Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - EDUC 457 D100

Drama and Education (4)

Class Number: 4393

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 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:

“In schools, drama is taught to engender qualities of confidence and exploration. It develops problem-solving skills. It builds respect for the working approached of others in group situations. It teaches an appreciation of well-told stories. And it encourages the students to become actors of their stories, trying the actor’s tools — the voice, the body, the imagination”
-Aynne Johnston, Queen’s University

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Understand the importance of arts education in the classroom, specifically the uses of drama methodology.
  • Develop, through experiential learning, practical knowledge of how to teach drama and how to assess student progress.
  • Gain confidence in performance settings as both performer and producer.
  • Develop an awareness of how to incorporate theatre technology and staging elements to enhance school-level performances.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 10%
  • Stage Manager's Notebook 20%
  • Final Reflection 25%
  • In-Class Performances 20%
  • Final Performance 25%

NOTES:

Attendance is mandatory: the practice and the art of theatre requires us to work together towards the course goals over the course of the term. Your progress is assessed each day in class, following participation in short lectures, drama activities and skits, and the development and presentation of a final performance piece.

REQUIREMENTS:

Please come to class in comfortable clothing to move around in.

You may want to bring a blanket, a yoga mat or similar, as the classroom can get cold even during the summer months.

Make sure you eat something before class at 9:30 AM, and bring a healthy snack or two for break.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Theatre for children: A guide to writing, adapting, directing and acting. (1997).
Wood, David, and Grant, Janet. London, England. Faber and Faber.

Hard copies can be found on Amazon, in both new and used formats. There is also an option for a Kindle version. Both versions are acceptable.
ISBN: 9780571177493

RECOMMENDED READING:

Fels, L. & Belliveau, G. (2008). Exploring curriculum: Performative inquiry, role
drama and learning. Vancouver, B.C.: Pacific Education Press.
(Please speak to Jenna-Leigh directly if you are seeking a copy of this text).

Lundy, Kathleen Gould. (2004) What do I do about the kid who…?.

Lundy, Kathleen Gould. (2008). Teaching fairly in an unfair world.

Spolin, Viola. Improvisation for the theatre (Third Ed).

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.