Download Multicultural Perspectives in American Theatre

California State University, Sacramento
THEA 174
Multicultural Perspectives in American Theatre
Fall 2012
Calaveras Hall (CLV) 141  Wed 6:00PM -8:50PM
Instructor: Nicole C. Limón
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: By appointment
Theatre & Dance Department Phone: 278-6368
“…words written on the page enter a burial ground. But speaking brings them back.”
-Diane Glancy, Playwright
COURSE DESCRIPTION & OBJECTIVES
This course studies the historic and artistic contributions of Chicanos/Latinos, African Americans, Asian
Americans and Native Americans to American Theatre. It focuses on a range of plays from various ethnic
and racial groups, forming a multicultural classroom experience; it specifically studies groups, from 1965
to the present, and examines the cultural, sociological and political climate in which these plays were
created. By the end of the semester you will be able to: 1) identify key figures in American theatre, 2)
compare and contrast dramatic representations of different racial and ethnic groups, 3) trace the
development and concerns of American theatre as they relate to playwrights’ careers and artistic agendas,
4) synthesize various understandings of American race relations and ethnic experiences as presented in
theatre and drama, and 5) apply the cultural and aesthetic choices made in theatre and performance to
your own experiences. To accomplish these learning objectives, the following questions guide this
course: How does theatre represent race? How does theatre represent ethnicity and culture? How do
playwrights specifically and theatre in general address issues of racial/ethnic identity in both form and
content? How can you use theatre and performance to discuss your own racial/ethnic identity?
This course is designed to enhance learning and improve your critical thinking skills through writing and
collaboration. You are required to complete reading assignments in advance, participate actively in class
discussions and activities, and work individually and with your peers to demonstrate your comprehension
of course topics. I encourage you to ask questions, share your own experiences, express your views, and
find useful and creative ways to engage the material and each other. Keep in mind that we must all agree
to disagree in order for this course to be fruitful as we explore political issues of culture, performance,
race, class, ethnicity, gender, age, etc.
THEA 174 meets upper-division course requirements for theatre majors and the General Education requirements
for “Area C4: Further Studies in the Arts and Humanities” and “Race & Ethnicity in American Society.”
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
In order to create and maintain a positive and productive learning environment, it is imperative that you
treat me and your classmates with respect. Therefore, disruptive behavior (including but not limited to
sending and/or receiving voice or text messages, leaving class early or coming to class late, talking while
another individual is talking/performing, sleeping or eating during class, or doing assignments for other
classes during this class) will not be tolerated. If you continue to disrupt class proceedings, then I will ask
you to leave and deduct points from your attendance record. Please remember to TURN OFF cell phones
prior to class. Unless you require disability accommodations, you may NOT use laptops, cell phones or
other electronic devices to take notes during class. Please discuss emergency or unforeseen family
situations that may, for example, require you to keep your cell phone on or bring children to class, with
me in advance.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a disability and require accommodations you will need to provide disability documentation to
SSWD, Lassen Hall 1008, (916) 278-6955. Please discuss your accommodation needs with me by the
end of the second week in the semester.
REQUIRED TEXTS & MATERIALS
 August Wilson, The Piano Lesson
 Milcha Sanchez-Scott, Roosters
 David Henry Hwang, Yellow Face
 Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog
 Ntozake Shange, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf
 Luis Valdez, Zoot Suit
 Quiara Alegria Hudes, Water by the Spoonful * (available in September)
 Additional required articles, media and other materials are posted on SacCT (SCT)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 **SacCT (SCT) acts as a supplement to this course. You are required to consult SCT on a regular basis
for announcements, assignments, quizzes, required readings, and other various class communications.
 Attendance (100 points) You are expected to attend class meetings. This class operates using a
“random roll” practice, meaning that I take attendance at the beginning of the class on unannounced
days throughout the semester. If you are present when your name is called, then you will receive 20
points. If you are absent, tardy, or leave class early, then you will receive zero points. I grant excused
absences ONLY with official written documentation and in the event of illness, family emergency,
work-related conflict, or a university sponsored event. Sending me an email stating you will not be in
class does not constitute an excused absence. THERE IS NO LATE SEATING FOR THEA 174.
