Instructor Packet - Available at the Bookstore (THE 495 Special Topics)
OBJECTIVES:
This Special Topics course investigates the history of Hispanic-American
theatre forms and analyzes the drama literature developed from Mayan ritual
through to contemporary Latino/Latina playwrights.
THE 495 aims to develop a student's ability to analyze and comprehend
literary and theatrical forms and develop an appreciation for the cultural
expressions of theatre in its many aspects. In addition to the intellectual
development acquired from lectures and reading assignments, students will
develop communication and critical thinking skills by the daily use of
discussions and cooperative group work in class. Students are
expected to know how to research, analyze and compare/contrast historical
trends.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. ATTENDANCE AND LATENESS: Students are expected to attend every class on time and contact the instructor prior to class should conflicts arise. Repeated lateness and absences will lower grades.
2. PARTICIPATION: A large percentage of grade points in this class is determined by a student's active curiosity and informed expression about the dramatic techniques and cultural significance of the works read in class. Cooperative learning groups, panels, and in-class discussions provide students with opportunities to apply their understanding of dramatic structure and language.
3. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT: Students are required to write one paper (three to five pages long) based on one of the plays read and discussed in class. This paper focuses on one area of a play (character, theme, language, etc.) and clarifies a central idea or claim supported by evidence from the play.
4. EXAMS: The Mid-Term Exam is based on readings from the Instructor's Packet and lectures in class. A Final Class Project will be used in place of a final exam.
5. PANELS: Students present a two minute summation of their group's investigation of one area of a play read in class (Man of the Flesh or Shadow of a Man). This "thesis statement" is supported by evidence from the play as well as analysis from the group discussions.
6. PLAY REPORTS: Each student composes a written and oral report on one contemporary play by a Chicano or Chicana playwright.
7. GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
Written Assignment 25% 50
Mid-Term Exam 15% 30
Panel 15% 30
Final Class Project 15% 30
Play Report 10% 20
Participation 15% 30
Attendance 5%
10
100% 200 points
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Introduction (Syllabus)
Pre-Columbian Ritual and Drama
(Read: Leon-Portilla, "Pre-Columbian Literature")
Colonial Dramatic Forms
19th and 20th Century Theatre
(Read: Kanellos, "Two Centuries of Hispanic Theatre ")
Teatro Campesino
(Read: Huerta, "Chicano Agit-Pro")
Chicano Theatre and Social Issues
(Read: Valdez, Soldado Razo)
Read and discuss The Shadow of a Man by Cherrie Moraga
Read by Man of the Flesh by Octavio Solis
Midterm Exam (Three articles, Soldado Razo, and lectures)
Spring Break - No Classes
Read and discuss
Group Work on Panels
Panel Presentations
Workshop Final Project
(Written Assignment Due)
Final Projects
Contemporary Chicano/a Theatre
(Read: Huerta, ěProfessionalizing Teatroî)
Play Report Presentations (Play Reports Due)
The schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change
in the event of extenuating circumstances.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Cruz Gonzalez, Jose. Harvest Moon 1993 (unpublished).
Gassner, John. "The Second Shepherds Play." Medieval and Tudor Drama. New York: Bantam, 1971.
Huerta, Jorge A. Chicano Theatre, Themes and Forms. Ypsilanti,
Michigan: Bilingue Press, 1982.
Kanellos, Nicholas. "Two Centuries of Hispanic Theatre in the Southwest." Revista Chicano-Riquena Ano XI, Num. 1 (1983) (Mexican American Theatre Then and Now Issue) 19 - 39.
Kanellos, Nicholas. "La Chata Noloesca." Revista Chicano-Riquena Ano XI, Num. 1 (1983) (Mexican American Theatre Then and Now Issue) 40 - .
Leon-Portilla, Miguel. Pre-Columbian Literature of Mexico. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1969.
Paredes, Americo. "The Mexican Corrido: It's Rise and Fall." Publications of the Texas Folklore Society Vol. 28 (1958): 91 - 105.
Solis, Octavio. Man of the Flesh 1989 (unpublished).
Valdez, Luis. Early Works. Houston: Arte Publico, 1990.