THET 328F * THE STUDY OF FILMED PLAYS * Syllabus Summer Session II, Online Course * July 13 August 23, 2015 * 3 Credits

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1 1 THET 328F * THE STUDY OF FILMED PLAYS * Syllabus Summer Session II, Online Course * July 13 August 23, 2015 * 3 Credits Jennifer Barclay, Assistant Professor of Playwriting and Performance JBarclay@umd.edu UMD IT Help Desk or itsc@umd.edu. Phone support is available Mon- Fri 8am- 5pm. Course Overview COURSE DESCRIPTION This course focuses on cinematic adaptations of plays by comparing and contrasting the stage and screen versions in concept, writing, and production. Students will gain insight and appreciation for both art forms through structural analysis, class discussions, and written critiques. Students are required to attend public performances. COURSE OBJECTIVES (these objectives will be used as criteria for your grades) Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to do the following: 1. Evaluate and deconstruct films based on written plays. 2. Compare and contrast the mediums of live performance and film. 3. Identify dramatic structure as it applies to the written play. HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE 1. Check in regularly, be active in discussion boards. 2. Set aside focused time to view each lecture and take notes. 3. Keep up with your assignments and quizzes. Look ahead to future deadlines; don t leave it until the last minute. 4. Plan ahead on acquiring the required films and play scripts. 5. Plan ahead on arranging tickets for the two play productions you will see. 6. Begin work on your Final Project at least halfway through the semester, and continue to work on the project each week until the final due date. 7. Feel free to work ahead! The entire course is available online for you now, so you can figure out how to best fit it in with your schedule. 8. If you have any technical computer problems, contact the UMD IT Help Desk at or itsc@umd.edu. Phone support is available Mon- Fri 8am- 5pm. 9. Contact your professor immediately if you have any problems, concerns or confusion. I m here to help you learn and succeed. COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR Please keep in regular communication with me about questions and concerns you may have, as well as any insights or ideas you may like to share about the course

2 2 material. You can me at any time at and I will respond to you within 48 hours. TECHNICAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Adobe Acrobat, to read and create PDF documents (free download). 2. Access to Microsoft PowerPoint, to watch Course Lectures, for your Individual Research Presentation, and for your Final Project. o NOTE: if you are unable to access PowerPoint, you can view the Lectures as PDFs and can create your presentations in OpenAccess or Google Docs. o When submitting a PowerPoint, please only submit.pptx, NOT.ppt. 3. A document program for writing and sending papers in either.txt,.doc,.docx or.pdf formats. Class Policies PARTICIPATION You are required to log into the course at least once a week, and to check your at least once a week for communication from your instructor. It is your responsibility to keep up with course Announcements, Lectures, Discussion Boards, Quizzes, Assignments and their various deadlines. ASSIGNMENTS & DUE DATES All Assignments must be submitted via ELMS by 11:59pm on the day that they are due. I will not accept e- mailed Assignments. Quizzes and Discussion Boards must also be completed by 11:59pm on the day that they are due. Late Homework policy: I will deduct 1 point for each day that an Assignment is late, up until 1 week after the due date. After 1 week, I will no longer accept late Assignments. If you know that you will have trouble meeting a due date, please contact me before the due date to discuss the possibility of an extension. PLAGIARISM/CHEATING POLICY Don t do it! I want to hear your opinions, and your creativity. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated, and will result in a failing grade for the project and further college discipline. CLASS ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING BREAKDOWN 15 Discussion Boards (25%) 13 Quizzes (30%) 1 Comparative Analysis Essay (10%) 1 To adapt or not to adapt Essay (10%) 1 Individual Research Presentation (10%) 1 Final Project: Turning a Play into a Film (15%)

3 3 EXTRA CREDIT You may see an additional professional play production and write an accompanying essay for extra credit during the course. Contact me for production approval and essay specifics before you see the play. Additional extra credit opportunities may be available throughout the course, and you are welcome to propose an extra credit project to me for approval. Required Reading & Viewing (Films & Plays) FILMS TO VIEW You will view a total of ten films during the course of the semester. All films will be available for streaming through our ELMS class site. Note: Some of the films we watch may be rated R and will include elements associated with this rating. The films are: Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (2000) Romeo + Juliet (1595 play, 1996 film) Streetcar Named Desire (1951) A Raisin in the Sun (1961) Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (1962 play, 1966 film) Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) Rabbit Hole (2010) Little Shop of Horrors (1986) Chicago (2002) Additionally you will view one more film for your Comparative Analysis essay (see Assignment Details for more information). PLAY SCRIPTS TO READ You will read four play scripts during the course of the semester. It is your responsibility to acquire the play scripts, and to do so in plenty of time. See list of suggestions on how to acquire the plays below, and under the Assignment Details. Two Plays of your choice: (Play of your choice #1) for your Individual Research Presentation. You will choose from the roster of films we ll be viewing this semester. (Play of your choice #2) for your Final Project. You will choose a play that has not yet been adapted to film, and I will provide you with a list of suggested titles. Two Plays we ll read together as a class: Glengarry Glen Ross, by David Mamet. Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams.

