Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Script Analysis (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1713-01

Course: THEA 1713-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 30638

Course Description

Students will learn to identify and analyze key elements of dramatic structure from the points of view of directors, actors, and designers, using plays from a variety of periods. There will be three to four (3-4) presentations, a written midterm, and an oral final. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)]

This course provides students with a variety of tools with which to analyze a dramatic text for purposes of production. While our principal perspectives will be that of the stage director, actor, and designer, we will consider the perspective of all participants in the performance process, including dramaturgs, playwrights, stage managers, technicians, audience members, and critics. We will read a broad selection of classic and contemporary plays, as well as critical and theoretical texts.

In this course I challenge you to experience life from perspectives other than your own. Because of this, some
course material may make you uncomfortable. Not all course materials are “family-friendly.” This is a university-
level course. If you have any concerns about this issue, see me during office hours.

Required Texts

(Note- TCD = Twentieth-Century Drama Database found through the library website)

Thomas, James. Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers. 5th or 6th ed.

Burlington, MA: Focal Press, 2013 or 2019.

Please note you will also need to attend department productions. We will discuss both theatre productions on a given day in class from the perspective of Script Analysis (see the course schedule).

PlaywrightPlayLocation
Lynn NottagePoofProvided in class
William ShakespeareHamletAnywhere
Lynn NottageRuinedCanvas
Edward AlbeeThe SandboxCanvas
SophoclesAntigoneCanvas
Sam ShepardTrue West***Purchase***
Caryl ChurchillTop Girls***Purchase***
Tennessee WilliamsCat on a Hot Tin RoofCanvas
Quiara Alegría HudesWater by the Spoonful***Purchase***
Milcha Sanchez-ScottThe Cuban SwimmerCanvas
Beth PiatoteAntikoniCanvas
Sarah RuhlClean HouseCanvas
Oscar WildeThe Importance of being EarnestTCD
August WilsonGem of the OceanTCD
Maria Irene FornesFefu and Her FriendsTCD
Jaclyn BackhausMen on BoatsCanvas
Heiner MüllerHamletmachineCanvas

Learning Outcomes

  • Creative and Critical Thinking: Students will utilize the dramatic script as the primary source of information for theatrical performance via the application and deployment of a variety of analytical tools.
  • Inquiry and Analysis: Students will develop a personal methodology for analyzing and evaluating scripts for theatrical requirements and aesthetic qualities.
  • Communication: Students will write and speak clearly about dramatic literature, performance, and analytical techniques.
  • Information Literacy: Students will identify and define key theatrical elements within a diverse array of scripts and performance texts.

Course Requirements

%ActivitiesAlignment with Outcomes & Assessment
20%

Participation, Discussions, & Social Contract: All students are expected to participate actively in the community of this course—by that, I mean I expect each student to have read the assigned material before class begins, contribute to class discussion in ways that are constructive to your fellow colleagues, and to demonstrate openly, your learning process with the material. This will be a challenging course, and therefore it necessitates a positive attitude from each student. The choice not to contribute to class discussions or to foster a negative classroom environment will detract from your final grade.

Thought Deposit: A virtual space to voice your thoughts about a script.
https://forms.gle/9s2HTq8j49DuJg7L8

Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be measured through classroom participation, preparedness, and demonstrated knowledge via specific discussion questions. Students will receive critical feedback from peers and faculty.
10%

Questions, Quizzes, & Activities
Questions for Discussion and Worksheets may be collected. It is expected that for each reading you will have a minimum of 3 thought provocative questions or topics for discussion derived from the textbook or play readings.

Individual and group learning activities will occur throughout the course. These activities require you to have read and engaged with the material (textbook and plays) in preparation for the activity. You will be graded on the participation and quality of work produced in each activity.

Pop Quizzes may be given throughout the semester. If all reading is clearly done and engaged discussions occur, pop quizzes won’t happen.

Learning outcome 2 and 4 will be measured through quizzes containing short answer, multiple choice, and essay questions. Each quiz may cover anything covered in class or in reading assignments.
10%

Mid-Term Exam
Come ready to answer questions in essay form about any of the plays we have read so far. Other exam questions will include multiple choice, fill in the blank, and true/false covering the first half of the course (lectures, classroom discussions, readings, etc.)

All learning outcomes will be measured. Students will communicate clearly in written form, recall, identify, and define key analytical techniques. Apply field specific terminology. Think creatively and critically to analyze dramatic scripts.
30%

Pitch Project: Part I & II
Pitch Oral Presentation
Pitch Voting Sheet

Learning outcomes 1 and 3 will be measured via the successful communication of the student’s conceptual interpretation of a play script.
20%

Play Discussion Leader Project
Each assigned group will lead the class discussion on an assigned play as well as, explore the content of the scheduled corresponding chapter in the textbook as it relates to the assigned play.

