HomeMy WebLinkAboutTHR-134
Bergen Community College
Division of Humanities
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Course Syllabus
Set Design
THR 134
Basic Information About Course and Instructor:
Semester and Year:
Course and Sections Number:
Meeting Times:
Location:
Instructor:
Email Address:
Course Description:
• This course covers basic techniques of the principles and practices of set design for the stage.
Emphasis is on interpretation of the literature, research, development of the ground plan, the
elevation, and the section.
• Total credits and hours: 3 credits. 2 lecture, 2 Lab.
• Prerequisite: Stagecraft (THR 131)
Student Learning Outcomes:
As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able to
Student Learning Outcome Means of Assessment
1. Student will be able to understand how to
research and analyze visual elements to plan
designs
• In-class presentations
• Research assignments
2. Student will be able to understand the
basic skills and theoretical practices
involved in set design.
• In-class projects
• Homework assignments
3. Student will be able to identify and
understand the use of set design tools
associated with design.
• In-class projects
• Homework assignments
4. Student will be able to practically apply
the skills learned in a set design.
• In-class projects
• Homework assignments
5. Student will be able to understand how to
collaborate with designers and directors on
set design.
• In-class discussions
• Homework assignments
Course Content:
The class structure will consist of lectures, demonstrations, in-class design work, presentations,
and critiques of student work.
Course Texts:
Text: Rita Kogler Carver. Stagecraft Fundamentals: A Guide and Reference for Theatrical
Production. 3rd Edition. Routledge (2019)
Materials and Supplies:
Drafting materials and art supplies are essential to this class. Please acquire them by the end of the
first week of class.
1. 1 roll of tracing paper (24inch by 20 yard or 18 inch by 20 yard )
2. Architectural scale ruler
3. T Square ruler
4. Drafting kit
5. Pencils, pencil sharpener, and erasers
Research Requirement: Students will be required to research plays, historical references, as well
as elements of art and design through video and reference material on-line and thru the BCC
library theatre, art and design databases.
Assignments:
• All materials should be bought by the end of the first week of the course in order to have
everything on time for the projects.
• Assignments will consist of projects on the two plays chosen as required reading.
• The nature and the deadline for the assignments will be determined in class. Attendance is
therefore very important for the comprehension of the requirements of the projects and the
deadlines.
• Assignments will be reviewed on the day they are due and the grade will be given by the
following class session.
• The assignments are designed to address specific aspects and skills of the scene designer’s work.
• The assignments are arranged in a sequence to aid to the logical development of the project. It is,
therefore, essential that the student keep up with the work.
*Students will discuss and communicate critical view of their ideas and concept with the class
projects. There will be class presentations for those class projects.
*Important: Make sure you acquire the required supplies on time as they are essential to the
course. You are required to have all of your supplies in class at all times. Find appropriate storage
containers and carry case. Not being able to work in class because you don’t have your supplies is
equivalent to being absent.
*Attending Live Performances:
Students are required to attend both of the Bergenstages’ productions during the semester in order to
discuss the elements and execution of the designs of each production.
Grading Policy:
Grades are based on overall achievement, understanding, improvement, and your level of
engagement in class. You will be exploring and discovering the various areas of the Scenic design
process throughout the semester, and will be required to present your discoveries. You will be
expected to make progress and move forward in your design every class period. It is important that
you have your work completed on time in a presentable manor.
Drafting Projects1 40%
Weekly Assignment 2 30%
Two Reaction Papers 3 10%
Class Participation 4 20%
Total: 100%
¹Midterm Project (20%) + Final Project(20%)
2 Incomplete assignments lose 1 grade letter per day until they are submitted.
3 Reaction Papers will be assigned for each of the two BCC theatre productions.
⁴You are expected to participate in this class. You should come to class with any homework
assignments completed and be prepared to ask questions and share your ideas. Students who do not
participate or come to class unprepared will loose credit towards their final grade.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is mandatory: You cannot learn if you are not here and your fellow students are
deprived of your insights and contributions.