4 4 PLAY PRODUCTIONS TO SEE You will see two live play productions of your choice, at a local theatre, during the course of the semester. See my list of suggested productions in Announcements on ELMS. One play which has already been adapted into a film: This is for your Comparative Analysis Essay. One play which has not yet been adapted into film This is for your To Adapt or Not To Adapt Essay.

5 5 Assignment Details Discussion Boards (25%) Throughout the course, you will be required to make contributions to a series of different Discussion Boards. Specific questions are posed in each of the Boards. Your initial response on each discussion board should always be a minimum of 350 characters. It should be well thought- out, and written in complete sentences with proper spelling and grammar. I encourage you to subscribe to each of the boards. This will be our version of group discussions, and I look forward to hearing your opinions! After your initial post, please be sure to check back and also respond to your colleagues posts. Since it is your opinion, there is no right or wrong as long as it is clear to me that you have read or watched the required material. And please help me to create a safe and supportive learning environment by listening and responding to your classmates opinions with open- minded respect. Quizzes (30%) Throughout the course, you will take a series of quizzes. These will test your knowledge and comprehension of lectures, play reading, and film viewing from the current Unit. You will also be tested on information from your colleagues Individual Research Presentations. Consulting with fellow students during a quiz is considered cheating, and is not allowed. Quizzes will have a time limit, so make sure you are knowledgable on the material before you begin. Comparative Analysis Essay (10%) 1. You will pick a live play production to see (in the DC area, or wherever you are located for the duration of the course), which has already been turned into a film adaptation. You can determine whether a play has been adapted into film or not by doing a quick search on Google or Netflix. You must make arrangements to see that play yourself. Discount tickets may be available, and many theatres also offer student rates (call the individual theatre for information). Additionally, almost all theatres take volunteer ushers which gives you a chance to see the show for free. To usher, contact the theatre and ask for details about signing up. You will generally be required to fit a certain dress code, and arrive about 1 hour early to help with stuffing programs and seating patrons. a. NOTE: In Announcements on ELMS, I have provided a list of SUGGESTED PLAYS in the DC area this session which have been adapted into film. 2. Watch the film adaptation of the play. It will be your responsibility to find this film. I recommend starting by looking at Netflix or checking with UMD librarians for assistance. 3. Write an essay comparing and contrasting the play and its film adaptation. You will be expected to focus on similarities and differences between the 6

6 6 core elements of storytelling (characters, dialogue, setting, plot, theme and conflict), to propose analytical explanations for the adaptive changes, to articulate which elements are inherently theatrical and which are specifically suited to film, and to assess the effectiveness of the adaptive changes. Do not waste space in your essay summarizing the play, this is not necessary and cannot count toward your final word count. The essay should be 3 pages, double- spaced (at least 750 words), and submitted via ELMS in txt, doc, docx or pdf format only. To adapt or not to adapt Essay (10%) 1. You will pick a live play production to see (in the DC area, or wherever you are located for the duration of the course), which has not been turned into a film adaptation. You can determine whether a play has been adapted into film or not by doing a quick search on Google or Netflix. (For details on how to purchase affordable theatre tickets, see above under Comparative Analysis Essay. ) a. NOTE: In Announcements on ELMS, I have provided a list of SUGGESTED PLAYS in the DC area this session which do not have film adaptations. 2. After seeing the play production, write an essay which makes a clear argument for either why the play should be adapted to film, OR why the play should not be adapted to film. It s your choice, but you must back up your thesis with strong and specific supportive arguments. Do not waste space in your essay summarizing the play, this is not necessary and cannot count toward your final word count. The essay should be 3 pages, double- spaced (at least 750 words), and submitted via ELMS in txt, doc, docx or pdf format only. a. To adapt: If you are arguing that the play could make a strong film adaptation, then articulate specific ways in which you would choose to adapt the play to make it better suited to the screen. Put yourself in the shoes of the director and cinematographer and be creative. Consider changes in characters, setting, dialogue, and plot structure to make it more cinematic. If you have a directorial concept (changing time period, central location, race or gender of characters, etc.), be sure to articulate that as well. For every proposed change, make sure you provide your reason. b. Not to adapt: If you are arguing that the play should not be adapted, then articulate why the play is inherently theatrical and not suited to the cinema. Describe what would be lost in the story if it was put on film. Be specific in your analysis of the play s theatrical characters, dialogue, plot and setting. What specific theatrical moments would be lost in a film adaptation? Once again, present both your opinions and your rationales. Individual Research Presentation (10%)

