Each of you is different. That means many things but in the context of learning, it means that having variety in our assignments is important to ensure everyone is supported and challenged. That is at the core of the design of this course.
In each module you will find,
- Learning objectives, which define the new knowledge and skills you will acquire
- Content, which will be comprised of readings and videos
- Assignments on Blackboard: Journals (written or VoiceThreads), Class Discussions, and quizzes.
- Group Activities in class
In addition to these weekly tasks, you will have four required play analysis reports as well as a midterm exam and final project.
Module Content
Besides, our online textbook, you will be required to read the following plays:
Snow in Midsummer by Guan Hanqing
Blackboard Discussions
We’ll be using Bb Class Discussions for asynchronous (delayed) conversations in which you will speak and/or write.
For our discussion activities, you will participate using written text, voice or video – you choose! I realize it can be tough to find a quiet spot to record a message and I also understand that it makes you nervous to think about speaking. I promise it gets easier. And just do your best with the noise.
Study Guides and Quizzes
Almost every module will include a brief quiz. The objective of our quizzes is to ensure you have learned about the processes, people, and events in our modules.
You will be given a printed-out study guide for each quiz. These study guides are like “skeleton notes” that you can add to when taking notes in class. You can also take notes on it as you read the chapters. It will highlight key terms and concepts that you will need to be familiar with for the quiz.
Things to know about our quizzes:
- You may take the quiz as many times as you’d like up until the due date.
- If a quiz has an open-ended question, you will not see your score until I’ve graded your response.
Hands-On Mini Projects
There will be group projects in this course that require you to collaborate deeply with classmates.
Here are a few examples of the projects you will complete. Every project will include a clear grading rubric so you will understand exactly what I expect of you.
- Groups enact a scene from Greek Theatre outside on the campus lawn with the audience groups at least 200 feet away. The other groups must try and guess the scene.
- Groups adapt a scene from Greek theatre into Roman theatre (minus the tigers!)
- Learn the hand mudras from ancient Sanskrit theatre in India and then enact a scene
- Stage a theatrical scene in three different Japanese styles of theatre: Noh, Bankraku, and Kabuki
- With your group, come up with three “lazzis” from Italian Renaissance theatre and stage them for the class
FINAL PROJECT
There will be a final project instead of a final exam. You will get to choose the topic for your project. One purpose of the project will be to help you make connections between our course and your everyday life. It is my hope that the the project, as well as the other course activities are meaningful, memorable, and encourage you to see the world in a new way.
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