The purpose of Introduction to Theatre is to increase students' understanding, appreciation, and critical perceptions of the theatrical event. Readings and lectures will focus on the elements of theatrical practice; artists and innovators of theatre throughout history; and on the theatre's development as an art form and a social phenomenon; participation in class forum discussions and sharing of critiques and short reports will offer avenues to explore students' individual theatrical interests; and optional attendance at theatrical events will offer first­hand experience in theatre arts. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for SPD 130.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Distinguish and differentiate the characteristics of theatre from other art forms.
• Describe the major components of a theatrical event..
• Describe the functions of various theatre personnel.
• Define specific terms relating to the study of theatre.
• List and describe the parts of a play.
• Describe the different forms of drama.
• Distinguish between theatre and drama.
• Define the different parts of plot.
• Critique plays.
• Describe the characteristics of theatre in the different periods of history.
• Develop an appreciation for theatre as an art form and a reflection of society.

The required textbook for this course is:

• Edwin Wilson and Alvin Goldfarb.  Theater: The Lively Art, 5th ed. McGraw-Hill.

• Oedipus Rex, Sophocles
• The Menaechmi, Plautus
• Second Shepherds' Play, Anonymous
• A Doll House, Erik Ibsen
• Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller
• A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry
• Rent, Jonathan Larson

Call before going to a campus bookstore to make sure the materials are in stock. If you don't see what you need, ask for assistance. Each bookstore has a separate section for ELI courses. Print this page and take it with you to avoid confusion.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following assignments and corresponding points:

There are three (3) online exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : etrumbull@nvcc.edu,
Telephone : (703) 878-5750.
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office in Woodbridge. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.