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Unformatted text preview: Office of Academic Affairs Course Information
Course Title: Senior Seminar in Theatre
Course Number and Section: THE 4900 01 Campus Location: KEAN UNIVERSITY UNION
Semester: 22/SP
Meeting Days and Times: M 2:00 – 3:15PM W 2:00 – 3:15PM Meeting Location: BLDG: VE
ROOM: VE 222 Instructor Information
Instructor Name: Karen Lee Hart
Office Location: VE 412
Office Hours: Mon 2:00 - 3:00, Tue 12:30 - 1:30, Wed 12:30 - 3:30 Office Phone: (908) 737-4423
Email: [email protected] Course Description
Course Description:
Advanced exploration of theatre topics, including the practical aspects of the business of the
theatre, personal marketing, project conceptualization, collaboration, communication, and personal
philosophy of theatre. Field trips and off campus interviews may be required.
Pre-requisite/program: This course is the Capstone for BA THE 2300, THE 3700, senior standing, declared theatre major, or
permission by theatre conservatory chair. Students without prerequisite(s) must withdraw from the
class.
Special features of the course:
During the semester, off campus events and out of class time work may be required. The date and
time of any off campus or out of class time events will arranged after evaluating the interests of the
currently enrolled students, their class schedules and the availability of the guest lecturers or
spaces to be visited. The date will be selected based on the least number of conflicts. All
transportation and expenses will be the responsibility of the student. If for some reason a student is
unable to attend, they are required plan with the professor to complete an alternate project to
12/20/20 1 replace the grade. THIS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED IF ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE IN ADVANCE AND
THE INSTSRUCTOR IS NOTIFIED PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FIELD TRIP. Course Level Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: CSLO1:
CSLO 2:
CSLO 3:
CSLO 4: Articulate personal theories to explain the interrelatedness of the theatrical arts
Demonstrate oral and written communication skills as appropriate to theatre Exhibit analytical, critical, creative thinking/ability, and supportive research techniques
Create a final portfolio including essays, personal marketing documents, and
personal theatrical/academic archives
CSLO 5: Articulate and debate humanistic values, social responsibility, and cultural diversity in theatre
CSLO 6: Identify, articulate, and refine personal strengths, chosen values and artistic goals CSLO 7: Demonstrate mastery of undergraduate theatre skills of a particular theatrical topic
as exhibited in a final culminating project to be presented in a public forum Theatre Conservatory Student Learning Outcomes
Assignments in this course are designed to address one or more of the following Theatre Conservatory Student
Learning Outcomes.
A student who completes a degree in theatre should be able to:
SLOs 1-6 apply to all degree programs; SLO 7 is added for the BFA programs
SLO 1: Identify and articulate humanistic values and cultural diversity found in the study of theatre, represented
by knowledge of the history, socio-cultural traditions, and literary richness [KU1, KU2, KU 3, GE1,
GE8]
SLO 2: Develop and defend informed judgments about theatre through oral, written, and graphic communication
skills [KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4, GE4, GE5]
SLO 3: Exhibit analytical, critical, creative thinking/ability and supportive research techniques [KU1, GE2]
SLO 4: Synthesize theatrical elements in class projects, production, and performance [KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4,
GE2, GE4, GE5]
SLO 5: Articulate a coherent set of artistic and intellectual goals [KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4, GE6, GE8]
SLO 6: Demonstrate an informed acquaintance with fields of study beyond theatre such as those in the allied
arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural and physical sciences [KU1, KU2, KU4, GE1]
SLO 7: Demonstrate competence in the major area of theatrical specialization by producing theatrical work
[KU1, KU2, KU3, KU4, GE6, GE8] General Education Learning Outcomes
This capstone course assesses a student’s competencies of the following GE SLOs using the standardized
rubrics provided by the university General Education Assessment Office.
GE SLO 2: Critical Thinking: The ability to utilize reflective analysis to draw informed conclusions.
GE SLO 4: Communication Literacies: The ability to speak and write effectively to convey and make an
evidence-based argument.
