Major Concepts/Content: The drama course is designed to give the students opportunity to experience drama as a significant and rewarding activity and to enable students to demonstrate knowledge of the historical background of drama. The content includes, but is not limited to, recognition of the different genres of drama (tragedy, comedy, farce, melodrama, musical) and the elements of playwriting; knowledge of the different historical periods of drama and acting; knowledge of the work of important dramatists; understanding of the importance of drama as a reflection of society (the influence of cultural, literary, religious, and political forces upon drama); recognition of drama as a self-rewarding activity that involves the identification of the unique worth of the individual, the motivation behind human behavior; and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. 

Major Instructional Activities: When dramatic performances are being prepared, rehearsed or produced, instructional activities ideally will be provided in a theatre, auditorium, or a room with a stage. When dramatic literature is being studied, instructional activities will be provided in a general classroom setting. Student activities and experiences will include, but will not be limited to, selecting and preparing material for a performance; rehearsing for a performance; performing for a class or public group; practicing character development, mime, solo, duet, and ensemble acting; participating in full-length plays; creating and applying makeup; building sets; stage managing and directing; managing props; selecting and creating costumes; voice building and projection; improving enunciation and pronunciation, and control of body movement; writing scripts for a production; studying and interpreting the works of prominent dramatists from Aeschylus to the present time; studying the effects of cultural, national, religious, and social influences upon drama through the ages; and studying the social and philosophical impact of drama on societies.

Major Evaluation Techniques: Students will be evaluated for active class participation; through written examinations; for creativity, reliability, and dependability when performing assigned tasks/roles/responsibilities; and for participation in field trips and performances. 

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the drama course, students should be able to:

• Understand the basic concepts of drama. .
• Apply basic drama concepts to the activities involved in theatrical productions.
• Participate in play cuttings and one-act play presentations while developing individual character interpretations.

Last Revised: July 18, 2005