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Southern Utah University

Fall Semester 2026

Introduction to Theatre (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1013-01

Course:	THEA 1013-01
Credits:	3
Term:	Fall Semester 2026
Department:	Theatre, Dance, & Arts Admin
CRN:	30304

Course Description

Students will gain an understanding of the world’s history and themselves through learning how theatre operates to entertain, educate, and reflect the past. Attending and analyzing various productions will enhance student’s roles as knowledgeable audience members. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Fine Arts

Required Texts

Required Texts: There is no text for the class, instead you will be assigned readings and videos in Canvas. Because there is no text, I will expect you to read all the instructions and assignments thoroughly and watch all the videos carefully for everything in class. That's fair, right? Think how much money you saved by not buying a textbook! Usually I can tell by your homework and your email/text questions if you've read everything carefully.

Required Play Attendance: You will be required to attend live theatre productions during this semester. You can see the current season of productions at the Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration Department website.

Required Play Viewing: You will also be required to watch several filmed versions of plays. The plays are sometimes accessible here in Canvas through a streaming service called Kanopy. Sometimes plays are available via the Digital Theatre+ database that is accessed via the SUU Library. There are no additional charges for these services. You may also need to rent a play or two online. I will let you know in class and Canvas which location you will use to watch any given play. Please note: streaming services often drop things with little or no notice so I will request your patience in advance if we have to suddenly adjust a module at the last minute.

Some of the plays/films we might watch include:

Kinky Boots
Death of a Salesman or The Glass Menagerie
Come From Away
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Much Ado About Nothing
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
The Lion
Julius Caesar
Sweet Charity

All play selections are subject to change based on availability.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to identify how theatre as an art form entertains, educates, and reflects the past. (Critical Thinking/Communication)
Students will be able to articulate how theatre helps them recognize and value different human perspectives and experiences. (Creative Thinking/Communication)
Students will be able to offer examples of theatre as historically significant works of art. (Communication)
Students will be critical audience members of live theatre through a practiced ability to discriminate thematic elements of performances and articulately deconstruct ideas as presented in performance. (Creative Thinking)

Students will be assessed on the above through assignments and quizzes. Students will also be able to demonstrate, and have completed examples of, each of the objectives above through written work.

Learning Outcome Alignment USHE Policy R470

Upon successful completion of the General Education Arts requirement, students will be able to:

2.1.1. Understand: Explain the creative artistic process as an iterative and recursive practice culminating in an expression of human experience and emotion through a medium.

In other words: Understand that creating theatre is a process of exploration, experimentation, revision, and collaboration. Actors, directors, designers, playwrights, and other theatre artists make and remake choices as they work toward a final performance. You will learn how these choices allow theatre artists to communicate human experiences, ideas, and emotions to an audience through live performance.

Think about it this way: How do theatre artists turn ideas, experiences, and emotions into a live performance?

2.1.2. Appreciate: Apply artistic concepts and ideas drawn from traditions of artistic creation and theory to better engage with, analyze and understand a creative work.

In other words: Learn how to watch and experience theatre more thoughtfully. You will use multiple theatre concepts to understand the choices made by theatre artists and how those choices affect an audience. You will also encounter different theatrical traditions and ideas that can help you appreciate why a performance works the way it does.

Think about it this way: What choices are the theatre artists making, and how do those choices shape what I experience as an audience member?

2.1.3. Connect: Examine connections between art and society and articulate how the arts are a historical and cultural phenomenon.

In other words: Explore how theatre reflects the people, cultures, values, conflicts, and ideas of the world in which it is created. You will consider how theatre has changed across different historical periods and cultures and how theatre can also challenge ideas, influence audiences, and contribute to social and cultural change.

Think about it this way: What does this performance tell me about the people, culture, and time in which it was created—and how might theatre influence the world around it?

Course Requirements

Everything assigned in class will have a point value. At the end of the semester all accumulated points will be weighed against the total number of possible points. The resulting percentage will determine your grade.

Grading scale:

A	100% to 94.0%
A-	< 94.0% to 90.0%
B+	< 90.0% to 87.0%
B	< 87.0% to 84.0%
B-	< 84.0% to 80.0%
C+	< 80.0% to 77.0%
C	< 77.0% to 74.0%
C-	< 74.0% to 70.0%
D+	< 70.0% to 67.0%
D	< 67.0% to 64.0%
D-	< 64.0% to 60.0%
F	< 60.0% to 0.0%

Graders & Teaching Assistants: I will be using graders and teaching assistants in this class to help manage the large volume of assignments. Each of these graders is FERPA trained and knowledgeable about the course subject. They each have completed multiple semester of university level writing. You are expected to treat the graders with dignity and professionalism. If you are every concerned that you got an undeserved grade, you are allowed to ask me to regrade that assignment personally. I will never lower your grade for asking for a regrade.

Papers and quizzes: There will be regular reflection papers and/or quizzes due throughout the semester. These will allow reflection on concepts and productions studied. Pop quizzes, if used, will be at the very beginning of a class period and cannot be made up.

AI Writing Policy: Use of AI (artificial intelligence) writing programs is allowed in this class within the guidelines outlined below.

