Special Topic in Theatre Research
Theatre 499

Course Schedule and Due Dates


The following is a list of class meetings and assignment due dates. Each student is responsible for scheduling individual meetings with the instructor. Articles and textbook chapters must be read by the class period in which they will be discussed.

August 25 Class Meeting: Exploring a subject

August 30 Class Meeting: Finding a focus
Preliminary thesis ideas discussed
Read Hacker C1 a-c and MLA 1.1 – 1.3

September 1 Class Meeting: Understanding thesis, argument and support
Discussion of assigned articles
Read Hacker A1 a - d
Homework due: Read the following articles:
Dolan, Jill. “Utopia in Performance.” Theatre Research International 31.2 (2006): 163-173.
McConachie, Bruce. “Method Acting and the Cold War.” Theatre Survey 41:1 (May 2000): 47-67.
Apply questions in Hacker A1 sections a or d to one of the articles.
Summarize your response in a 1 page typed essay.
Be prepared to present your conclusions to the class.

September 3 5 pm Thesis topic and bibliography submitted on Blackboard

September 7 5 pm Respond to at least two other topics submitted on Blackboard

September 6 Labor Day – no class meeting

September 8 Class Meeting: Presentation and discussion of topics

September 13 Class Meeting: Presentation and discussion of topics continued

September 15 Class Meeting: From topic to further research
Skim MLA 1.4 – 1.7. Bring to class one new fact you learned about the research process.

September 20 Noon: Proposals due on Blackboard – no class meeting

September 22 Class Meeting: Presentation and discussion of proposals
Bring to class detailed comments on at least two proposals

September 27 Class Meeting: Presentation and discussion of proposals continued

September 29 Class Meeting: Organizing your ideas
Read Hacker C1 – d
Read MLA 1.8

October 1 5 pm Outlines due on Blackboard

October 3 5 pm Respond to at least one other outline submitted on Blackboard

October 4 Class Meeting: Discussion of outlines

October 6 The drafting process
Read Hacker C2 – 4
Read Davis chapter 3

October 11 Individual meetings as needed

October 13 Class Meeting: Navigating writing challenges

October 18 Individual meetings as needed

October 20 Individual meetings as needed

October 25 Noon: First full version of paper posted on Blackboard
Class Meeting: Getting feedback on your work
Reread Hacker C3

October 27 Class Meeting: Peer reviews

November 1 Individual meetings to discuss first version

November 3 No class meeting

November 8 Individual meetings to discuss first version

November 10 Class Meeting: The revising process
Papers returned

November 15 Individual meetings as needed

November 17 Class meeting: The light at the end of the tunnel

November 22 Individual meetings as needed

November 24 Thanksgiving break – no class meeting

November 29 Noon: Final papers due
Class meeting: Presenting your work

December 1 Paper presentations
Marni
Kristin
Chassi
Jenn
JKL

December 6 Paper presentations
Allen
Kaitlyn
Charles
Bridget
Dana

December 8 Paper presentations
Michael
Melissa
Blake
Kelly
Trevor

Exam period paper presentations December 15 12:30 – 2:30
Katie
Andrea
Stacey
Jeremy
Caroline
Vanessa
Ed
Nicole

Procedure: You should make appointments with your supervisor to discuss assignments 2, 3 and 4. Please use the schedule posted on the supervisor’s office door to sign up for appointments. If you miss an appointment or deadline, it is your responsibility to reschedule. Please Remember: Even though there are scheduled activities to help you through the process of writing your thesis, this course relies on your own motivation and discipline. The instructor will guide you, but will not seek you out, remind you about deadlines or do your research for you. If you follow the process outlined above, we’ll get through to graduation; if you fall behind or fail to do the work, we make no promises. The key to a successful process and product is communication: keep your supervisor informed of your progress, difficulties and plans.

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