7 7 1. At the beginning of the session, you will choose one of the films being shown during the course, and an aspect of the film you would be interested in doing your research presentation and essay about. This project involves not only research, but also integrating that research into your personal analysis of the play. For individual presentation due dates, see the class schedule. You can choose from any of the full- length course films, except for The Complete Works. The aspects from which you can choose are: a. The Given circumstances: Research the time period and setting of the play, and analyze how this context affected the writing and reception of the play. Also, if different, address the time period when the play was written and how that may also have affected the play. Examples of details of time and place that might be relevant: historical events, styles, fashions, new inventions, influential people of the period, etc. b. The Playwright: Identify distinguishable characteristics of playwright s writing style, topics and influences. Use the text of the play to give particular examples of his/her distinguishing characteristics as a playwright. Give a brief background of the playwright. Analyze how this playwright s work compares and contrasts with at least one other playwright we are studying this semester. Also briefly address the most significant moments in the production history of the play, and any major awards the play may have received. c. The Themes: Recognize messages, morals, metaphors and the desired effects on the audience both in the play and in the film. Compare and contrast between the play and the film. Use specific examples from both the play and the film, and address how these themes relate to the playwright s work and given circumstances. d. Comparisons: Compare and contrast the written stage play to the film version. Consider both how the play script is different from the screenplay (and provide specific examples from the texts), and how a production of the play may differ from this film. Use details and specific examples, particularly addressing character, dialogue, plot structure, setting, theatricality and cinematography. e. Character Analysis/ MDQ: Provide an in- depth look at five characters in the play and film, including character descriptions and objectives (what they want). Compare and contrast between the play and the film. Identify protagonist and antagonist. Identify obstacles to their objectives. Identify the Major Dramatic Question (MDQ), the inciting incident, and climax. 2. You will need to read the play script of the original play from which the film was adapted. 3. You will need to do research on your topic. 4. You will present this project as a Powerpoint slide presentation (or OpenAccess or Google Docs), with both visuals and text to make all of your information clear. You are required to cite all your sources using standard

8 8 MLA formatting (as with all projects, plagiarism is unacceptable). The more creative and committed you are, the better your presentation grade will be. 5. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR PRESENTATION: You will link your presentation to the appropriate discussion board, so that your classmates will be able to view it. For example, if your presentation is on the playwright of Romeo and Juliet, you will attach your slide presentation to the Unit 4 Discussion Board for Romeo + Juliet. **All students will be responsible for knowing the material presented in each of their colleague s individual presentations.** These presentations will provide important context for viewing the films. 6. NOTE: I will be checking all Individual Research Presentations for plagiarism with the program Turnitin. Final Project: Turning a Play into a Film (15%) This is one of the most creative (and fun) assignments of the class, giving you an inside look at what it takes to adapt a play into a film in a hands- on manner. You will pick a play which has not yet been adapted to film, then pick a scene from that play to focus on (at least 5 pages), and then decide on a collaborative role which you would like to try out (cinematographer, screenwriter, designer or director). Please state your collaborative role clearly at the top of the paper. This project will require you to be creative, to apply everything you have learned in the course, and to budget your time wisely. You will invent a name for your imaginary film company and decide on a play (and a scene from that play) that has not yet been adapted for the screen. It will be your responsibility to acquire a copy of the play script and read the entire play (not just the scene you re working on!) You will then find a practical approach to transferring the play scene from stage to screen. I fully appreciate that you might have never taken on one of these creative roles before, but all I ask is that you dive in and do your best. For this project, you are welcome to pick any play which has not yet been adapted into film, as long as you approve it with me first. I will also give you a list of recommendations. Because you re doing a virtual film, the sky is the limit in terms of budget, casting, locations and materials. Think big and have fun! Your final presentation will be in the form of: 1. A PowerPoint (.pptx, NOT.ppt) slide presentation (or OpenOffice or Google Docs). You must include plenty of visuals and specific examples. 2. And an essay (750 words). You must include in- depth descriptions of your process and intended product. **NOTE: if you would like to get a head start on your Final Project (which is a GREAT idea!), please refer to the Lecture in UNIT 9 for additional information, including recommended plays and details on the requirements for each of the collaborative roles.

