THEA 281: Research in Theatre and Film
Prerequisites: CORE 102 or equivalent
Credit Hours: (3)
Students will learn to conduct and utilize research techniques, employ scholarly and professional source materials, and analyze information and arguments for application in dramatic production. This course serves as an alternative to Core 201.
Detailed Description of Course Content
Course content can be set up based either on a topic of the instructor’s choice or
the student’s (or as a hybrid approach combining the two.)
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Goal 1: Radford University students will be able to prepare coherent and well-written
essays that effectively integrate material from a variety of sources. By the completion
of THEA 281, Radford University students will be able to:
· Effectively synthesize and integrate arguments and information.
· Construct a coherent, cohesive essay with a clear sense of purpose.
· Show control over syntax, grammar, punctuation, and spelling to communicate in a style that is clear and appropriate for the purpose and audience of the assignment.
Goal 2: Radford University students will be able to deliver an effective and organized oral presentation and appropriately communicate in interpersonal and small group settings. By the completion of THEA 281, Radford University students will be able to:
· Use an effective organizational pattern in an oral presentation.
· Use effective delivery techniques and language in an oral presentation.
Goal 3: Radford University students will learn to distinguish knowledge from opinion, challenge ideas, and develop reasonable strategies for belief formation. By the completion of THEA 281, Radford University students will be able to:
· Distinguish knowledge from opinion.
· Effectively construct an argument examining multiple sides of a complex issue.
· Apply appropriate supporting evidence within a well-reasoned argument.
Goal 4: Radford University students will be able to locate, evaluate, and cite information. By the completion of THEA 281, Radford University students will be able to:
· Appropriately use a documentation style to cite other people’s work.
· Utilize basic research techniques to locate information.
· Critically evaluate sources using appropriate criteria.
The course will introduce, develop and enhance skills and abilities related to academic and professional success. Assignments will be designed to:
· Develop and apply critical thinking skills including but not limited to analysis of logos, ethos and pathos
· Develop research skills and apply new knowledge analytically
· Develop written and oral communication skills
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
· Locate valuable source materials through research and source quality analysis for application to academic and professional tasks and problems.
· Compose an academic essay that makes an effective case with clear writing, functional organization, research-based argumentation, and unbiased, sound logic.
· Present a focused, detailed argument orally utilizing research, appropriate tone and body language and effective visual aids.
Assessment Measures
Students will produce formal texts, spoken and written, which will be assessed according
to the course goals as outlined above. Individual course syllabi will articulate the
connections among course assignments, activities, and course goals. For Core A program
assessment, individual student competencies will be measured by the instructor using
the prescribed assessment tool according to the four course goals. Assessment will
be conducted at the end of each semester.
Assignment options may include but are not limited to:
· Academic Research Project: Students will select a topic and related problem relevant to theater or cinema and conduct research culminating in a research paper or annotated bibliography.
o Example: How could Shakespeare’s King Lear be adapted for contemporary high school audiences?
o Example: Is there a contemporary equivalent to Alfred Hitchcock?
· Argument Essay: Students will utilize their research to argue for or against an academic position, interpretation, line of action, etc.
o Example: The character of Cordelia in Shakespeare’s King Lear has the greatest potential to reach young audiences today, but she must be played as a morally conscious character and not simply as an obedient daughter to impact teenagers.
o Example: David Fincher, Jeremy Saulnier, and Robert Eggers all vie for praise as contemporary heirs to Alfred Hitchcock’s cinematic legacy.
· Oral Argument: Students will combine research and argument to present a problem, analysis and recommendation in an oral presentation of 5-7 minutes utilizing a visual aid such as PowerPoint.
o Example: Cordelia in Shakespeare’s King Lear should be portrayed as having a self-determined moral compass for contemporary young women to relate to her by focusing on specific delivery styles with her key lines.
o Example: Of the various candidates for a contemporary Alfred Hitchcock, the work of Robert Eggers makes the strongest case.
Other Course Information
This course would be an equivalent for Core 201 designed to serve students in theater, cinematic arts and production.
Review and Approval
December, 2018