THEA 142 - INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE DESIGN
Fall 2020 Syllabus, Section 001, CRN 4159
Instructor Information
Tom Cascella
Email: tcascella@towson.edu
Office: 2014
Office Hours: T/R: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Office Phone: 4107043410
Times and Location
Course Description
Creative aspects of theatrical design from concept to realization. Core: Creativity & Creative Development. Lab/Class fee will be assessed.
Textbooks
Title | Author | ISBN |
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Selected Handouts | ||
Students will need a notebook. All other supplies will be provided courtesy of your class lab fee. |
Course Learning Outcomes
Specific creative activity emphasizing symbolic, affective, and imaginative thinking in the creative activity and understanding the creative process through participating in it. Reflect current scholarship in the field, provide reference to theoretical frameworks and methods, and explore the critical standards central to the genre or medium.
Course Objectives
Following the completion of this course the student will: (1) be able to investigate, critique, and evaluate the elements of design; (2) be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the contributions made by members of the design team; (3) be able to understand how to select and apply various materials and media needed to communicate a design concept; (4) develop an awareness of theatre design, history, and current theatrical movements; (5) be able to describe, compare, contrast, and critically exam a script from the perspective of a designer; and (6) be able to express their artistic interpretation in the form of theatre designers.
Attendance/Absence Policy
Students are allowed a total of two (2) absences during a semester. A students final grade will be reduced by five (5) points for every absence beyond two absences. If you miss a class because you are sick then that is one absence. If you miss a class absence you went away on a university sponsored event then that is a second absence. If you miss a class because your car broke down then that is a third absence and your grade will be reduced for this third absence by five points and additional five point reductions in your final grade will occur for each subsequent absence.
Students are expected to attend all classes. Consistent attendance offers the most effective opportunity for students to understand concepts, materials and expectations of those courses in which they are enrolled. Although some courses do not use attendance as a criterion for grading, there are others where in-class participation is an integral part of the course. Examples include, but are not limited to, seminars and courses that require public speaking, laboratories, language learning, group discussions or internships. Frequent absences from these types of courses, whether excused or unexcused, may affect the final grade. Faculty who use absences as a factor in grading must explain in the course syllabus what effect even an excused absence might have on the evaluation of a student’s work.
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It is the policy of the university to excuse the absences of students for the following reasons:
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illness or injury when the student is unable to attend class
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death of a family member (see the Student Bereavement Procedure on the website)
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religious observance where the nature of the observance prevents the student from attending class
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participation in university activities at the request of university authorities (e.g., Intercollegiate Athletics, Forensics Team, Dance Company, etc.)
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compelling verifiable circumstances beyond the control of the student
Students requesting an excused absence must provide documentation to the instructor two weeks prior to the scheduled absence when known in advance or as soon as possible when not known in advance. Absences that do not fall into any of the above categories are unexcused. Faculty may set a limit on the number of unexcused absences.
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Students who will be representing TU at events, conferences, or other official activities should obtain a Notification of Absence from Class Form from the Office of Campus Life, University Union 232, to be given to their instructors to verify the excused absence. Students are encouraged to notify faculty of anticipated class absences as soon as they learn they will be missing class.
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Students who are absent from class are responsible for any missed work, assignments or assessments (e.g., quizzes, tests, papers, etc.). Faculty members are required to allow students with documented excused absences to make up missed work or assignments when this is feasible. When the nature of the assignment makes this impossible, faculty members should attempt to make a reasonable adjustment of the assignment.
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Students who fail to appear for the first two class sessions, or the first session of evening classes, may forfeit their space in class. Instructors have the right to release these spaces to other students wishing to add the class to their schedules. Students who lose their spaces must officially withdraw from the course through the Registrar's Office to avoid earning an FX grade for non-attendance. See the sections on Changing a Schedule and Grades/Grading for further information.
Students may not attend a class until they are registered for the class, and they must satisfy all financial obligations to the institution before they register. Family members, including children, of students are not permitted to attend classes. On rare occasions, this might be permitted if related to a course activity such as a presentation.
Attendance: Each student is required to attend every class. Attendance will be taken five minutes after the official start time of the class. Any student arriving after attendance is taken will be marked absent. The student’s final grade will be reduced by five points for each absence beyond two. Example: If a student misses two classes they will not have any points deducted from their final grade, but five points will be deducted from the student’s final grade for every absence beyond two. If a student misses four classes then the highest grade the student can achieve is 90 (100 minus 10 points for the two absences beyond two). The instructor is not obligated to check to see if a student arrived in class after their name was called, nor is the instructor obligated to tell the student that they’ve received an absence. Creative Project Attendance: Attendance is mandatory whenever a creative project assignment is introduced. The dates for the creative project introductions are listed under the component 2 section listed below. The student’s final grade will be reduced by twenty-five points each time they miss the date when a creative project assignment is introduced.
