Syllabus

CMM 320  Oral Interpretation of Literature

Fall 2008

Dr. Kristine L. Greenwood

Office:  SH 247

Contact:  (O) 66788;  (H) 525-6669; (FAX) 696-2814; (E-mail) Greenwoo@Marshall.edu

Office Hours  M-Th   8am-11 am  Other hours by appointment.

Course Catalogue Description:  The fundamentals of reading, analyzing, and interpreting literature

Textbook   Gura & Lee; Oral Interpretation,  Houghton/Mifflin Co. 11^th Edition

Course Objectives:

For students to be able to:

1..  select appropriate and effective material for oral interpretation

2.  analyze material for purposes of oral interpretation

3.  use voice and body for the evocation of audience response to a literary selection

4.  demonstrate performance skills of oral interpretation

Course Philosophy:  This class focuses on the development of performance skills associated with oral interpretation; therefore, all student evaluation will be based on oral performances and written analysis of selections.  There will be no objective tests; nor, is a textbook required.  All students are expected to perform on the days assigned and to be attentive audience members for all of their fellow students’ performances

Course Requirements:

Children’s Literature Interpretation:

1. Presentation of a 5 t0 7 minute selection of prose, poetry or drama written for children.  This selection may consist of more than one cutting and/or more than one form of literature; however, these selections must have a unifying theme.  (100 points)
2. Analysis paper – A discussion of the selection or selections which describes the most important aspects of character, style, form and delineates your desired audience response.  You should also suggest ways or techniques you might use to bring the selection to life.  (50 points)

Prose Interpretation

1. Presentation of an 8-10 minute selection of prose.  This should consist of only one story or other form of prose but may consist of more than one selection with prior approval of the instructor (100)
2. Analysis paper (50)

Poetry Interpretation

A.      Presentation of a 6-8 minute section or selections of poetry.  If more than one poem is used for the performance a unifying theme must connect the selections.  (100)

B.       Analysis paper (50)

Interpretation of Dramatic Literature

A.      Presentation of an 8-10 minute scene form a play or other form of script which is 90% dialogue or monologue, although minimal narration may be part of the performance. 

B.       Analysis paper (50)

Program Oral Interpretation

A.      Presentation of a 10-12 minute program consisting of several selections representing a balance of poetry, prose, and/or drama which develops a theme.  At least two forms of literature must be represented in the program (150)

B.       Analysis Paper  (50)

Additional course requirements:

                You should try to use a thin hard cover binder for performance.  Preferably this binder should be a black 3 ring binder 8 ½ x 5 ½  x 1 “

                You are also required to prepare an additional copy of each performed selection.  This is for your instructor’s use and should be typed, double-spaced, and include an introduction and all transitions used during performance as well as complete bibliographic information.

Evaluation Criteria:  Each performance will be assessed based on appropriateness of the selection or selections, effectiveness of cutting, introduction, transitions and effectiveness of your performance (based on class discussion of skills).  The analysis paper will be evaluated based on your demonstration                of knowledge of literary forms, understanding of author’s intent, demonstration of ability to perceive the essence of the selection and your ability to discover ways of bringing that understanding to the audience through oral performance.  In addition your paper will be assessed based on grammar and structure.

Grading Scale:  100-90% =A; 89-80% = B; 79-70% = C; 69-60% = d; below 60 % = F

Course Policies:  Attendance is both required an expected.  University excused absences will be honored as well as those approved by the instructor prior to the absence.  In the case of a true emergency please call my office and leave a message.  However, this message does not constitute an excused absence until discussed with me.  A 20 point deduction for unexcused absences will be imposed for all missed classes that have scheduled performances.    If you miss your scheduled performance date, than a full grade deduction will be imposed for your performance.  You are expected to be an attentive audience for your fellow performers and are expected to perform on the days assigned to you.

Tentative Schedule

August      26                        Introduction to the course

September   2                        Lecture/Rehearsal

                      9                        Children’s Literature Performance

                    16                        Performance cont. if necessary – Lecture/Rehearsal

                    23                        Prose Performance

                    30                        Prose Performance

October        7                        Midterm

                    14                        Poetry Performance

     21                       Poetry Performance

                   28                         Lecture/rehearsal

November    4                        Dramatic Performance

     11                       Dramatic Performance

                     18                       Lecture/rehearsal

December     2                       Programmed Oral Interpretation

December     9                       Programmed Oral Interpretation

                      16                      Final Exam

Analysis papers are due on the day of performance