9 9 INTERPRETATION OF LETTER GRADES The University of Maryland at College Park s Official Interpretation of Letter Grades is as follows (the point structure is specific to this course): A+, A, A: The student denotes excellent mastery of the subject above and beyond average expectations with required assignments and outstanding scholarship (artistic accomplishment). A , A 94-97, A B+, B, B: The student denotes good mastery of the subject and good scholarship (artistic accomplishment). B , B 84-87, B C+, C, C- : Denotes acceptable mastery of the subject and usual achievement expected. C , C 74-77, C D+, D, D- : Denotes borderline understanding of subject, marginal performance, and does not represent satisfactory progress toward a degree. D , D 64-67, D F: Denotes failure to understand the subject and unsatisfactory performance.

10 10 THE SCHEDULE (subject to change) UNIT 1: COURSE OVERVIEW, THEATRE VS. FILM Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards this Unit: Friday 7/17. Video: Welcome & course overview. Discussion board: Introductions (where you re from, unique/ little known fact about yourself, and why you chose to take this course in particular) Assignment Due: read syllabus. Quiz: Syllabus Discussion board: Theatre vs. Film: advantages, disadvantages, necessities & strengths of each form, play script vs. film script, play production vs. film production, different experiences as an audience member. Lecture: theatre vs. film. Quiz: theatre vs. film. UNIT 2: DRAMATIC STRUCTURE, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/17. Film: Act I of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged by the Reduced Shakespeare Company (2000), 90 minutes. Lecture: Dramatic Structure. Quiz: Dramatic Structure & The Complete Works Discussion Board: The Complete Works Assignment Due: Sign up for the film and topic you d like to do for your Individual Research Presentation. Assignment Due: Decide which two plays you will see this semester and arrange tickets. Look ahead to the playgoing and related essay due dates in Unit 6 & 12. UNIT 3: CINEMATOGRAPHY, SHAKESPEARE Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/17. Lecture: Cinematography Lecture: Shakespeare. Discussion: experiences with Shakespeare. Lecture: context for viewing the clips of West Side Story and Zeffirelli s Romeo and Juliet, and context for viewing the full film of Romeo + Juliet. Film: clips of West Side Story & Zeffirelli s Romeo and Juliet. Quiz: Shakespeare & Cinematography UNIT 4: ROMEO + JULIET Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/24. Assignment Due: Individual Research Presentations for those students who have signed up for Romeo + Juliet. Assignment Due: Watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations on Romeo + Juliet.

11 11 Film: Romeo + Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrmann (1996), 120 min. Discussion Board: Romeo + Juliet Quiz: Romeo + Juliet, focusing on cinematography & dramatic structure UNIT 5: ADAPTATION, COLLABORATIVE ROLES, TENNESSEE WILLIAMS, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/24. Lecture: Adaptation Lecture: Collaborative Roles Quiz: Adaptation & Collaborative Roles & Tennessee Williams Lecture: how to read a play. Lecture: A context before reading A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. Assignment Due: Individual Research Presentations for the student who has signed up for the Playwright of A Streetcar Named Desire. Assignment Due: watch your colleague s Individual Research Presentation on the Playwright of A Streetcar Named Desire. Assignment Due: read the play script of A Streetcar Named Desire Discussion Board: reactions after reading the play of Streetcar UNIT 6: PLAYGOING #1 & ESSAY #1 DUE THIS WEEK Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/24. Due: Playgoing #1 & Your Essay #1 (Either: 1. Comparative Analysis Essay OR 2. To Adapt or Not To Adapt Essay) UNIT 7: A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (cont.) Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/31. Assignment Due: Individual Research Presentations for all students who have signed up for A Streetcar Named Desire (except for the Playwright presentation, which was due in Unit 6) Assignment Due: Watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations for A Streetcar Named Desire so that you will be prepared for viewing the film and taking the subsequent quiz. Film: A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Elia Kazan (1951), 125 min. o TAKE NOTES ON: similarities and differences between the original play and this film adaptation. Pay careful attention to specifics such as which locations and scenes are added to the film, how the dialogue may have changed, which characters have been added, and any changes in the film that may be the result of Hollywood censorship at the time. Discussion Board: A Streetcar Named Desire play vs. film Quiz: A Streetcar Named Desire play vs. film UNIT 8: A RAISIN IN THE SUN Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/31. Assignment Due: Individual Research Presentations for students who signed up for A Raisin in the Sun.

