syllabus

Thea l050 Intro African American Theatre 1

 

Prof.: Von H. Washington, Ph.D.  

Office: 1110 GTC                         Office Hours: Wed 3-4 p. m.       Phone 7-3914   

                                                             

Description:  A survey/lecture course examining the activities and developments of African Americans as evidenced through their theatre, with emphasis on history, philosophy, dramatic creations, criticism, and socio-psychological concerns.  Includes lectures on the theatrical contributions of Western and African civilizations.

 

Rationale: Traditionally, the American approach to the study of World theatre begins with a brief description of ritual in Northern Africa and then progresses quickly to the developments of Classical Greece. It then moves forward to Italy, England, Spain, Germany, Russia, and the USA. As in many cases with American historical studies, the process of examination is done from an Anglo perspective. As a result, the contributions and activities of African Americans, and other ethnic groups, have been ignored.

 

Goals: This course is designed to (1) introduce students to concepts and materials that will aid in providing an accurate evaluation of the life and contributions of African Americans. (2) Aid in developing analytical skills for proper assessment of those contributions.

 

Requirements: Because the course is based on lectures, reading assignments, discussions, and examinations, attendance is mandatory two (2) unexcused absences will result in grade reduction.  All class work will begin on time and lecture notes will not be repeated.

 

Text: The Theatre of Black Americans, Eroll Hill / What the Wine-Sellers Buy Plus Three, Four Plays by Ron Milner/A Raisin in the Sun, L. Hansberry /Dutchman, Amiri Baraka (Leroi Jones) / Autobiography of a Homegirl, Yvette Heyliger/Fences, August Wilson.

 

Grading:   Attendance, participation, and 5 quizzes (best 4 taken) 25%/ mid-term and final exams 25% each. Five video reports (2 pages typed or word processor: essay format [check library/must include—who, what, when, where, why, and how ). A good essay has a thesis statement, support materials, and a conclusion. Attend one theatrical production designated by the instructor. 25%/All assignments must be completed to receive a passing grade.

 

Academic Integrity:  You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate (pp. 274-276) /Graduate (pp. 26-28) Catalog that pertain to Academic Integrity. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.

 

Calendar

 

Note:  L & D    Lecture topic for discussion.

 

Sept.   4          Overview/Syllabus /Theatre: A mirror of life. Afro centric Perspective

            6          L & D:  Roots of African Drama and Theatre/Egypt & Ritual (Brockett & Graft)      

           

            11       Reading: African Influences on the Afro-American Theatre by J. Hatch

            13       L & D:  The Greeks/Dramatic Structure (Brockett)

           

            18       Video:  Slavery Part I

            20       L & D:  Neoclassicism/Renaissance (Brockett)            (Video Report Due)

           

            25       Library Visit (Video Report Due) 

            27       Video:  Slavery Part II

 

Oct.     2          L & D: The Age of Enlightenment/Modern Theatre

            4          Read:  The Escape or Leap to Freedom, by William Wells Brown

 

            9          Two Afro-Am Contributions to Dramatic Form, J. Hatch.

            11       Mid Term Exam     

           

            16       Video:  Lift Every Voice

            18       Lecture & Discuss:  The Lafayette Players      (Report Due)

           

            23       Lecture & Discuss:  The Role of Blacks in the Federal Theatre     

            25       Video:  Without Fear or Shame

 

            30       Lecture & Discuss: Mom, Dad, and God: Values in Black (Report Due)

Nov.    1          Lecture & Discuss:  The American Negro Theatre

 

            6          Reading:  A Raisin in the Sun       Quiz 1

            8          Lecture & Discuss:  Notes on Ritual in the New Black Theatre

 

13       Reading: Dutchman   Quiz 2

            15       Video:  The Dream Keepers

           

            20       Lecture & Discuss:  The National Black Theatre        

            22       Thanksgiving

 

            27       Reading:  Fences   Quiz 3            (Report Due)                      

            29       TBA

 

Dec.    4          Reading:  Urban Transitions   Quiz 4

            6          Reading: Autobiography of a Homegirl   Quiz 5 / Final Exam Review

 

            11       Final Exam   2:45 – 4:45

-End-

 

Thea l050 Intro African American Theatre (2)

 

Prof.: Von H. Washington, Ph.D.  

Office: 1110 GTC                         Office Hours: Wed 3 -4 p. m.       Phone  7-3914  

  

 

Calendar

 

 

Sept.   5          Overview/Syllabus /Theatre: A mirror of life. Afro centric Perspective

 

            10       L & D:  Roots of African Drama and Theatre/Egypt & Ritual (Brockett & Graft)      

            12       L & D: African Influences on the Afro-American Theatre by J. Hatch

           

            17       L & D:  The Greeks/Dramatic Structure (Brockett)

            19       Video:  Slavery Part I

           

            24       L & D:  Neoclassicism/Renaissance (Brockett)            (Video Report Due)

            26       Library Visit (Video Report Due) 

 

Oct.     1          Video:  Slavery Part II

            3          L & D: The Age of Enlightenment/Modern Theatre

 

            8          Read:  The Escape or Leap to Freedom, by William Wells Brown

            10       Two Afro-Am Contributions to Dramatic Form, J. Hatch.

 

            15       Mid Term Exam     

            17       Video:  Lift Every Voice

 

            22       Lecture & Discuss:  The Lafayette Players      (Report Due)

            24       Lecture & Discuss:  The Role of Blacks in the Federal Theatre     

           

            29       Video:  Without Fear or Shame

            31       Lecture & Discuss: Mom, Dad, and God: Values in Black (Report Due)

 

Nov.    5          Lecture & Discuss:  The American Negro Theatre

            7          Reading:  A Raisin in the Sun       Quiz 1

           

            12       Lecture & Discuss:  Notes on Ritual in the New Black Theatre

14       Reading: Dutchman   Quiz 2

           

            19       Video:  The Dream Keepers

            21       Thanksgiving

 

            26       Reading:  Fences   Quiz 3            (Report Due)                      

            28       Lecture & Discuss:  The National Black Theatre        

 

Dec.    3          Reading:  Urban Transitions   Quiz 4

            5          Reading: Autobiography of a Homegirl   Quiz 5 / Final Exam Review

 

            10       Final Exam   5 – 7 p.m.

 

-End-

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