Lateness Policy
Each student is required to attend every class. Attendance will be taken five minutes after the official start time of the class. Any student arriving after attendance is taken will be marked absent. The student’s final grade will be reduced by five points for each absence beyond two. Example: If a student misses two classes they will not have any points deducted from their final grade, but five points will be deducted from the student’s final grade for every absence beyond two. If a student misses four classes then the highest grade the student can achieve is 90 (100 minus 10 points for the two absences beyond two). The instructor is not obligated to check to see if a student arrived in class after their name was called, nor is the instructor obligated to tell the student that they’ve received an absence.
Creative Project Attendance: Attendance is mandatory whenever a creative project assignment is introduced. The dates for the creative project introductions are listed under the component 2 section listed below. The student’s final grade will be reduced by twenty-five points each time they miss the date when a creative project assignment is introduced.
Topics
Grading
Poster Design6
Costume Design6
Stage House6
Scenic Design6
Sound Design6
Lighting Design6
Mid Term Exam24
Final40
Grading Scheme/Policy
Grade | Grade Points Per Unit |
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A | 90 to 100 |
A- | |
B+ | 87 to 89 |
B | 84 - 86 |
B- | 80 to 83 |
C+ | 77 to 79 |
C | 70 to 76 |
C- | |
D+ | 67 to 69 |
D | 60 to 66 |
F | 0 to 59 |
Dress Code
Respect
Assignment Due Dates
Day: | Date: | Reading(s): | Agenda/Topic: | Due: |
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Tue | 8/25 | Design Pyramid | ||
Thu | 8/27 | https://gomedia.com/zine/insights/graphic-design/great-poster-design-tips/ | Poster Project Introduced | |
Tue | 9/1 | Design Questions: 1 Place, Local, Time, Social Status, Color, Texture |
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Thu | 9/3 | Design Questions: 2 Line, Shape, Balance, Rhythm/Movement, Proportion/Scale, Metaphor |
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Tue | 9/8 | Poster Project: Studio Time | Due : Poster Project Due |
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Thu | 9/10 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xZglYQSJ3Q | Costume Project Introduced | |
Tue | 9/15 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmP1aHJjJ-U | Costume Design & Execution | |
Thu | 9/17 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXeCrg8Ugmc | Historical Costume Perspective | |
Tue | 9/22 | Costume Project: Studio Time | Costume Project Due | |
Thu | 9/24 | Stage House Project Introduced | ||
Tue | 9/29 | http://theatreprojects.com/files/pdf/Resources_IdeasInfo_typesandformsoftheatre.pdf | Performance Spaces | |
Thu | 10/1 | Stage House Project: Studio Time | Stage House Project Due | |
Tue | 10/6 | Scenic Project Introduced | ||
Thu | 10/8 | Artistic Styles | ||
Tue | 10/13 | Artistic Styles | ||
Thu | 10/15 | Theatre Designers: Past & Present | ||
Tue | 10/20 | Scenic Project: Studio Time | Scenic Project Due | |
Thu | 10/22 | Sound Project Introduced | Mid Term Exam | |
Tue | 10/27 | Foley Artists | ||
Thu | 10/29 | Emotion of Music & Sound | ||
Tue | 11/3 | Microphones, Speakers, Amps - Oh, My | ||
Thu | 11/5 | Sound Project: Studio Time | Sound Project Due | |
Tue | 11/10 | Lighting Project Introduced | ||
Thu | 11/12 | You Light Up My Life | ||
Tue | 11/17 | Lighting Instrumentation & Color | ||
Thu | 11/19 | Lighting Project: Studio Time | Light Project Due | |
Tue | 11/24 | Cushion Day | ||
Thu | 11/26 | Thanksgiving Holiday (No class) | ||
Tue | 12/1 | The Raven, Part 1 | ||
Thu | 12/3 | The Raven, Part 2 |
Academic Integrity Policy
The academic integrity policy for this course is consistent with the TU Academic Integrity Policy. The policy can be reviewed here: https://www.towson.edu/about/administration/policies/documents/polices/03-01-00-student-academic-integrity-policy.pdf.
