Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2021 - EDUC 457 E100

Drama and Education (4)

Class Number: 2410

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 9, 2021: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Deals with theory, curricula and methodologies in drama education. Topics will include a selection from the following: aims of drama education; drama as methodology; role of the teacher in the drama classroom; evaluating students in drama classes; creative drama; the use of improvisation and storytelling; incorporating film and video work into drama classes; developing major projects with students such as choral dramatization, docudrama, anthology, and readers theatre; introducing scene work, stagecraft, and theatre history.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered remotely and primarily asynchonously, with bi-weekly 60 min synchronous discussions/check-ins.  See 'Grading Notes' section for more details.


This course will provide opportunities for participants to investigate methods of learning and inquiry through drama education, with a focus on drama as an instructional strategy and learning vehicle. Students will engage in a selection of drama education methods such as: improvisation, role drama, metissage, play building, puppet and/or mask work and performative inquiry. The course will also discuss basic aspects of scenography and using technology in teaching drama. The course focuses on drama in education as a means for developing communication skills, community building, social justice, interdisciplinary learning across the curriculum, building consensus, developing leadership, and creating collaboratively in a supportive and pedagogical environment.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the course students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a developing understanding of drama-based education activities.
  • Explain key concepts of drama as a methodology.
  • Develop an understanding of performative inquiry as a means of inquiry and learning.
  • Demonstrate and understanding of the role of teacher in the drama class and interdisciplinary opportunities for drama-based learning.

Grading

  • Getting to Know You 0%
  • "I Cinna" 15%
  • Theatre Den/How Spaces Perform 15%
  • Big Blue Bucket 20%
  • Propose/Solve a Scenario 20%
  • Interdisciplinary Lesson Plan & Video 30%

NOTES:

This course uses blended and distributed online learning methods. All students are expected to complete any reading or viewing assignments prior to the corresponding online class discussion (each contains a discussion prompt). Students are required to do designated assignments online outside of class time.

All students are expected to complete the tasks for each module as explained in the introductory video at the beginning of each section. In some module, students will select from a list of sources that are most relevant to their own planned teaching practice. The modules follow the same format throughout the course.

  1. WATCH: introduction video (~5 mins)
  2. READ/WATCH: any assigned readings and videos
  3. DO: assigned activity or discussion as directed
  4. As desired, students can participate in ungraded synchronous or asynchronous events. The class will be polled to determine the best times for these events to be scheduled.
Scheduled synchronous discussions on the following Mondays 6:00-7:00 (PST)

May 17
June 14
July 12
May 31
June 28
July 26

REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to completing the assigned reading and viewing as directed, you are expected to contribute to the online class discussions and activities that will require being up to date on assigned reading and/or video viewing.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

This course uses blended learning methods which depend on the use of Canvas, the learning management system for SFU. I communicate all class announcements and information through Canvas. All written and video recorded assignments must be submitted through Canvas or linked to the designated discussion boards in Canvas. It is advised that you check the course page regularly and that you follow the schedule laid out for the assigned reading and viewing. All reading or video based material will be posted on Canvas. There are links to the Canvas tutorial site and students are encouraged to seek answers to their technical questions there or through the help function on Canvas. Any students needing additional information about how to connect to this course with Canvas should talk to Claire ASAP.

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this class. This course will draw on a variety of traditional and non-traditional mediums as learning resources. All assigned readings, podcasts and videos for each module will be linked into Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2021

Teaching at SFU in summer 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods, but we will continue to have in-person experiential activities for a selection of courses.  Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).