GE SLO 8: Diversity: A commitment to promote inclusivity in a diverse world 12/20/20 2 For further information on General Education Student Learning Outcomes, see
Instructional Technique(s)
This course will consist of a series of group discussions and exploration to promote individual reflection and
identifying personal goals after graduation. This course will use Zoom meetings, Blackboard, Procreate or
other appropriate web-based programs to improve ease of communication. Techniques may include Socratic
seminar, interactive lecture, field lectures, seeded discussion, in-the-news discussion, essays and discussions,
think-pair-share, brainstorming and self-assessment. Students shall develop personal marketing materials and
practice interview techniques. Techniques may include: “What If” projects, elevator pitch, campus and
community events, simulations, interviews, shadow a professional, peer check, assessment and editing, post
hoc analysis, portfolio presentations and interviews.
For more information about this course and for course materials go to Required Textbooks and Materials
Your Campus bookstore offers a Price Match guarantee. If you find our class texts or access
codes cheaper at Booksmart, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon the campus bookstore will match the price at the time of purchase, or for up to 7 days after purchase. Search your course materials by the ISBN provided in
this syllabus to assure that your price match is acceptable.
Required Textbook:
Title: Working in the American Theatre (2011)
Author: Jim Volz
ISBN: 9781408134733
Publisher: Mac Higher
Materials: Access to Google Drive, Google suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or
Mac (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) Computer with camera, microphone, internet access, web and color printer access Accounts for webpage development and hosting and business card printing Professional social media accounts such as Linked-In, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram accounts Resume quality stationary including envelopes, paper, calling cards and postcards 8 x 10 Professional quality headshot printed on photo paper (Walgreens, CVS, Laser Printer) Art and office supplies as needed for final project
Students are responsible for any transportation or expenses required for interviews or meetings.
Additional materials will vary dependent on individual student needs. If a BA student chooses to follow
the portfolio guidelines, they should request the list of requirements and materials from the instructor
at the first-class meeting. Optional Textbooks and Materials
(Available in the Library)
Title: Show Case: Developing, Maintaining, and Presenting a Design-Tech Portfolio for Theatre and Allied
Fields. (2017)
12/20/20 3 Author: Jean, Rafael.
ISBN: 9780240819266
Publisher: CRC Press Topics and
Assignments
This course is an opportunity to explore your personal philosophy of theatre, learn personal marketing skills
and to stretch your theatrical imagination. We will explore the art of theatre through a series of “What if?”
conversations, explorations, and challenges. You will be expected to show the knowledge, skills, and values
learned throughout your educational and theatrical experience. Each theatre major’s experience is unique,
dependent on the combination of courses selected and productions experienced during their time leading up to
this course.
A. Topic 1: Defining art and self
1. Develop personal artistic philosophy
B. Topic 2: Personal marketing tools
1. Resume
2. Bios and vitas
3. Business cards
4. Logos and personal branding
5. Headshots
6. Digital identity
7. Job Listings and trade materials
8. Cover Letters and communication
C. Topic 3: Practical considerations for pursuing a career in theatre and related fields
D. Topic 4: Creating significant theatre concepts
1. Target audiences
2. Social issues
3. Mission statements
4. Collaboration techniques
E. Topic 5: Practical considerations for the production process
1. Budget
2. Rehearsal and performance spaces
3. Personnel and salaries
4. Grants and fundraising
5. Networking
F. Topic 6: Capstone final presentation
1. Proposing an original project
2. Research and idea development
a. Budget
b. Mission statement
c. Competition and need
d. Budgets, staffing
12/20/20 4 e. Branding and PR
3. Methods of presenting and defending the final project
a. “Elevator” speech
b. Visual support
c. Brochures Proposed Timeline (subject to change)
The content of this syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor, with in-class
notification and/or email communication. Additional in-class or daily assignments may be added but
will be included as part of major project or figured into the “Participation:” percentage of the final
grade.
It is important to note that dates and times may change. ALWAYS check the course Blackboard
website, university calendar, the theatre department callboard and department calendar for
corrections or updates.
Red - Remote classes – Zoom meeting link through Blackboard
Green – Joint meeting face to face classes/meet both days on campus – check Blackboard
announcements for changes
Blue – Split classes/BAs and BFAs will meet separately one day and have a work day on campus –
check Blackboard for announcement for changes
Unit/
Week Date Project Points 1 T 1/18 1/18 No class MLK DAY TH 1/20 1/20 What is this class about?