If you find the classroom door already closed when you arrive, then please do not disrupt class
by entering. Class has already begun.
 Quizzes (15 points each) Quizzes that cover the assigned readings, film screenings, and class
discussions are posted on SCT throughout the semester. It is your responsibility to complete the
online quizzes BEFORE coming to class on the due date. Please see the Class Schedule for quiz due
dates and note that the quizzes are timed. You may NOT make up a missed quiz for any reason
including technical difficulties. If you tend to have computer problems or issues such as slow or no
internet access, I recommend taking the quizzes on a campus computer.
 Response Papers (50 points each). You are required to write two 2½ -3 page papers that assess your
understanding of class readings and discussions in relation to the film and theatre productions that you
see this semester. The specific guidelines and questions for each response paper will be posted on
SCT. For the second assigned response paper, you are required to see the Sacramento State Theatre
production of “for colored girls who have considered suicuide/when the rainbow is enuf” on
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at the Playwright’s Theatre.
 Group Presentation (25 points) You are required to contribute and actively participate in a group
presentation. Groups of three or four will create a presentation about plays we study in class. You
will be required to submit a brief written synopsis of your presentation on the day your group presents.
Guidelines will be posted on SCT.
 Take-Home Midterm Exam (100 points). The midterm is a take-home essay exam. The exam
questions and detailed instructions will be posted on SCT and will be discussed in class.
 Final Performance (100 points). How do you interpret your own experiences with race and ethnicity
for performance? The final requires you to create an original 3-4 minute, memorized, performance
piece. Final performances must examine your own experience(s) with race/ethnicity. Your theatre
piece needs to creatively and critically engage ideas studied this semester in relationship to your own
identity. Consider the characters, situations, culture, or history represented in the plays/playwrights
we study & consider how race/ethnicity operates in your life. You may work in pairs, groups of three,
or individually on the performance provided that the performance is 3-4 minutes per performer. The
performance needs to be thoroughly conceived. Incorporating poetry, images, music, costumes, etc. is
encouraged but not required. You will need to title your performance and submit a clean copy of your
script at the time of your performance. Please sign up on SCT by Wednesday, November 7, 2012,
to inform me of who will be working in your group or if you will perform solo.
 Extra Credit Extra credit opportunities will be given at various intervals during the course. You
must be present at the time extra credit is assigned to receive extra credit, and you must have all
current regular course assignments submitted. Extra credit is not a substitute for regular assignments.
LATE WORK POLICY & ASSIGNMENT NOTES
 Papers are due at the beginning of class on the date they are due. I do NOT accept late papers or late
assignments. You may discuss extenuating circumstances with me in advance.
 All written assignments MUST be typed, double-spaced using 12 pt. NEW TIMES ROMAN font,
one-inch margins, and MLA style citations, and must be submitted to me stapled.
GRADE BREAKDOWN
Grades are based on points earned for the following class requirements:






Attendance
Response Papers
Quizzes
Group Project
Midterm Exam
Final Performance
100 points
100 points
75 points
25 points
100 points
100 points
500 points possible
Grades From Points Earned:
500-472 (A); 471-448 (A-); 447-433 (B+);
432-418 (B); 417-397 (B-); 396-383(C+);
382-368 (C); 367-348 (C-); 347-332 (D+);
331-317 (D); 316-298 (D-); 297-0 (F)
*See the university catalog for explanations of the
grading system and symbols
ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT
This course operates on an absolutely “NO Tolerance” policy in regards to all forms of academic
dishonesty. If I find you cheating or plagiarizing, then you will receive an automatic grade of “0” for the
assignment and possibly fail this course. I will also report you to the Office of the Vice President for
Student Affairs. Please visit http://library.csus.edu/content2.asp?pageID=353 for information on
academic dishonesty.
