Northeastern State UniversityCollege of Liberal Arts

Department of Communications, Art and TheatreTahlequah, OK

INSTRUCTOR: Christopher Miller LOCATION: Shawnee Street Theatre COURSE: THTR 4553 PLAYWRITING DAYS/TIME: M,W,F: 2:00-2:50 OFFICE: Shawnee Street Theatre 101 CONTACT: 918-444-2794 Office Hrs: 8am-9am M,W,F miller34@nsuok.edu

10am-11am M,W,F 10am-11am T,TH

PREREQUISITES: None

CATALOG DESCRIPTION OF COURSE: “The study of the aesthetics and techniques involved in the writing of plays. Selected reading, lectures and discussions are emphasized upon writing, workshop critiques, and discussion of student plays. This course aids the student in gaining a general knowledge of dramatic structure and basic play terminology.”

COURSE PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is to improve and focus student creativity and writing in drama that culminates in the creation and development of original short plays.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: Over the course of this semester, students will: 1. Understand and evaluate the literary form of the play script. 2. Acquire knowledge of the techniques of linear and nonlinear structure. 3. Develop an understanding of character development, conflict, dialogue and dramatic action 4. Realize the relationship between drama and human life. 5. Put the above into practice through the writing of exercises, culminating the the development of an original 10-minute play.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: The student is responsible for attaining the following materials for the course: -Access to online scripts and supplemental material

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES: Writing activities, reading playscripts and chapters; class discussion/activities;

STUDENT PERFORMANCE ACTIVITIES: (Attendance/Punctuality) Attendance for this course is required since it is largely discussion and activity based. Your presence in both mind and body is necessary. There is no such thing as an excused or an unexcused absence. There are simply absences. You are allowed TWO absences; after the second absence, your course grade will be lowered by a letter grade for EACH absence thereafter. If you arrive to class more than 15 minutes late, you are considered absent.

Punctuality is also of critical importance in the theatre. It’s just as easy to show up five minutes early as it is to show up five minutes late. You are considered late if you arrive after attendance has been taken. Additionally, you are considered tardy if you leave early. Every TWO tardies equals ONE absence. These behaviors will negatively impact the attendance and participation portion of the grade.

Arrangements can be made to turn in work early if you know you will be missing a class. Assignments missed as a result of tardiness or absences may not be made up.

Social Contract and Participation First of all, please remember that I am here to help you learn. Please do not hesitate to ask questions, or ask for help, in or out of class. (In class is often best, since your classmates may have the same questions or concerns and you will be helping them.) Since this course is participatory in nature, it is essential that you complete all homework assignments, come to class prepared to engage in vigorous, critical discussion and invest fully in classroom exercises.

Please know that everyone feels uncomfortable sometimes, especially in front of large groups. It is your responsibility, as class members to create a safe environment wherein all students feel free to participate and express their ideas, thoughts and opinions.

Additionally, you must put away newspapers, magazines, homework for your next class, remove headphones and turn off all cell phones, pda’s, beepers, pagers, etc. before the start of class. If you ring or beep in class you will be asked to leave and it will count as an absence.

Course Requirements and Grading Procedures: Grades will be based on a points scale. The final point total for the course will be determined by the number of quizzes, activities, and writing assignments we complete throughout the semester. Final grades will follow a normal scale of 90%=A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D

Administrative Withdraws: Students who enroll this course and have poor attendance and/or poor participation (as determined by the instructor) may be administratively withdrawn (involuntarily). Students who are administratively withdrawn will be responsible for payment and repaying any financial aid received for the course or courses that must be returned to the provider. If you are concerned about your absences, progress, or success in a particular course, meet with your instructor immediately.

ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES: All class assignments are due on their scheduled dates. Late work WILL NOT be accepted. Being unable to find time to meet with collaborators, having a computer or printer problem at the last minute, having a paper or exam in another class, are not legitimate reasons for late performances or assignments. Plan ahead. Exceptions or extensions may be negotiated in extreme circumstances, but must be worked out in advance of the due date and evidence of progress on the project must be shown. All assignments must be turned in on time, in person, in class and typed.

STUDENT EVALUATION: 8 Written Assignments 5 pts. Each 40 2 Quizzes 5 pts. Each 10 Class participation 20 First Draft of 10-Minute play 10 Final Draft of 10-Minute play 20

100points

Please go to http://offices.nsuok.edu/academicaffairs/SyllabiInformation.aspx for required information pertaining to:

Academic Misconduct American Disabilities Act Compliance Inclement Weather/Disaster Policy Teach Act Accessibility Release of Confidential Information

Course Schedule WEEK 1 Jan. 11 – Overview of course, review syllabus, discuss expectations, class introductions. Jan. 13 – Discuss Dramatic Action/Conflict. In class exercise. Assign Writing Assignment #1 WEEK 2 Jan. 18– Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #1 Jan. 20 – Discuss Reading #1. In class exercise. Assign Writing Assignment #2 WEEK 3 Jan. 25 – Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #2 Jan.27 – Discuss Reading #2. In class exercise. Assign Writing Assignment #3 WEEK 4 Feb. 1 – Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #3 Feb. 3 – Discuss Reading #3. In class exercise. Assign Writing Assignment #4 WEEK 5 Feb. 8 – Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #4 Feb. 10 – Discuss Plot. In class exercise. Assign Writing Assignment #5 WEEK 6 Feb. 15 – Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #5 Feb. 17 – Discuss Character. In class exercise. Assign Writing Assignment #6 WEEK 7 Feb. 22 – Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #6 Feb. 24 – Discuss Dialogue. In class exercise. Assign Writing Assignment #7 WEEK 8 Mar. 1 – Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #7 Mar. 3– Discuss Theme/Genre. Writing Assignment #8 WEEK 9 Mar. 8 – Workshop/Discuss Writing Assignment #8 Mar. 10 – Discuss 10-minute play form. In class exercises. WEEK 10 Mar. 15 – 17 SPRING BREAK WEEK 11 Mar. 22 – DUE -10-Minute Plays – First Draft, Workshop 10-Minute Plays Mar. 24 – Discuss Rewriting. In class exercise. WEEK 12 Mar. 29 – Workshop 10-Minute Plays Mar. 31 – Discuss TBA. In class exercise. WEEK 13 Apr. 5 – Workshop 10-Minute Plays Apr. 7 – One-on-one Meetings to discuss 10-minute plays/ Rehearse Plays WEEK 14 Apr. 12 – One-on-one Meetings to discuss 10-minute plays/ Rehearse Plays Apr. 14 – One-on-one Meetings to discuss 10-minute plays/ Rehearse Plays WEEK 15 Apr. 19 – / Rehearse Plays Apr. 21 – / Rehearse Plays WEEK 16 Apr. 26 – / Rehearse Plays Apr. 28 – / Rehearse Plays WEEK 17 May 3 – FINAL PROJECTS DUE May.5 – FINAL PROJECTS DUE