12 12 Assignment Due: watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations for A Raisin in the Sun. Lecture: Raisin s place within classic American theatre, and its ground- breaking significance. Film: A Raisin in the Sun, directed by Daniel Petrie (1961), 128 min. Film: watch clips from P Diddy s more recent film. Discussion Board: A Raisin in the Sun, including comparisons to P Diddy version. Quiz: A Raisin in the Sun. UNIT 9: BEGIN WORK ON FINAL PROJECT Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 7/31. Lecture: Final Project details. Assignment Due: Notify instructor of which play you ll be doing for your final project. Assignment Due: Notify instructor of which collaborative role you re going to take on for your final project. Assignment Due: Get a copy of the play script for your final project immediately. UNIT 10: WHO S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, FINAL PROJECT WORK Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 8/7. Lecture: Context for viewing Who s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? Assignment Due: Individual Research Presentations for those students who signed up for Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Assignment Due: watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations for Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Film: Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, directed by Mike Nichols (1966), 131 min. Discussion Board: Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Quiz: Who s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Assignment Due: read the full play script for your Final Project. Also, start brainstorming ideas for your creative approach to the adaptation. UNIT 11: GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, CONTINUE WORK ON FINAL PROJECT Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 8/7. Lecture: Context for reading Glengarry Glen Ross. Assignment Due: Individual Research Presentations for those students who signed up for Glengarry Glen Ross. Assignment Due: watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations for Glengarry Glen Ross. Due: read Glengarry Glen Ross, the play script. Discussion: responses to reading Glengarry play. How do you imagine the adaptation will be done? How would you do it? Film: Glengarry Glen Ross, directed by James Foley (1992), 100 min. Discussion Board: Glengarry Glen Ross, compare & contrast. Quiz: Glengarry Glen Ross, focusing on compare & contrast. Due: continue work on your Final Project.

13 13 UNIT 12: PLAYGOING #2, ESSAY #2, CONTINUE WORK ON FINAL PROJECT Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 8/7. Due: Playgoing #2 & Your Essay #2 (Write whichever essay you did not write for Essay #1. Either: 1. Comparative Analysis Essay OR 2. To Adapt or Not To Adapt Essay) Due: continue work on your Final Project. UNIT 13: RABBIT HOLE, CONTINUE WORK ON FINAL PROJECT Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 8/14. Due: Individual Research Presentations for those students who signed up for Rabbit Hole. Due: watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations for Rabbit Hole. Lecture: Context for viewing Rabbit Hole. Film: Rabbit Hole, directed by John Cameron Mitchell (2010), 92 min. Discussion Board: Rabbit Hole. Quiz: Rabbit Hole. Due: continue work on your Final Project. UNIT 14: MUSICAL THEATRE, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, CONTINUE WORK ON FINAL PROJECT Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 8/14. Lecture: Musical Theatre Due: Individual Research Presentations for students who signed up for Little Shop of Horrors. Due: Watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations for Little Shop of Horrors. Lecture: Context for viewing Little Shop of Horrors and related film clips. Film: watch two clips of Little Shop of Horrors (Jack Nicholson in the original 1960 film, and a trailer from a London stage production). Film: Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Frank Oz (1986), 94 min. Discussion Board: Little Shop of Horrors. Quiz: Little Shop of Horrors and Musical Theatre. Due: continue work on your Final Project. UNIT 15: CHICAGO, CONTINUE WORK ON FINAL PROJECT Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 8/14. Due: Individual Research Presentations for those students who signed up for Chicago. Due: watch your colleagues Individual Research Presentations for Chicago. Lecture: Context for viewing Chicago. Film: Chicago, directed by Rob Marshall (2002), 113 min. Discussion Board: Chicago. Quiz: Chicago. Due: continue work on your Final Project. UNIT 16: FINAL PROJECTS DUE

14 14 Due date for any Assignments, Quizzes & Discussion Boards for this Unit: Fri 8/21. Due: Final Projects. Discussion Board: discuss your individual process on your Final Project.