Zoom meeting
Topic: Introduction to course requirements Review the course syllabi Second Stage
Tech/Performances Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 Reading: Jean pg. 3 – 72, Volz 77 – 117
Task for 1/20: Bookmark your shared Google Drive Folder for this
class
Task for 1/27: Research and select a philosophical/ artistic statement
by a historically significant artist and be able to explain the original
statement and then relate your own theatrical artistic philosophy to it
by contrasting, defending, or attacking the original. Be ready to
explain why you picked the quote and to defend, explain or disagree
with the various group quotes. No later than 12 noon 1/27 send an
electronic copy to [email protected] CSLO: 2
Assignment Due 1/22: Personal Archives
Gather all possible portfolio materials for review and create a
spreadsheet listing all the possible projects.
Make an appointment before the end of the third week of classes to
review materials and create a plan for reworking past projects or
creating new works. (i.e., Production photos, Acting reels, Outstanding
papers or projects, Production books, Designs, Renderings, Original
scripts, Programs, Certificates, Awards, etc.) CLSO: 1 12/20/20 Other Important Dates / Events to
Consider 5 20 Assignment Due 1/27: Final Semester Planning
Show evidence of a personal planner or calendar of major dates and
deadlines for this semester’s courses. (Already done at the beginning
of the semester) 10 Receipt of Graduation Application – Evidence of application or
documentation from advisor showing requirements for January 2021
graduation. CLSO: 1
10
Due 2/3 Personal Goals After Graduation Essay
A brief essay explaining your personal goals for the next year as well
as your future goals. Milepost years should include the one, five, and
ten-year marks. Think about career as well as life goals. CLSO 2 2 T 1/25
TH 1/27 1/25 Where are you coming from?
Zoom meeting
Topic: Group introductions Intro to Individual backgrounds and artistic
philosophy
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 1/27 What is Art?
Zoom meeting
Topics: What is Art?
Group discussion of artistic philosophy quotes
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 Task for 2/3: Bring to class your current resume and bio and be ready
to share. Put a copy of each in your Google Drive folder. Be sure to
label the file with your full name.
Due 2/10 Personal Artistic Philosophy Essay
(GE Writing Assessment)
In a formal essay develop and support your personal philosophical
answer to the age-old question “What is art? “ or defend “Theatre as
Art”. The finished paper must be between 4 to 5 double spaced
typewritten pages in 12 pt. Times Roman font with standard 1 ½”
margins and all notations should comply with standard MLA 8
formats. You may use quotes as a starting point or as support for your
essay, however, the length of the quotes should not dominate your
essay. Please make sure you give proper credit to the author of any
quotes used. Remember, this exercise is to develop your own
philosophy as well and demonstrate your formal writing skills. Please
consider that your audience is the theatre faculty. This means that you
do not need to spend time defining theatre or explaining major theatre
movements or artists. MLA 8 format
CLSO: 2 GE Writing Rubric 3 50* T 2/1 2/1 Where do I find…? Who do I ask?
Zoom meeting
Topics: Trade information, media, and resources TH 2/3 Class discussion and exploration of trade materials.
Bring your laptops so you can bookmark important information
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 2/3 Who Am I?
Zoom meeting
Topics: Begin personal media design
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 Reading: Volz 121- 387 (Skim)
12/20/20 6 Task for 2/3: Answer the following questions. What is my full name?
What name do I wish to use as my professional name? What are my
initials? What title(s) best describes what I want to promote myself as?
What color best describes me? What shape best describes me? What
animal or symbol best describes me? What personal or professional
traits do I wish to promote? What photo of myself best represents my
professional persona? CLSO 4
Task for 2/8 Update your resume(s) and bios and be prepared to share
it with the class for peer review. Submit a copy the Google Drive
Folder CLSO 4 4 T 2/8
TH 2/10 2/8 Personal Marketing Tools
Personal Marketing Tools Part I: Resumes, Bios, Vitas
Group evaluation of resumes, bios
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 2/10 Personal Marketing Tools
Calling Cards, Logos, Letterhead and cover letter content, Logo
development, Explore websites for business cards
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 Jean pg 103 - 135
Task for 2/10: Play around with the different fonts available to you.
Try your name and initials out in several fonts. Ask your friends which
one best represents you.
Develop at least 3 logos that represent you as a professional.
