Global Theater

I. Course Description

This course functions as an art elective, in which students can foster their own
culture, learn about theater traditions of other cultures, and enhance their creativity
through performance art. While this class is taught in multiple language offerings,
and does ask students to use their language learning to translate and perform in
both first languages and learned languages, this course is not language immersive.
Rather, this course will ask students to step out of their own language curriculum, in
order to explore a range of other languages and cultures, even those outside of the
languages offered in the school curriculum. Throughout the course of the semester,
students will be investigating both types of theater and theatrical works from
around the world, as well as writing and performing their own works to investigate
language, culture, and the global landscape. Although this is not a course with a
heavy workload, as much of the work that students are expected to do happens
during class time, with no required preparation, students are expected to be present
and focused each day that they attend class. Research and acting are both involved
in this course, but will be largely conducted during class time.

II. Course Objectives

Students will be able to identify key characteristics of major global theater

traditions and movements.

Students will learn how to use performance art to enhance their

understanding of themselves and their identities.

Students will be able to read, analyze, and translate basic plots and theatrical
text.

Students will develop their identity and sense of self

III. Major Course Assignments

Students will be required to choose from one of the following for a major
project to focus on during the duration of the course:

a) Choose and perform a significant piece of work from a specific location, and
be able to explain its significance and impact to the rest of the class.
b) Choose and translate a portion of a significant piece of work from a location
that speaks ones learned language, and turn in the finished script at the
course summation (if students would like to do a reading, that is
encouraged).
 c) Choose and research a significant piece of work from a specific location, and
examine the cultural traditions, the societal norms, and the development of
character and language presented in the piece. Through an essay, explain
how this piece of work does or does not present the culture that the work is
from/takes place in.

At the end of the course, student performances will be performed, and

discussions will take place regarding the researched and translated plays. Student
participation as both an audience member and as a scholar in discussion is a must. If
students have any concerns regarding performance, class participation, or being an
audience member, they are more than encouraged to speak with the course teacher,
who will gladly accommodate their needs.

IV. Course Grading

The primary grading in this course will be in regards to student participation,

as well as their final project. Student participation can take many forms, from
talking in class, to working with groups, to participating actively in acting exercises.
Students who are worried about participation are encouraged to ask their teacher,
who will help them investigate options for getting involved in the course.
Short reflections in the form of journal entries will also be graded based on
completion. Students will be given journals at the beginning of the year, and will be
expected to write in them throughout the course. While students may write about
anything they wish, journal prompts regarding lessons will be given, and students
are expected to write a minimum of 12 short (100-200 word) entries on theater. If a
student does not want their teacher to read what they have written, they may fold
the page in their notebook, and the teacher will respectfully skip the entry, without
penalty to the students grade. If folded journal entries are a part of the 12 required
entries, students are asked to only fold their pages twice during the course, or talk
to the teacher if they have concerns. Note: this is not a way for students to get away
with not doing their work, but is rather a safety precaution for students who want to
and need to write their private emotions and issues. Teachers reserve the right to
approach a student about their folded pages.