15 15 SYLLABI POLICY INFORMATION FOR THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE, DANCE, AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES ATTENDANCE POLICY of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies: Regular attendance and in- class participation are integral components of all dance and theatre classes and seminars. Although instructors are responsible for informing each class of the nature of in- class participation and the effect of absences on the evaluation of a student s work, the School s general attendance policy on excused absences is consistent with the University s policy, which allows students to be excused for the following causes: 1. Illness of the student* or illness of a dependent as defined by the Board of Regents policy on family medical leave 2. Religious observance 3. Participation in University activities at the request of University authorities 4. Compelling circumstances beyond the student s control *In May 2011, the University Senate and President passed a new policy for granting excused absences, which can be found at A student may provide a self- signed note when missing a single lecture, recitation, or laboratory, with the understanding that providing false information is prohibited under Code of Student Conduct. Self- signed notes are not accepted during Major Scheduled Grading Events. Specific questions concerning the TDPS policy on non- consecutive medical absences should be addressed with the Head of the Cluster. Students claiming an excused absence must apply in writing and furnish documentary evidence for their assertion that the absence resulted from one of these causes. (Undergraduate Catalog, pages 36 & 37 or go to: Whenever possible, instructors will make a reasonable effort to re- schedule in- class presentations for students with an authorized excused absence. Students should check the specific requirements of their courses carefully, however, as such re- scheduling is not always possible. PERFORMANCE AREA Attendance Policy: Regular attendance and in- class participation are integral components of all theatre classes and seminars. Although instructors are responsible for informing each class of the nature of in- class participation and the effect of absences on the evaluation of a student s work, the School s general attendance policy on excused absences is consistent with the University s policy, which allows students to be excused for the following causes: 1. Illness of the student or illness of a dependent as defined by the Board of Regents on family medical leave. 2. Religious observance (where the nature of the observance prevents the student from being present during the class period) 3. Participation in University activities at the request of University authorities 4. Compelling circumstances beyond the student s control

16 16 Students claiming an excused absence must apply in writing and furnish documentary evidence for their assertion that the absence resulted from one of these causes. (Undergraduate Catalog, pages 36 & 37). For an absence to be excused a dated doctor's note, hospital bill, or insurance form must be provided on the FIRST day you return to class. I must clear any other causes of absence prior to a missed quiz, project, exam, etc. Students are responsible for informing me of any intended absences for religious observances in advance. Pursuant to university policy, notice should be provided as soon as possible but no later than the end of the schedule adjustment period. Whenever possible, instructors will make a reasonable effort to re- schedule in- class presentations for students with an authorized excused absence. Students should check the specific requirements of their courses carefully, however, as such re- scheduling is not always possible. Absence due to religious observance will not be penalized, however, it is the student s responsibility to notify the instructors within the first three weeks of class regarding any religious observance absence(s) for the entire semester. The calendar of religious holidays can be found at: Students with special circumstances or conflicts should feel free to meet with me during office hours to discuss accommodations, in advance of any absence. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY The student- administered Honor Code and Honor Pledge prohibit students from cheating on exams, plagiarizing papers, submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without authorization, buying papers, submitting fraudulent documents and forging signatures. Students who engage in academic dishonesty in this course will receive no points for the assignment in question, and will be immediately reported to the Honor Council and Office of Judicial Programs for further action. There will be no warnings. Remember, it is never worth it! STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES The University of Maryland is committed to providing appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities. Students with a documented disability should inform the instructors within the add/drop period if academic accommodations are needed. To obtain an Accommodation Letter prepared by Disability Support Service (DSS), a division of the University Counseling Center, please call , e- mail dissup@umd.edu, or visit the Shoemaker Building for more information.

17 17 COPYRIGHT NOTICE Class lectures and other materials are copyrighted and they may not be reproduced for anything other than personal use without written permission from the instructor. SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY University of Maryland is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment in which students, faculty, and staff can develop intellectually, professionally, personally, and socially, free of intimidation, fear, coercion, and reprisal. The Campus prohibits sexual harassment which is a violation of law and University policy. Individuals who engage in sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action. The University has procedures in place to report sexual harassment and correct it when it occurs. Students who have questions may call the Campus Compliance Officer ( ), or the Legal Office ( ). To read the entire Policy see Appendix B in the Undergraduate Catalog. and

18 18 SYLLABUS AGREEMENT FOR THET 328F I have read the syllabus for THET 328F. I understand the requirements of the class and commit to fulfilling them. Signature, Date Print Name Print e- mail Phone number Do you have any physical restrictions, injuries or any other physical or mental health related issues that may affect your participation in this class? If yes please describe, and please come and speak with me.