Class Schedule
(subject to change)
Class
Date
Week 1
August 29
Week 2
September
5
Week 3
September
12
Week 4
September
19
Week 5
September
26
Week 6
October 3
Week 7
October 10
Class Schedule
(subject to change)
Assigned Readings
Reading assignments listed in this column must be read prior to class
date. We will be discussing readings ON THE DAY THEY ARE LISTED.
Course Introduction
Race, Ethnicity & Multicultural Perspectives
Theatre & Performance Toolkit
Film Screening: Crash
Self Portraits
Discuss Assigned Readings
Film Screening continued: Crash
Quiz # 1 Opens on SCT
DUE: Crash Response Paper
Defining Multicultural Theatre
Playwright: August Wilson
Film Screenings: Interviews with August Wilson
Quiz # 2 Opens on SCT
Continue August Wilson
Play: The Piano Lesson
Film Screening: The Piano Lesson
Playwright: Milcha Sanchez-Scott
Play: Roosters
Staged Reading
Film Screening: Roosters
Film Screening: Reel Injun
Playwright: Hanay Geogimah
Play: Body Indian (in class reading)
Discuss Midterm
Quiz # 3 Opens on SCT
Playwright: David Henry Hwang
Film Screening: Interview with David Henry Hwang
Play: Yellow Face
REMINDER: Read assignments prior to class. We
will discuss readings on the day they are listed.
 McIntosh, “White Privilege”
 Tatum, “Breaking the Silence”
 Harrison, “The Crisis of Black Theatre Identity”
(SCT)
 Huerta, “Looking for the Magic”
 Berson, “Introduction”
 Wilson, “The Ground on Which I Stand” (SCT)
PLAY:
August Wilson, “The Piano Lesson”
October 17
Week 9
October 24
Week 10
October 31
Week 11
November
7
Quiz # 1
DUE
(SCT)
Quiz # 2
DUE
(SCT)
PLAY:
Milcha Sanchez-Scott, “Roosters”
 Gener, “Asian Americans: Why Can’t We Get
Cast in NYC” (SCT)
PLAY:
David Henry Hwang, “Yellow Face”
Week 8
Quiz
Due
Dates
Quiz # 3
DUE
(SCT)
DUE: Take Home Midterm Exam
Playwright: Suzan-Lori Parks
Film Screening: Interview with Suzan-Lori Parks
Film Screening: The Topdog Diaries
Discuss Group Presentation
Quiz # 4 Opens on SCT
Play: Topdog/Underdog
Group Presentation Work Session
PLAY:
Susan-Lori Parks, “Topdog/Underdog”
DUE: Group Presentations
Playwright: Ntozake Shange
Play: For Colored Girls
Discuss Final & Elements of Performance
Meet at CSUS Playwrights Theatre at 6pm to see the
Sacramento State production of “For Colored Girls…”
Attendance to this play is required. It is highly
recommended that you purchase your tickets well in
advance. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the
CSUS Ticket office. The show starts at 6:30pm,
however please arrive at class start time.
PLAY:
For Colored Girls
Quiz # 4
DUE
(SCT)
Class
Date
Week 12
November
14
Week 13
November
21
Week 14
November
28
Week 15
December
5
Class Schedule Con’t.
Assigned Readings
Reading assignments listed in this column must be read prior to class
date. We will be discussing readings ON THE DAY THEY ARE LISTED.
DUE: For Colored Girls Response Paper
For Colored Girls Production Discussion
Film Screening: Zoot Suit Riots
Playwright: Luis Valdez
Film Screening: Bettina Gray Speaks with Luis Valdez
TBA
Quiz # 5 Opens on SCT
Play: Zoot Suit
Film Screening: Zoot Suit
Course Evaluations
PLAY:
Luis Valdez, “Zoot Suit”
Playwright: Quiara Alegria Hudes
Play: Water by the Spoonful
Course Wrap Up
PLAY:
Quiara Alegria Hudes, “Water by the Spoonful”
Week 16
FINALS WEEK
December
12
Quiz
Due
Dates
FINAL EXAM DATE
Wednesday, December 12
Time: TBA
Final Performances Due
Quiz # 5
DUE
(SCT)