Design at least 2 sets of personal marketing tools (logo, letterhead,
business cards, resumes) show them to at least 10
people and get feedback. Refine the final selection.
Make sure all of your marketing materials have a unified look, using
the same fonts and/or colors.
Bring your materials to class for group review.
CLSO 1
Due 2/17 Personal Marketing Materials Part I:
Design letterhead and business card. Bring in draft for discussion.
Draft a cover letter and bring it in for discussion
Refine resume to belong to marketing package.
o Updated Resume(s) _______________________________ o Sample cover letter ________________________________ o Bios (50, 75,100)___________________________________ o Logo ____________________________________________ o
Draft of business card & Draft of letterhead
CLSO 4
Due 3/8 Personal Marketing Materials Part II: 12/20/20 o Printed business card_______________________________ o Printed letterhead (blank)___________________________ o Printed cover letter on letterhead_____________________ 7 20
5
20
5 20
10
20
10 o
Headshot _________________________________________
CLSO 4 5 T 2/15 2/15 President’s Day - No Class TH 2/17 2/17 Review logos and business cards,
Review and discuss final cover letters and resumes
Begin discussion of social media
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions Ave Q tech and opens
Hungry Woman begins
rehearsal
5 Task 2/22: Bring examples of good professional websites for class
discussion. Begin layout of personal social media sites to be completed
by the end of the semester. CLSO 3, 4
Task 2/22: Bring to class your academic & artistic archives materials
CLSO 1 6 T 2/22 Social Media and Websites Ave Q runs and closes TH 2/24 2/22
Explore website templets and social media
Bring your laptops so you can bookmark important information.
Website building platforms:
wix.com, squarespace.com, SiteBuilder.com, Web.com, Godaddy.com,
Weebly.com
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 2/24
Professional web presence and profiles: LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 Samples of Designer Websites:
Jean 73 - 103
Due 4/21 Personal Marketing Materials Part III: 60* Website design (may be unpublished) Provide a link to the site or a
screenshot of each major page of a personal website.
Provide a link to the site or a screenshot of your professional web
presence such as LinkedIn or Instagram
CLSO: 1, 2, 3, 4
Note: In addition to grading the project goals, the GE SLO: 5
Assessment Method: GE Information and Technology Literacy Rubric 7 T 3/1 3/1 Personal Budget Planning
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 3/2-3/5 USITT in Baltimore
5 TH 3/3
3/3 Personal Finance Planning and Information
Guest Speaker
Class discussion on salaries, expenses, taxes
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions
Task for 3/1:
Create a list of all your current personal expenses.
Create a list of expenses covered by your family, the government,
scholarship. Estimate what it would cost you to personally pay for this
on your own, without the family plans.
12/20/20 8 5 Create a list of expenses that will be starting or increasing after
graduation, such as student loans, rent and medical insurance
Create a list of expenses that will increase once you are pursuing a
career in theatre. These may include union dues, travel expenses,
clothing replacement, website costs, headshots, voice lessons,
computer replacement, etc.
Look up online, what expenses you will be able to deduct from your
taxes.
What is your income now, including loans, scholarships, and family
support? What income do you need to cover your expenses and be
able to save for the future?
Find a personal finance planning templet, spreadsheet or app that you
like. There are many free ones to choose from that can be downloaded
and customized. Ask around for recommendations.
Example:
CLSO 3
Warning: This project can be depressing and may trigger anxiety.
Don’t worry. It is better to be honest and know what you are facing
than to be blindsided later. If you know what the goal is, you can go
about creating a plan for the future.
Due 3/3: Personal Budgeting Plan
Create a spreadsheet for your projected personal finances for one year
after graduation. CLSO 3 ----- T 3/8 50 Spring Recess ENJOY!!! Spring Break TH 3/10 8 T 3/15 Job Search, Organizations and Training TH 3/17 3/15 Career Path: Salaries, Organizations and Job Listings
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 3/17 Continuing Education, Training and Internships
Participation: Active participation in class projects and discussions 5 Reading: Volz 158 – 177, 387 – 536 (skim)
Task for 3/15:
List your strongest and most marketable skills.
List types of jobs you would like to have in the future.
Using the job sites mentioned in class find listings for 3 positions that
you could immediately apply for and list the salary range.
Using the job sites mentioned in class or other indust...
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