• Attendance will be taken at the top of every class.
• Three tardies of more than 10 minutes each will equal one absence.
• The first two (2) unexcused absences will be accepted, after that you will lower your final grade
by one letter grade for each additional absence.
• Students arriving more than 30 minutes late will be considered absent.
• Attendance at main stage productions is also required, so that we may discuss the set elements of
the productions.
• All work must be completed regardless of absences.
• Missed classes due to an unexcused absence will not be retaught.
• To request an excused absence, contact me by email a minimum of 24 hours prior to class or
provide a doctor’s note.
• Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements:
• Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity – the honest, fair and continuing
pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception. Please review the college catalogue or student
handbook for further information on this topic.
• Bergen Community College has adopted an internal grievance procedure to provide for prompt and
equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by federal regulation
implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990. (ADA). Please review the college catalogue for further information on
this topic.
• Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with an academic
and work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination. Please review the policy
prohibiting sexual harassment in the college catalog.
• Please review the statement on acceptable use of BCC technology in the college catalog.
• Faculty hold 3 office hours per week, and as requested by students, by appointment. Students are
encouraged to seek out their faculty member for academic needs.
• All students are encouraged to visit and use the BCC Library. There are particularly excellent
electronic references in the area of music available to our students.
• Students are encouraged to use the student support services of the college. These services include:
the Writing Center, the music-computer Lab, the Tutorial Center, and the Office of Specialized
Services.
The Distance
Learning Office –
for any problems
you may have
accessing your
online courses
Room
C-334
201-612-5581
psimms@bergen.edu
The Tutoring Center Room
L-125
201-447-7908
The Writing Center Room
L-125
201-447-7908
The Online Writing
Lab (OWL)
On
Line
at:
www.bergen.edu/owl
The Office of
Specialized Services
(for Students with
Disabilities)
Room
S-131
201-612-5270
The Sidney
Silverman Library –
Reference Desk
Room
L-226
201-447-7436
Student and Faculty Support Services: [optional but recommended]
Accessibility Statement
Bergen Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in its
programs. If you have a documented disability (or think you may have a disability) and, as a result,
need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this class, complete course requirements, or
benefit from the College’s programs or services, contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) as
soon as possible at 201-612-5270 or www.bergen.edu/oss. To receive any academic
accommodation, you must be appropriately registered with OSS. The OSS works with students
confidentially and does not disclose any disability-related information without their permission. The
OSS serves as a clearinghouse on disability issues and works in partnership with faculty and all
other student service offices.
Student Support Services
Bergen Community College provides exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety
of opportunities and services. A comprehensive array of student support services including
advising, tutoring, academic coaching, and more are available online at
https://bergen.edu/currentstudents/.
•
Sidney Silverman Library Online Resources:
Guides B Subject - https://bergen.libguides.com/index.php
General Search and Databases: https://bergen.edu/library/
Course Outline and Calendar:
Date:
Topic/Activity:
Learning Outcomes:
Week 1 Introduction to course/syllabus
Design process overview
1,5
Week 2 Conceptual sketch
What is drafting?
Drafting tools and supplies
1,2,3
Week 3 What is Ground Plan
Basic drafting lines
How to use an Architectural scale ruler
2,3,4
Week 4 Ciccone Theatre field trip
Soft goods, Fly system
1,5
Week 5 Basic drafting symbols 2,3,4
Week 6 Sight lines, Dimension, Line set schedule 2,3,4
Week 7 Creating a rough Ground Plan in 1/4” scale 2,3,4
Week 8 Work on Mid-term project 1,2,3,4,5
Week 9 Line weight , Cutting plane
Basic elevation drawing
2,3,4
Week 10 Work on front elevations
Perspective drawing
2,3,4
Week 11 Work on perspective drawing 2,3,4
Week 12 Section 2,3,4
Week 13 Work on sections 2,3,4
Week 14 Work on Final project 1,2,3,4,5
Week 15 Last day of class
Presentation of final project
5
This Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change, depending upon the progress
of the class.