 2: Workshop Procedures
Week 3: Exercises: orientation and sensory awareness
Week 4: Exercises: mirror and physical involvement
Week 5: summary and 1st exam
Week 6: Exercise sessions solo: awareness and environment
Week 7: Exercise sessions solo: sound and movement
Week 8: Exercise sessions group: problem solving
Week 9: Exercise sessions group: group dynamics/scene development
Week 10: summary and 2nd exam
Week 11: Scene development/total body
Week 12: Scene development: refining
Week 13: Scene development conclusions
Week 14: presentation of improvisational scenes
Week 15: presentation of improvisational scenes
Course Policies:
General Policy
Students must abide by policies in
the
Clayton State University Student Handbook,
and the
Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.[j16]
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.
Course Attendance Policy:
Attendance is required for all class periods. Attendance is required for
examination periods. Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a
doctor or other competent authority. The first unexcused absence results in a
warning, the second results in the lowering of the student’s grade by one
letter. Each subsequent absence will result in further lowering of the student’s
grade by one letter. THIS IS AN IMPROV CLASS. THERE IS NO WAY TO MAKE UP
MISSED CLASSES. NO EXTRA CREDIT WILL BE ASSIGNED.
Missed Exams:
Without a valid excuse, a grade of
zero points will be assigned for the missed exam.
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[j23]