Dramatic Literature and Performance

          Module 1: Introduction to Dramatic Literature

Section 1: What is Drama?  
- Lesson 1: Defining Drama  
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1 – Learn what dramatic literature means and how drama is defined as a form of storytelling.  
- Lesson 2: The Role of Drama in Society  
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2 – Explore how drama reflects cultural values and influences society.

Section 2: History of Drama  
- Lesson 1: Ancient and Classical Drama  
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1 – Study the origins of drama in ancient civilizations and its evolution through time.  
- Lesson 2: Renaissance to Modern Drama  
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2 – Examine the progression of dramatic literature from the Renaissance period to contemporary works.

Section 3: Elements of a Dramatic Text  
- Lesson 1: Plot and Structure  
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1 – Understand the basic narrative elements that form the backbone of dramatic texts.  
- Lesson 2: Conflict and Resolution  
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2 – Learn about conflict as the driving force in drama and how it is resolved within a story.

Section 4: Dramatic Genres and Forms  
- Lesson 1: Tragedy and Comedy  
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1 – Identify the characteristics of tragedy and comedy in dramatic literature.  
- Lesson 2: Modern Varieties of Drama  
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2 – Discover how modern drama incorporates and adapts traditional genres.

Section 5: Basic Dramatic Terminology  
- Lesson 1: Common Terms in Drama  
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1 – Familiarize with key terms and vocabulary used when discussing dramatic literature.  
- Lesson 2: Interpreting Stage Directions  
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2 – Learn how to read and understand stage directions as they guide performance.

Module 2: Exploring Characters and Dialogue

Section 1: Character Creation  
- Lesson 1: Understanding Character  
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1 – Discuss what makes a compelling character and the basic traits they possess.  
- Lesson 2: Character Motivations  
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2 – Explore how character desires and fears drive the narrative forward.

Section 2: Analyzing Dialogue  
- Lesson 1: Dialogue as a Literary Device  
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1 – Examine how dialogue reveals character and advances the plot.  
- Lesson 2: Realistic vs. Stylized Conversation  
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2 – Contrast everyday speech with the heightened language often found in dramatic texts.

Section 3: The Role of Monologues  
- Lesson 1: Function of Monologues in Drama  
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1 – Understand the purpose of monologues in exposing internal conflicts and thoughts.  
- Lesson 2: Writing Effective Monologues  
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2 – Learn the fundamentals of crafting a monologue that sounds natural and engaging.

Section 4: Interrelationships Among Characters  
- Lesson 1: Relationships and Conflict  
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1 – Analyze how interactions between characters create dramatic tension.  
- Lesson 2: Subtext in Character Interactions  
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2 – Discover how underlying meanings and unsaid words add depth to dialogue.

Section 5: Character Development in Performance  
- Lesson 1: Bringing Characters to Life  
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1 – Explore techniques for portraying a character authentically on stage.  
- Lesson 2: Acting Techniques for Characterization  
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2 – Introduce basic acting methods that help in expressing a character’s emotional journey.

Module 3: Understanding Themes and Conflict

Section 1: Introduction to Themes  
- Lesson 1: Identifying Core Themes  
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1 – Learn how to identify the underlying themes in dramatic texts.  
- Lesson 2: Themes in Classic and Modern Drama  
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2 – Compare and contrast themes across different periods of dramatic literature.

Section 2: Conflict as a Driving Force  
- Lesson 1: Types of Conflict in Drama  
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1 – Identify various forms of conflict (internal and external) present in dramatic works.  
- Lesson 2: The Role of Conflict in Narrative  
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2 – Understand how conflict propels the story and deepens character development.

Section 3: Analyzing Text for Themes  
- Lesson 1: Close Reading Techniques  
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1 – Practice methods for close reading specific dramatic scenes to uncover themes.  
- Lesson 2: Group Discussions on Themes  
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2 – Encourage collaborative analysis to share insights and diverse interpretations.

Section 4: Subtext and Symbolism  
- Lesson 1: Understanding Subtext  
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1 – Examine the layers of meaning beneath the dialogue in dramatic texts.  
- Lesson 2: Exploring Symbols in Drama  
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2 – Identify symbols within plays and interpret their significance to the narrative.

Section 5: Social and Ethical Themes  
- Lesson 1: Drama Reflecting Society  
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1 – Discuss how dramatic literature mirrors societal issues and values.  
- Lesson 2: Contemporary Issues in Dramatic Literature  
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2 – Explore how modern playwrights incorporate current social and ethical dilemmas into their work.

Module 4: Basics of Stage Directions and Performance

Section 1: Understanding Stage Directions  
- Lesson 1: Reading a Script  
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1 – Learn how to effectively read a script with attention to stage cues.  
- Lesson 2: The Importance of Stage Blocking  
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2 – Understand how stage blocking enhances the storytelling process.

Section 2: Introduction to Performance Basics  
- Lesson 1: Voice and Diction Techniques  
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1 – Explore methods to improve clarity, projection, and expression in performance.  
- Lesson 2: Body Language and Movement  
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2 – Learn basic techniques to use physicality to support dramatic expressions.

Section 3: Scene Study Fundamentals  
- Lesson 1: Breaking Down a Scene  
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1 – Analyze the components of a scene to understand its structure and purpose.  
- Lesson 2: Rehearsal Techniques  
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2 – Introduce simple rehearsal exercises to build confidence and familiarity with the text.

Section 4: Improvisation and Spontaneity  
- Lesson 1: Basics of Improvisation  
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1 – Practice improv exercises that encourage natural response and creativity on stage.  
- Lesson 2: Exercises for Spontaneous Acting  
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2 – Engage in activities that foster quick thinking and adaptability during performance.

Section 5: Introductions to Stage Settings  
- Lesson 1: Understanding the Stage Environment  
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1 – Learn about various stage setups and how they impact performance.  
- Lesson 2: Creating a Stage-Appealing Performance  
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2 – Discover techniques to use stage space effectively, enhancing audience engagement.

Module 5: Bringing Text to Life: Performance Skills

Section 1: Interpreting Scripts  
- Lesson 1: Performing with Meaning  
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1 – Learn how to bring depth and authenticity to a performance by understanding the script’s intent.  
- Lesson 2: Script Interpretation Techniques  
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2 – Practice methods for dissecting a script to inform a thoughtful performance.

Section 2: Collaborating in Ensemble  
- Lesson 1: Group Dynamics in Drama  
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1 – Explore the importance of teamwork and ensemble collaboration in dramatic performances.  
- Lesson 2: Building a Cohesive Performance  
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2 – Learn strategies to ensure every member contributes to a unified onstage presentation.

Section 3: Rehearsal to Performance  
- Lesson 1: The Rehearsal Process  
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1 – Understand the steps involved in preparing a scene from initial reading to final run-through.  
- Lesson 2: Transitioning to Live Performance  
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2 – Discuss techniques for moving confidently from rehearsal to stage performance.

Section 4: Preparing for a Performance  
- Lesson 1: Makeup, Costumes, and Props  
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1 – Get an introduction to the visual aspects that support character development onstage.  
- Lesson 2: Stage Presence and Confidence  
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2 – Learn how to develop a strong stage presence and build self-confidence during performance.

Section 5: Final Performance Review  
- Lesson 1: Constructive Critique  
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1 – Examine methods for giving and receiving feedback to improve future performances.  
- Lesson 2: Self-Reflection and Future Development  
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2 – Reflect on personal progress and set goals for developing dramatic and performance skills further.