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.

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

• Distinguish characteristics of theatre that differentiate it from other art forms
• Describe the major components of the theatrical event
• Describe the functions of the 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
• Describe the different parts of plot
• Read and write critiques on major plays
• Describe characteristics of theatre in various periods of history
• Develop an appreciation for theatre as an art form and a reflection of society

The required textbook for this course is:

• The Theater Experience, 9th Ed. (With CD-ROM.  Do NOT buy a book without the CD-ROM), by Edwin Wilson, McGraw-Hill, 2004.

Required Plays:

• Sophocles -- Oedipus RexHenrik Ibsen -- A Doll House

  Arthur Miller -- Death of a Salesman

  Mark Hollman & Greg Kotis -- Urinetown (use Internet Explorer with Flash enabled to view this site).

You may purchase your own copies of these plays, or you may borrow them from a library. A few of the classical plays are available on the Internet, and some are not. I highly encourage you to view as many of them as you can; many are on video or film, which you could rent or which are available at various libraries (including some of our campus LRCs).

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

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 by the exercises, critiques, web pages, participation, and exams, according to the following points:

Exams will be based on textbook readings, class lectures, plays read and seen, and class discussions.

Note that the scale above is a guide only. The instructor reserves the right to curve the scale to reflect the overall class performance.

There are 3 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers (Note: ELI exams are not given at the Medical Education Campus.) 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

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.