Online Lesson Sample

In 2014 I created and began teaching a 16 lesson online course at Palm Beach State College for
Theatre Appreciation (THE1000). My classes have been 100% enrolled.

The course was developed on Blackboard Learn and was based on the textbook Theatre-The Lively Art - 9th Edition. Below is an assignment and a discussion from my Chapter 1 lesson entitled Power of the Performing Arts.

Each of my lessons contain two or three assignments (most with videos), a discussion topic and a short quiz. The course also includes an essay style mid-term and a final that requires attending and critiquing a live theatre performance. Additional lesson examples available upon request.

Theatre Appreciation - Chapter One - ASSIGNMENT ONE:

VIDEO...Ben Cameron: The True Power of the Performing Arts (https://youtu.be/py1RrSdVt5A)

What I want you to do:
After you have read Chapter 1 (Theatre is Everywhere) and watched the video above answer the questions below using what you have learned in the chapter and the video as well as your own personal experiences.

Questions to Answer:

1. Define non-mediated theatre.

2. What is the difference between regional theatre and community theatre?

3. Describe how theatre is a part of our everyday life.

4. Select two of the following activities and describe how theatre has influenced them: television, movies, rock and roll concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, digital media/video games.

5. What is the primary message that Ben Cameron is trying to make in the TED Talk video The True Power of the Performing Arts?

How to Submit your work:

Preferred method - create a document and upload it for grading (doc, PDF, RTF). This allows you to keep a copy of your work in case it is lost in cyberspace.
Acceptable Method - type your answer into the submission text box provided on Blackboard.
Unacceptable Methods - sending assignments via email or text

DISCUSSION TOPIC:

What I want you to do:

Read the discussion topic below, create an original response in 100 words and respond to at least TWO other students.

Film is a part of everyday life...we experience film in the movie theatres, at home and on our personal tablets or phones. Using what you have learned in Chapter 1 about live theatre, discuss what you think the differences are between live theatre and film. How does a live performance make you feel versus a film? Use specific examples from your personal experiences where you can.