THR* 1101: Introduction to Theater

This course explores the range of theatrical conventions present in theater throughout the world. Students will participate in hands-on activities in acting, directing, and design. Students will complete a research paper on a topic in theater history in addition to writing responsively throughout the course both in class and online
Prerequisites: Eligibility for ENG* 1010 .
Offered: Fall, Spring

Pick the option of your choice for the term paper.

OPTION #1

Term paper analyzing a play in terms of Aristotle’s Poetics as we have studied in class. The term paper will be based either on a selected play from the list provided or on mutual agreement between you and the instructor. 3 – 5 pages and properly formatted including citations. See details below.

OPTION #2

 Term paper exploring and demonstrating research in one of the following genres of theatre:

• Theatre of Alienation
• Alternative Theatre
• Experimental Theatre
• Street and Guerrilla Theatre
• Performance Art
• Theatre of Diversity
• African American Theatre
• Latinx Theatre
• Asian American Theatre
• Native American Theatre
• Feminist Theatre
• Gay and Lesbian Theatre

Style Sheet/Formatting (15pts)

Note: Information on writing term papers and proper application of MLA can be found at: https://libguides.manchestercc.edu/researchskills/citations [Update link]

• MLA Style Sheet format of the paper is mandatory
• Play or genre choice to be discussed with and approved by professor.
• 3 to 5 pages typed, double-spaced
  • Title page – and all pages numbered as per style guide
  • Bibliography/footnote and title pages do not count as part of the page requirement.
• All sources must be cited; script, references, critical works, reviews, and critiques, historical or other sources
  • In-Text (internal) citations/footnotes as per MLA
• Works cited page or if following another term paper format; Footnote and Bibliography pages must be included.

Introductory Paragraph (10pts)

Must be at least 3 to 5 sentences in length (or longer) and include the title of the topic (genre you are examining, or in the case of a play the title/playwright/year written and statement on if it is a tragedy or comedy.

• You may send it to me for review and feedback prior to final grading. See class syllabus.

• Synopsis
  • For GENRE: A statement about what the genre entails.
  • PLAY: Time and place of the piece/when and where it is set.
• Thesis Statement – the theme(s) or main “BIG” ideas that are included, presented, and developed in your paper; you may develop your thesis in part by reading commentaries or critical reviews written by other historians of the theatre.
  • You can develop your own thesis without reading other viewpoints, however, you must substantiate your themes with detailed, specific examples (quotes from the play are helpful!) from the text of the script.
  • Be sure to internally and appropriately cite or footnote these passages!

Body of Paper: (50pts)

GENRE:

The format of this paper includes a synopsis of the genre, what it is, how it differs from other forms of theatre, how/why it came to be, what audience it is trying to reach and why.

PLAY:

The format of outline the details of the play based on The Poetics by Aristotle as taught in class. The structure of the action of a story. In conventional stories, plot has three main parts: rising action, climax, and falling action leading to a resolution or denouement. Beginning middle, end.

• Exciting Force/Inciting Event – the first event after the exposition when the play begins/the curtain opens.
• Events/Complications in the rising action that move the plot forward.
• Climax a catharsis, a ‘reversal’ when all is revealed; a problem solved.
• Resolution or falling action where the loose ends are tied up!
• Exposition and characters should be included throughout the body of the paper.

Concluding Paragraph (5pts)

This should briefly repeat, restate and clarify the themes that you have presented and ‘proved’ in the body of the paper; as well as, specifically stated by your thesis in your introduction.

Research (10pts)

An element of ‘research’ must be included in this term paper! This research may be any literary source that looks at the play. Articles written by a dramaturge, theatre historian, or critic who has reviewed or researched a professional production of the play. Be sure to cite all references properly. At least three sources must be cited.

Proofreading (10pts)

Readability, sentence structure, spelling, correct word usage, and clarity (Are the major events explained in a linear fashion? Can the reader understand the specifics of the plot? Do you include all necessary details? Is it sensible?)

Extra Credit (+5pts)

Elements of Drama such as spectacle and music can be included for extra credit.

Concluding Paragraph (5pts)

This should briefly repeat, restate and clarify the themes that you have presented and ‘proved’ in the body of the paper; as well as, specifically stated by your thesis in your introduction.

Research (10pts)

An element of ‘research’ must be included in this term paper! This research may be any literary source that looks at the play. Articles written by a dramaturge, theatre historian, or critic who has reviewed or researched a professional production of the play. Be sure to cite all references properly. At least three sources must be cited.

Proofreading (10pts)

Readability, sentence structure, spelling, correct word usage, and clarity (Are the major events explained in a linear fashion? Can the reader understand the specifics of the plot? Do you include all necessary details? Is it sensible?)

Extra Credit (+5pts)

Elements of Drama such as spectacle and music can be included for extra credit.