Learning outcomes 3 and 4 will be assessed via the group’s ability to clearly distribute information on a specific assigned play and script analysis tool.
10%Final ExamAll learning outcomes will be measured. Students will communicate clearly in written form, recall, identify, and define key analytical techniques. Apply field specific terminology. Think creatively and critically to analyze dramatic scripts.
Course Learning OutcomesCourse Assessments / EvaluationsCourse Assessments / EvaluationsCourse Assessments / EvaluationsCourse Assessments / EvaluationsCourse Assessments / EvaluationsCourse Assessments / Evaluations
Students completing the course will be able toAttendance /
Participation
AssignmentsAssignmentsQuizzesExamsExams
Students completing the course will be able toAttendance /
Participation
#1#2QuizzesMid-TermFinal
Outcome #1XXXXXX
Outcome #2XXXXXX
Outcome #3XXXXXX
Outcome #4XXXX
TOTAL20030020050100100
GradePercentage
A930-1000
A-900-929
B+860-899
B830-859
B-800-829
C+760-799
C730-759
C-700-729
D+660-699
D630-659
D-600-632
F599-0

Course Outline

DATETOPICReadingAssignments Due
W 8/27Introduction / Syllabus
F 8/29Why does theatre matter?Introduction (Thomas)
M 9/1LABOR DAY – NO CLASS
W 9/3What makes a play a play?Ch. 1 Action Analysis
F 9/5ApplicationRead POOF in Class
M 9/8What lives between the lines?Ch. 2 Foundations of the Plot: Given Circumstances
W 9/10ApplicationHamlet Discussion
F 9/12What is the Background Story?Ch. 3 Foundations of the Plot: Background Story
M 9/15ApplicationRuined Discussion
W 9/17Pitch: Present the Pitch Assignment
F 9/19Knowing the whyCh. 4 Plot: External & Internal Action in the Dialogue
M 9/22ApplicationThe Sandbox activity
W 9/24Why I’m breaking up with ArtistotleArtistole Reading on Canvas
F 9/26HSSC – NO CLASS
M 9/29Application – SophoclesAntigone discussion
W 10/1ApplicationAntikoni discussionPitch – Assignment #1: Ch. 1, 2, 4
F 10/3What are the bones of the story?Ch. 5 Plot: Progressions & Structure
M 10/6Application – ShepardTrue West Discussion
W 10/8ApplicationFefu and Her Friends Discussion
F 10/10Who are these characters really?Ch. 6 Character
M 10/13FALL BREAK – NO CLASS
W 10/15Application – WilliamsCat on a Hot Tin Roof
F 10/17Application – HudesWater By the Spoonful
M 10/20Midterm Review
W 10/22MIDTERM EXAMMIDTERM EXAMMIDTERM EXAM
F 10/24Discuss – Play Discussion Leaders Assignment
M 10/27Why this play now?Ch. 7 IdeaPitch – Assignment #2: Ch. 3, 5, 6
W 10/29ApplicationCuban Swimmer Discussion
F 10/31ApplicationBengal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo
M 11/3ContinuedActivity
W 11/5How does language shape meaning?Ch. 8 Dialogue
F 11/7ApplicationImportance of Being Ernest DiscussionGroup Presentation
M 11/10What does the play feel like?Ch. 9 Tempo, Rhythm and Mood & Ch. 10 Style
W 11/12ApplicationGem of the Ocean PresentationGroup Presentation
F 11/14ApplicationTop GirlsGroup Presentation
M 11/17ApplicationClean HousePitch – Assignment #3: Ch. 7, 8, 9 & 10, Group Presentation
W 11/19ApplicationMen on BoatsGroup Presentation
F 11/21PostmodernismCh. 11 A Case Study of Postmodern Drama & Müller – Hamletmachine
M 11/24 – F 11/28THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO CLASS
M 12/1Pitch PresentationsPitch – Oral Presentations
W 12/3Finish Pitch / ReviewReview Text, Notes – Pitch Voting Sheet Due –
F 12/5Review/Recap for FinalBring questions or topics to discuss for the final
FINAL EXAMSFinal dates/times depend on section assignments

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Course Policies

E-mails:
Please feel free to email me; however, I will be unable to guarantee my reply time and I will respond as soon as I am able. If you need an immediate response, it may be more advantageous to find me and discuss issues or concerns in person or via Zoom.

Canvas:
This class will utilize Canvas. Through Canvas you will find information concerning assignments, readings, announcements, grades, etc. It is your responsibility to check Canvas frequently and it is strongly encouraged to check often as information can be added or announcements and reminders made through Canvas.

Technology:
You are permitted to use any and all technology so long as it is in service to the course. Texting, snapchat, Instagram, etc. are not permitted.

Assignments/Late work:
Most assignments will be due by 11:59 pm and submitted through Canvas on the date they are due, unless otherwise noted on the syllabus or in class. All assignments should be typed unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Late work will be penalized 10% per day (not class period) that they are late.

Extra Credit:
Extra credit MAY be offered at various points throughout the semester. It is entirely at the instructor’s discretion and may not be offered at all.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI. The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:

  • Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
  • Fine tuning your research questions;
  • Checking grammar and style.

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

  • Impersonating you in classroom contexts.
  • Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
  • Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violate intellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). When in doubt about permitted usage, please ask for clarification. ***Remember, unacceptable use of AI undermines your own artistic value.

Attendance Policy

Attendance and Illness:
You are allowed 3 unexcused absences. I record attendance every day. Each absence after 3 will result in a 33.333 point deduction in your attendance and participation grade. If you negate your total attendance and participation grade your grade will continue to decline by 1/3 of a letter grade as per the TDAA Student Handbook. An absence may be excused for circumstances outside of your control. Arrangements must be made before the absence occurs (i.e., email or speak to me before you miss class). 3 tardies = 1 absence (leaving class early for any reason counts as a tardy). No student missing 25% of scheduled classes can receive a passing grade. PLEASE, DO NOT COME TO CLASS IF YOU ARE ILL. Email or contact the instructor if ill, then arrangements to make up the participation points and provide the recording will be made.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.