AI cannot write your papers for you. It can, however, be a tool for you to use. Papers in this class will ask for your personal analysis and opinion and will also ask you to incorporate in-class discussions. AI cannot do either of those things. As a result, choosing to use AI may not always be the most efficient use of your time. For each essay, you should carefully consider whether or not you want to use AI writing tools.
The same minimum standards will be in place for each essay regardless of whether or not you are using AI in your writing process. Essays that fail to meet the minimum standards specified will be marked as incomplete.
Grading for assignments that use AI will be partially based on your ability to harness and proficiently utilize this technology ethically and responsibly. For example, using AI to help organize your thoughts, create outlines, or to help proofread your papers is a perfectly acceptable use of these tools.
AI is prone to writing factually incorrect statements, inventing fake quotes from real sources, and inventing entirely fake sources. It is your responsibility to double-check that any AI-assisted work you submit is free from these errors. Work containing factual errors or fictitious quotes/sources will be graded accordingly. It is your responsibility to verify this information before submitting your work.
If you use AI in your writing, it must be cited. As there is no penalty for using AI appropriately, there is no benefit to lying about or trying to conceal your use of AI in this class. Concealing or lying about your use of AI will result in your assignment receiving a zero.

This course will include: 1) Readings; 2) quizzes; 3) critical literary analysis terms; 4) assignments and essays to practice critical analysis; 5) written analyses of theatre productions; 6) viewing plays and videos online and in person; and 7) a final paper.

Course Outline

Topics taught in this class will include, but are not limited to, units on:

The role of the audience
Critical analysis terms and concepts
Tragedy
Comedy
Tragicomedy
Theatre roots
Greek theatre
Elizabethan theatre
Acting
Directing
Design

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

It is your responsibility to look at all modules & assignments in a timely manner. There will be due dates for all work. Completion of all work by the assigned due date is expected. If you wait until the day something is due to look at the assignment you will not have time to complete it.

Extra Credit: I do allow extra credit. Here is how it works. Get an ‟Extra Credit Proposal” form from the Extra Credit Module. On this form you will be asked to propose a project for extra credit. Included in this proposal will be a description of your project, anticipated hours it will take to complete, due dates, and proposed point value of the project. You will return the form to me and I will meet with you to accept, reject, or adapt your proposal. Be prepared to logically defend your proposal as a worthwhile exercise and deserving of extra credit. This will require that you put some thought into the proposal. All forms must be submitted to me on or before the deadline in Canvas. I will not consider extra credit proposals after that.

Late Work: Late work is generally not be accepted unless you have made arrangements with me prior to the time it is due but I know that "life happens" so I will leave assignments open for a couple days after the due date then they will lock. These extra days are called "buffer days" and you will receiver full credit if things are submitted during this time. Once something is locked, you will not be able to turn it in and will not receive points. Please note that viewing quizzes will not have buffer days.

Academic Integrity: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you EVER cut and paste information you find online and you should never turn in the same work as a classmate. I want to read your ideas. If you use outside sources to help you develop your ideas that is fine, just cite your sources. Please read the rules for using AI above.

Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the student handbook (published by Student Services) regarding student responsibilities and rights, and the intellectual property policy, for information about procedures and about what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Students should understand intellectual property and should have a clear understanding on what constitutes plagiarism. If you ever have any questions regarding these issues please consult with me.

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

Large classes provide unique challenges for interaction. For messages sent to me, I will respond in the amount of time specified below. Feedback is an important part of learning so please look for feedback on your assignments that is provided. To find feedback, look review the tutorials below.

It is my goal to:

Respond to student messages within 2 business days
Provide grades and feedback within 2 - 7 days from the due date. Please be aware that TAs will also be grading. If you ever have a concern about a grade given by a TA, you may request that I review the grade.

How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor?

How do I view annotation feedback comments from my instructor?

Attendance Policy

Attendance and Participation: Attendance at all classes is expected. If you are absent more than three times during the semester your grade may be lowered. If you are habitually tardy, your grade may also be lowered.

Course Fees

There are no course fees for this course.

Content Disclaimer

Content Disclaimer: Unlike movies, plays do not have ratings. Some productions may include mature themes, strong language, or subject matter that is personally sensitive to you. My intention is not to shock, offend, or challenge anyone’s belief system; rather, our purpose is to study the art form. You will be required to attend all assigned productions, view all assigned films, and be prepared to discuss and write about them. I will provide a general overview of each play/film beforehand, but because sensitivities vary from person to person, I cannot guarantee advance notice of every potentially sensitive element. Please also keep in mind that each work reflects the time and social context in which it was created, and may therefore present ideas or biases that feel outdated or problematic today.

Undergraduate Writing Center: I would also strongly encourage you to utilize the Undergraduate Writing Center for written work in this class.

Delivery Modality: Hybrid. Class will be mostly in person but there will also be days with asynchronous projects in Canvas when we will not meet in person. I will always give you advanced notice about the schedule.

Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

Fine Arts

Point of Interest: If you have any questions or problems that you would like to discuss with me, please feel free to reach out to me. I am always available to you. I believe that I am not only your teacher but a resource you can and should utilize for success in class. I believe we are partners in the education process and can learn from each other.

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.

Religious / Conscience Belief Accommodation

RELIGIOUS / CONSCIENCE BELIEF ACCOMMODATION: In accordance with SUU Policy 6.7 Student Belief Accommodation, students may request, in writing, that their faculty accommodate their sincerely held religious or conscience beliefs. Students should provide their faculty with sufficient advanced notice, if possible within the first five (5) business days of the semester or session, or thereafter with good cause for requesting an accommodation after the first five (5) business days.

Faculty must provide a schedule accommodation or excuse an absence, in any course, for students to observe or participate in religious holidays or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of the student’s religious tradition or religious organization.

In courses that are required for graduation or for an academic major, a faculty member may accommodate a religious or conscience belief by modifying an assignment or examination if its content conflicts with the student’s belief. Faculty may decline the accommodation if it would fundamentally alter the course requirements. If declined, the student may request review by a neutral arbiter using the Belief Accommodation Request Form: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv&layout_id=5

Questions go to Assistant Provost Jake Johnson at johnsonj@suu.edu.

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.

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