Drama

Instructor: Margaret Dennett:
Length of Course: 1 Year

Course Description:

The Drama program is an integrated course where students learn a global approach to the performing Arts. The class meets twice weekly in a two hour block with group and study time set asides for Fridays.  Students are usually working on a single project-based unit that incorporates Drama subjects and themes, such as exploration of movement and script analysis.  Projects contain a mixture of Dramatic Performance, scene development, technical theater with written communication. The curriculum for each project is always tied to California’s content standards for Grade 9 – 12 Theater arts proficient to advanced levels. It is also the expectation of the class that students will write without major errors in spelling or grammar. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and a student who has plagiarized will be written up as a disciplinary action and their parents will be notified. If you’re not sure ask!
COURSE EXPECTATIONS:
          Each student is expected to arrive on time & prepared for class.  We will begin each day with a hand written journal or reading. If reading is required reading materials will be provided in the class unless otherwise specified. It is important to note that tardies and unexcused absences will bring down your Work Ethic grade in this class.  Each unexcused absence lowers your Work Ethic grade by 3%, and two tardies equal an absence.  All excused absences must be cleared with Ms. Cherrington in the front office within one week of the absence, or they will turn into unexcused absences.
A writing instrument, a notebook (composition book), and the required text (If one is being used) will be necessary for class each day, in addition to any work that is due.  If you are absent, it is your responsibility to look at the course calendar & to make up any missed assignments.  It is also important to contact your group members if you are absent or know you will be absent during a project. 
It is an expectation that we will treat one another with respect & foster a positive learning environment in which every student feels comfortable sharing his or her ideas with the class.  “Trust, Respect & Responsibility” are at the heart of our learning environment in this classroom, and we expect every individual to foster these cultural norms.
LATE WORK POLICY:
        As a rule, you should try to speak with me in advance if you are not going to be able to meet a deadline.  However, if you do not have an assignment completed on time, you will lose your work ethic points for the assignment.  If there are no designated work ethic points, then you will be marked down by one grade.  After five days late assignments will no longer be accepted.  Of course, exceptions will sometimes be made for extenuating circumstances.
            If you have an excused absence, you will not receive a penalty for work that is turned in late.  However, if work was due on the date of your absence, it is expected that the work will be turned in on the day you return to class.  If you know you will be absent, you must fill out a planned absence form in advance (these are available in the office).  You are also expected to give your group members plenty of notice before planned absences, and to complete any part of the project that will be due during your absence.
GRADING:
Students will be assessed based on daily assignments, activities, quizzes, tests, essays, and the final projects. The Drama grade is assessed on the school’s learning outcomes. The student will also receive a daily work Ethic grade based on their participation; minimal participation is equal to a low C.  It is also required that each student in the class participate in some way with Dreamweaver Theater, students must usher at least one show and will be given a free ticket to the performance for their help.
A final letter grade will be given at the end of each semester, which will be based on the percentages below:

Work Ethic	20%
Drama Content	30%
Written Communication	10%
Oral Communication	15%
Critical Thinking	10%
Collaboration	10%
Technology Literacy	5%

• ( Career Preparation is not a graded learning outcome but it is an expectation that student’s will make this connection and write about it in their journals)

 

COURSE CALENDAR:
The Drama Course Calendar can be accessed by both students and parents from home.  The calendar contains the daily agenda for the course, daily tasks and assignments, as well as links to the current project database and the course journal.  You may access the calendar through the school website through the following path from the homepage: Course Curriculum/Drama 1/Course Calendar. 

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Students are always encouraged to come in for additional help or to ask questions before school, after school, or during lunch.  Students and parents may also contact me by email (preferred) or phone with any questions or concerns.

 

Ms. Margaret Dennett
mdennett@newtechhigh.org
707.259.8520