Professional Decorum Statement
The exercises you will be asked to complete in class may challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. This means that in class you may be exposed to new, different, and controversial ideas, language, and issues with which you may fundamentally disagree, which may even offend you in some manner. It is fine to respectfully disagree or point out how something might offend you and why. However, the recognition that controversy is at the heart of debate does not encourage or condone gender, sexist, racist, ethnic, or religious slurs, or any form of slander or hate speech. As always in our classes, these forms of speech will not be permitted. However, if you are still offended in any way by ideas and/or language that are different from your own, please contact the instructor.
Every effort will be made to ensure your physical and emotional safety, while also providing and holding a “brave space”. It is important to embrace the idea that studying theatre is not comfortable. Much like the work one does with a trainer at a gym, you will be asked to stretch yourself. You will be asked to go beyond where you expected to go. Within boundaries you will learn to trust the difference between a trigger and something that is unfamiliar and may feel scary.
Content Statement
This course focuses on diverse storytelling while maintaining physical and emotional safety boundaries. Because all material will reflect a wide range of human perspectives, you will likely encounter characters and situations that fall outside your personal lived experiences. You are expected to approach these narratives with an open mind and to respect your peers' work. If any script or exercise challenges your personal comfort level, please speak directly with your professor immediately so we can establish appropriate boundaries or discuss arranging alternative material.
- In this course we 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.
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:
Please have access to technology for class. Many of the plays are available through Canvas or online. You will need access to them during class. Additionally, you may prefer to do the in-class activities digitally; you will need to have a computer or device that allows you to type and upload the document during class. You are permitted to use any and all technology so long as it is in service to the course. Texting, snapchat, Instagram, X, etc. are not permitted.
AI Policy
Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI
The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
- Brainstorming and refining your ideas
- Fine tuning your research questions
- Finding information on your topic
- Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts
- 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, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat.
- 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.***