inspiring social justice through theater

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Commonality within Cultural Diversity Experienced through Theater

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This paper would present the use of theatre as an inspirational and educational tool in promoting diversity and social justice. Web-­‐based courses reach across geographical lines and allow various cultures to come together to discuss, explore and create works that produce change in their community as well as the world. The paper will focus on the creation, process and outcome of two specific courses: Theatre for Social Justice and Theatre of Diversity. The paper will show how theatre reflects social justice and diverse issues and then goes a step further in inspiring students to have a voice.

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Page 1: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

Commonality within Cultural Diversity

Experienced through Theater

Page 2: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

SYLLABUS•

the4230 - Commonality within Cultural Diversity Experienced through TheaterHolly McDonald

• THE 4230 Syllabus• PROFESSOR CONTACT:• Holly E. McDonald

E-mail: [email protected]: T207, Main Campus, New Performing Arts CenterHRS.: T/R 11-1

• COURSE DESCRIPTION:• To introduce the universal ideas, images, and myths that inspired the work of

diverse theatre artists. The course will look specifically at the cultures that have yielded significant plays/playwrights from the 1950’s to the end of the twentieth century. We will define, discuss, and analyze common themes within the text.

Page 3: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

COURSE GOALS

• COURSE GOALS- OVERARCHING GOALS FOR THE COURSE:• To explore various cultures through theatre • To understand how and why plays can represent/speak for

a culture/group • To be exposed to various ideas, values and challenges of

other cultures/groups • To gain a respect for the theatre in its role/representation

of various cultures and values • Awareness • Tolerance

Page 4: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

OBJECTIVES

• STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:• Identify the important role theatre plays in supporting diverse

communities • Identify characteristics, challenges, stereotypes of various

cultures • Comment with respect and knowledge on diverse plays and

the communities they represent • Develop an open-minded thought process that allows

intelligent conversation to transpire among people with different ideas.

• Appreciate various types of plays and the playwrights inspiration in creating these works

Page 5: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

REQUIRED READING

• – Spiderwoman Theater • Two Trains Running – August Wilson • Tea – Velina Hasu Houston • The Vagina Monologues – Eve Ensler • Stop Kiss – Diana Son • Zoot Suit – Louis Valdez • The Girl Who Fell From The Sky - Heidi W. Durrow

Page 6: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

GRADING

• Grades are based on the university plus/minus system. To figure grade at any point, proceed with the following:

• Total the number of points earned • Divide by the amount of points that are possible (at that

particular point) • This will provide you with a number • Check the following chart: • A 4.00 93-100 A- 3.75 90-92 B+ 3.25 87-89 B 3.00 83-86 B-

2.75 80-82 C+ 2.5 77-79 C 2.00 73-76 C- 1.75 70-72 D+ 1.25 67-69 D 1.00 63-66 D- 0.75 60-62 F 0.00 59-0

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ASSIGNMENTS

• Midterm- 50pts

Final- 50pts

Posts- 100psts

Interview- 100pts

Crash essay/participation post- 50pts• The Girl Who Fell From The Sky- 50pts

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CLASS NOTES• This syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor • Violations of student academic behavior standards are outlined in the

Golden Rule, the University of Central Florida’s student handbook. • Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or

her from fully demonstrating her/his abilities should contact Student Disabilities at UCF

• There are plays and materials that may express adult/controversial themes, as well as, adult/strong language.

• Assignments must meet deadlines, no late work • Please allow 48 hours for an E-mail response • Disagreeing is allowed, disrespect will not be tolerated!

Page 9: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

THEATRE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

Page 10: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

Syllabus• Course Description• PR: Grade of C (2.0) or better in ENG 1101 • A study of radical street performance and the

impact on the individual, as well as society. We will examine case studies from the following: agit-prop, invisible theatre, demonstrations, rallies, direct action, puppetry, parades, pageants, performance art, guerrilla theatres and circuses- in an effort to an understanding of its full impact.

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Course Goals• (overarching goals for the course)• Researching and using case studies that have served as the impetus for social

change, in some cases, history • Understanding aspects of actual performance that works in a public (street) venue • To contemplate the meaning and create a personal point of view on the meaning

of radical street performance • To gain a sense of the emotional impact and effectiveness of radical street theatre

within a community • An awareness of the historical progression of radical street theatre • Identify some of the most radical, popular, groups and individuals in radical street

performance • To develop an awareness of theatre’s impact on society • To become aware of the power an individual can have within their community and

other communities in need • Understand the importance of radical social and political change

Page 12: Inspiring Social Justice Through Theater

Objectives• Students should be able to:• Utilize theatre as a means of social and political change • Effectively articulate their personal point of view on radical street performance • Will understand the evolution of radical street theatre • Will be able to create an engaging mini/scene script of a radical street performance that will

address an issue of concern • Will be inspired by theatre and theatre artists • Will have an understanding of the impact artists have on social, as well as political issues • Will question norms of our justice system and communities • Effectively research on case studies involving radical performance • Understand the emotional impact of theatre • Will be able to discuss specific groups, as well as individuals who have made a significant

contribution to radical street theatre • Will be able to identify various types of radical street performance • Will increase the awareness of special needs in a social or political situation • Will effectively create discussions on political and social issues

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Required Reading• Radical street performance, an international

anthology, edited by Jan Cohen-Cruz, Routledge – London and New York, ISBN: 0-415-15231-3

• Various online sources assigned in modules throughout the course

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Requirements• 50 points for 9 posts. All worth 5 points. with post 8

worth 10 points. • 50 points for 1 play response (play of your choice,

with political or social Issues) • 75 points for one midterm, mini/scene script of your

created radical Street performance • 25 points for 1 case study outline • 100 points for 1 final • Reading assignments of text and links listed

throughout