August 31, 2016

Academic Year 2016-17

Syllabus for DRA 090 Theatre Lab

Meeting time: Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 PM
Meeting Place: Storch Theatre (or Archbold Theatre)
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course serves several purposes. First, it provides an opportunity for all students in the
Department of Drama to meet together for a wide variety of presentations including, but not
limited to, the following: classwork scenes and other student presentations, introduction and
post-performance discussions of selected Syracuse Stage and Department of Drama productions,
guests from the professional world, faculty forums, and alumni panels and guests. Second, the
Theatre Lab creates a sense of solidarity for all participants (students, faculty, and staff) in the
Department. Third, it provides a forum for general announcements, election of student
representatives, and for conducting other business of the Department. Occasionally, the students
will meet separately by program of study (acting, musical theatre, theatre design and technology
and stage management) for special presentations.
DRA 090 is required for seven semesters unless a student rotates to London for a semester or to
New York City for the Tepper Semester. A student may also petition to have the requirement
reduced for other reasons such as a required class that is in conflict with the Theatre Lab.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
During the semester and through the four years of his or her course of study in the Department of
Drama, the student should acquire an increasing more sophisticated understanding of the
following:

To more fully understand and appreciate the work in various skill-building

classes in the Department of Drama.

To appreciate and learn from the experience of working professional and alumni
in the entertainment industry.

To understand the artistic goals and planning process of plays produced at

Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama.

To understand and appreciate more fully the power of the theatrical experience.

To learn and practice appropriate professional theatre etiquette.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
The official attendance policy at Syracuse University is that students are expected to
attend all classes. The specific policy for this class is as follows: Attendance is

mandatory since it is experiential in nature. You cannot make up the work if you are
not here. Attendance will be taken at each Theatre lab.
As with the attendance policy in other performance classes, you may miss a week of
classes with no affect on your grade. Please see the section on Evaluation and Grades for
how absences will affect your grade.
The policy of the Department is that you must successfully pass seven semesters of DRA
090. (This requirement is automatically adjusted if you are away from the main campus
one or more semesters such as for the London program and/or for the Tepper Semester in
New York City.)
WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE
Please note that the weekly class schedule can be found at the Blackboard Web Site for DRD 090
Theatre Lab. As we will have multiple guests for the class, this schedule is subject to change
from time to time.
TEACHING/LEARNING METHODS
The objectives of this course will be met through a variety of presentations including
conversations with professional theatre artists from Syracuse Stage and other professional venues,
student work from various Department classes, master workshops, selected theatre performances,
alumni panels and faculty forums.
REQUIRED TEXTS: There are no required texts for this class. Reading information will be
available through Blackboard.
EVALUATION AND GRADES
The assignments for DRA 090 will be the same for those students taking the class for one
credit as well as for those taking the class for zero credit. (This is same policy as credit
for productions: some students take the production for one or two credits and others in
the cast take it for zero credit. All, however, are expected to do their work regardless of
whether or not they are taking the production for credit.)
The grade for the semester will be based on the following points:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Total

Attendance
500-Word Response Papers (2)
Artist Communication Project
Bonus (perfect attendance, extra
Thank you notes, etc.)

50 points*
30 points (15 for each paper)
15 points (5 points for each note)
5 points
100 points *

You will start with 50 points for attendance. You will lose no points if you do not miss
more than one Lab. Starting with the second absence, you will lose five points and an

additional five points for every absence thereafter. (If you have perfect attendance, you
will receive a bonus of five points at the end of the semester.)
Grading Scale:

A
A-

90 100 points
88 - 89

B+
B
B-

85 87
77 84
70 76

C+
C
C-

67 69
61 66
55 60

35 54

Academic Integrity
The Syracuse University Academic Integrity Policy holds students accountable for the
integrity of the work they submit. Students should be familiar with the Policy and know
that it is their responsibility to learn about instructor and general academic expectations
with regard to proper citation of sources in written work. The policy also governs the
integrity of work submitted in exams and assignments as well as the veracity of
signatures on attendance sheets and other verifications of participation in class activities.
Serious sanctions can result from academic dishonesty of any sort.
For more information and the complete policy, see http://academicintegrity.syr.edu
Disability-Related Accommodations
If you believe that you need accommodations for a disability, please contact the Office of
Disability Services(ODS), http://disabilityservices.syr.edu, located in Room 309 of 804
University Avenue, or call (315) 443-4498 for an appointment to discuss your needs and
the process for requesting accommodations. ODS is responsible for coordinating
disability-related accommodations and will issue students with documented Disabilities
Accommodation Authorization Letters, as appropriate. Since accommodations may
require early planning and generally are not provided retroactively, please contact ODS
as soon as possible.
Syracuse University and I are committed to your success and to supporting Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This means that in general no individual who is
otherwise qualified shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any program or activity, solely by reason of having a
disability.
You are also welcome to contact me privately to discuss your academic needs although I
cannot arrange for disability-related accommodations.

Religious Observances Policy

SU religious observances policy, found at
http://supolicies.syr.edu/emp_ben/religious_observance.htm, recognizes the diversity of
faiths represented among the campus community and protects the rights of students,
faculty, and staff to observe religious holidays according to their tradition. Under the
policy, students are provided an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work
requirements that may be missed due to are religious observance provided they notify
their instructors before the end of the second week of classes. For fall and spring
semesters, an online notification process is available through
MySlice/StudentServices/Enrollment/MyReligiousObservances from the first day of class
until the end of the second week of class.

CONTACT INFORMATION
James A. Clark

Office Hours
Thursday 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm in Drama Office #219
Wednesday 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm in Crouse College Office #205
and by appointment. (The best thing is to email me to set up
an appointment.)

Work: 443-9858 Drama Office (#219)

443-7180 Crouse College Office (#205)
Home: 677-3438
Email: jaclark@syr.edu