| |
Drama
POLAHS
2009 - 2010 Course Syllabus
Drama is an introductory level course which is intended to introduce students to fundamental theatre skills in all facets of the craft and foster an appreciation for the art. Students will learn basic theatre etiquette, terminology, acting / performance techniques, improvisation, technical theatre skills, and management skills. The class is intended to be a fun and challenging supplement to students' academic life at POLAHS. The course infuses both the California state content standards for performing arts and the ideas set forth by the POLAHS educational charter.
Instructor:
Mr. Michael Aspinwall
Port Of Los Angeles High School
Room 213
Direct Email: maspinwall@polahs.net
Classroom Rules:
Be Responsible
Be Respectful
Commit
Invest
Required Materials:*
Texts
Rehearsal / Performance Props
Rehearsal / Performance Costumes
USB Storage Drive
Drama Notebook
Standard School Supplies
*Materials will vary based on the unit of study. Students are responsible for the information given in class and the materials that will have been assigned for the subsequent class.
Classroom Rules:
The class will operate on the four simple rules stated above in addition to the rules set forth by POLAHS. Students are expected to follow the rules at all times. Should students have difficulty following the rules, corrective action will be taken. These actions include but are not limited to detention, removal from classroom, parent contact, impacted grades, and referral to guidance or principal. Consequences will, in large part, be aligned with POLAHS's discipline policy, and have the least impact on instruction. Students should remember that the rules supersede the content of a performance piece. In other words, if a student's theatrical piece contains questionable language or content, the content and/or language should be edited before performance, or the student should leave the questionable piece and fulfill the obligations of the assignment with appropriate material. Any questions with regard to material should be brought to Mr. Aspinwall during work time, or outside of class.
Substitute Teacher Policy:
In addition to the classroom rules, I expect students to be on their best behavior in my absence. Substitute teaching is a difficult responsibility and can be much easier with a well-behaved and well-mannered class. In the event that a substitute teacher needs to discipline a student, the student will receive an automatic hour of detention upon my return in addition to any corrective action taken by the substitute.
Course Reading / Writing / Performance / Notebook:
In this class, we will be reading several plays from several different cultures. Some of the reading will take place in class, and some will be assigned outside of class. Reading should be taken seriously, and completed in a timely manner.
Students will be asked to do various kinds of writing over the course of the year in drama. The writing assignments will each be unique and require attention to different styles and instructions. As in any academic situation, students should remember to pay careful attention to directions, and write within in the expectations of the assignment.
Students will be required to have a notebook specifically for drama class. This notebook will contain daily agendas, some assignments, and reflections. Students will receive a grade on their notebooks near the end of every five-week grading period. Notebooks will be graded on completion, neatness, adherence to assignment guidelines, and content.
Drama, by nature, involves performance. Students can expect to perform, both formally and informally, many times over the course of the year. Performances will be graded, and grades will be assigned according to each assignment's individual rubric. Assignment rubrics will relate directly to the unit of study, and will be available to students before they perform.
Attendance and Grading:
Grades will be calculated on a point system; letter grades will be assigned according to the traditional 10% increments. Grading will be specific to each individual project or unit, as this is a survey course and is intended to cover a broad spectrum of topics and ideas. Student will receive a rubric for each formal performance, and each rubric will be geared toward the goals of the unit. Students will also receive points for informal performances. These performances will often be contained within a class period, thus not every informal performance will have a rubric. Points will be awarded for following directions, participation, and adherence to the classroom rules. Since students earn points on a regular basis for class participation, attendance is crucial. Please remember the value of being physically and mentally present, not only in drama class, but in school in general.
Late Assignments:
Late or missing assignments or performances will be considered for make-up on a case-by-case basis. Students will need to confer with Mr. Aspinwall before submitting late work.
Outside Performances:
Students will be required to attend at least one play or theatrical event EACH semester. After the experience, students will write a review of the performance. Specifics regarding this assignment will be issued on a separate sheet.
After School Hours / Rehearsal Time:
Mr. Aspinwall will be available after school on Wednesdays for grade conferences, guided rehearsals, study help, and / or tutoring. Drama Club will also be holding meetings on Wednesdays, however drama class students have priority. If students are concerned about an up-coming grade or performance, they should talk with Mr. Aspinwall before Wednesday and schedule a Wednesday after-school session. Students may also use the drama room Wednesdays after school for independent rehearsals or projects.
|
|
