THEA 101H: Introduction to Theatre Arts - Honors

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: Student must be eligible for the Citrus College Honors Program or obtain a recommendation from an Honors instructor.
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: C1. Arts, C2. Humanities
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Background and foundation for appreciation and evaluation of theatre arts. Course will include a study of dramatic structure, history of the theatre, plays and playwrights, and a study of contemporary theatre production. In addition, students are expected to work and participate at an honors level which includes analysis of assigned readings and plays, presentation and leadership skills demonstrated through in-class discussions and group participation. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • analyze a script with a higher level of knowledge and understanding
  • identify specific contributions of the playwright, the director, the actor, and the designers to a theater production
  • analyze and explain the role history has played in the development of the theatre
  • have a basic understanding of the tools an actor uses to create various characters in a theatrical production
  • have a basic understanding of a director's responsibilities in a theatrical production
  • identify and define the various genres of theatre

Major Course Content

  1. The Theatre as an Art Form
    1. The audience and the critic
    2. Dramatic structure, form and style
  2. The Theatre of the Past
    1. The beginnings of theatre
      1. Ancient Greek theatre and drama
      2. Roman theatre and drama
      3. Medieval theatre and drama
    2. Asian Theatre: Performance style, production elements, and cultural and/or political significance.
    3. The Renaissance Era and the theatre
      1. Italian Renaissance
      2. English Renaissance
      3. The Restoration and the Eighteenth Century
      4. Romantic drama and melodrama
  3. Modern Theatre
    1. Realism and naturalism
    2. The beginnings of American Theatre
    3. American Theatre since World War II
  4. Contemporary Theatre in America
    1. The playwright and the producer
    2. The director
    3. The actor
    4. The scene designer
    5. The costumer
    6. The lighting designer
    7. Music and dance
    8. The theatre as a profession

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Theatre Robert Cohen McGraw-Hill Education; 10th edition (January 10, 2013) Print ISBN:978-0073514222

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Write a three page critique on a professionally produced play and describe how the directorial choices supported the playwrights intentions.

Examples of Outside Assignments

See a professionally produced play to analyze the various techniques involved in the conceptual approach to a production.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities

3A. Fine Arts