COFAC Policies
Towson University (TU) is committed to ensuring a safe, productive learning environment on our campus that does not tolerate sexual misconduct, including harassment, stalking, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or intimate partner violence [Policy 06.01.60]. It is important for you to know that there are resources available if you or someone you know needs assistance. You may speak to a member of university administration, faculty, or staff, but keep in mind that they have an obligation to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator. It is a goal that you feel able to share information related to your life experiences in classroom discussions and in one‐on‐one meetings. However, it is required to share information with the Title IX Coordinator regarding disclosures, but know that the information will be kept private to the greatest extent possible. If you want to speak to someone who is permitted to keep your disclosure confidential, please seek assistance from the TU Counseling Center 410‐704‐2512 to schedule an appointment, and locally within the community at TurnAround, Inc., 443‐279‐0379 (24‐hour hotline) or 410‐377‐8111 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please consult TU policies at http://towson.edu/titleix
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on all property owned, leased or operated by the University. See University Smoke Free Campus Policy (http://www.towson.edu/studentaffairs/policies).
Weapons Policy (THEA)
Weapons are prohibited. This prohibition includes authentic-looking fakes. Students are not allowed to use replica firearms or swords, knives, nunchucks, etc. in the classroom. See Policy ID # 06-01.11 Weapons Policy (http://www.towson.edu/studentaffairs/policies)
COFAC Civility Policy
The learning environment in this class is based upon an atmosphereof mutual respect in which the worth and dignity of every person is valued. All members of theclass are expected to practice civil behaviors that exemplify:-respecting faculty, staff, fellowstudents, guests, and all university property, policies, rules and regulations;-takingresponsibility for one’s choices, actions and comments;-delivering correspondence–whetherverbal, nonverbal, written or electronic–with respectful language-using professional writingstandards and etiquette; and-accepting consequences of one’s choices and action.The use ofthreatening or abusive language, writing, or behavior will not be tolerated and can lead toacademic dismissal. https://www.towson.edu/cofac/resources/documents/civilitycode.pdf
Diversity Statement
Towson University values diversity and fosters a climate that is grounded in respect and inclusion, enriches the educational experience of students, supports positive workplace environments, promotes excellence and cultivates the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
Students with Disabilities Policy
This course is in compliance with Towson University policies for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS), 7720 York Road, Suite 232, 410-704-2638 (Voice) or 410-704- 4423 (TDD). Students who suspect that they have a disability but do not have documentation are encouraged to contact ADS for advice on how to obtain appropriate evaluation. A memo from ADS authorizing your accommodation is needed before any accommodation can be made.
Emergency Statement (THEA)
In the event of a university-wide emergency, course requirements, deadlines and grading schemes are subject to change that may include: alternative delivery methods; alternative methods of interaction with the instructor, class materials, and/or classmates; a revised attendance policy; and a revised semester calendar and/or grading scheme. In the case of a university-wide emergency, please contact the instructor for changes to this course. Information about emergency situations on campus may be found through the following sources:
TU’s Text Alert System (410-704-2000)
This is a service designed to alert the Towson University community via text messages to cell phones when situations arise on campus that affect the ability of the campus to function normally. Sign up at:
Course Repeat Policy
When a course is repeated, students will receive credit for the course only once. The higher of the two grades earned will be calculated in the GPA. The lower grade will remain on the record with a repeat excluded message. For repeats involving transfer or test credit, please see bullets below.
Note that repeating a course in which a grade of D or higher was earned will not raise the number of earned units once the lower grade has been excluded from calculation.
Students may not make a third attempt of a course except with prior approval. Students must complete a Third Attempt of a Course Petition Form and submit it to the Registrar’s Service Center, Enrollment Services 223, before registering for the course. Grades of W are administrative and are not considered part of the repeated course procedure. However, some Departments restrict the number of times a course may be attempted and in these cases, the W grade will count as a completed attempt. See: BIOL 221, BIOL 221L, BIOL 222, and BIOL 222L.
- Courses taken for credit at TU may not be repeated at another institution and transferred back to TU.
- Conversely, if a course is transferred to TU and subsequently taken at TU, the transfer credit will be excluded automatically, regardless of the grade earned at TU.
- If test credit is granted for a course that is subsequently taken at TU, the test credit will be excluded automatically, regardless of the grade earned at TU.
Course Evaluation
Right to Change Syllabus
The instructor has the right to change the syllabus at anytime.
Grade Appeals (COFAC)
Any student who disagrees with a course grade or with an allegation of academicdishonesty should follow the college guidelines and procedures:
http://www.towson.edu/cofac/resources/documents/cofac_student_appeal_guidelines.pdf