Course Plan: Drama - Noughts and Crosses
Course Overview
This course aims to explore the play "Noughts and Crosses" by Malorie Blackman through the lens of drama. Students will examine themes of racism, social injustice, friendship, and love, while also engaging in practical drama activities, including role-play, script analysis, and performance techniques.
Course Goals
- Understand and analyze the themes, characters, and structure of "Noughts and Crosses."
- Develop practical drama skills through performance and collaboration.
- Explore the context of the play in relation to contemporary social issues.
- Enhance critical thinking and communication through discussion and reflection.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction to Drama
- Objective: Understand the basics of drama as an art form.
- Activity: Overview of drama elements (characters, plot, conflict).
- Discussion: Importance of drama in addressing societal issues.
Lesson 2: Author and Context
- Objective: Introduction to Malorie Blackman and the context of "Noughts and Crosses."
- Activity: Research and presentation on Blackman’s life and influences.
Lesson 3: Overview of "Noughts and Crosses"
- Objective: Familiarity with the plot and main characters.
- Activity: Read and summarize the first act of the play.
Lesson 4: Character Exploration - Sephy
- Objective: Analyze the character of Sephy.
- Activity: Character mapping and group discussion.
Lesson 5: Character Exploration - Callum
- Objective: Analyze the character of Callum.
- Activity: Character mapping and group discussion.
Lesson 6: Thematic Discussion - Race and Prejudice
- Objective: Explore the themes of race and prejudice present in the play.
- Activity: Read selected scenes and facilitate a guided discussion.
Lesson 7: Thematic Discussion - Friendship and Love
- Objective: Analyze how friendship and love are portrayed.
- Activity: Group discussions and reflections.
Lesson 8: Setting the Scene
- Objective: Understand the significance of the setting in the play.
- Activity: Create visual layouts and mood boards for different scenes.
Lesson 9: Script Analysis - Key Scenes
- Objective: Delve into significant scenes for analysis.
- Activity: Group performance of selected scenes followed by discussion.
Lesson 10: Role-play Exercises
- Objective: Practice role-playing skills based on characters.
- Activity: Workshop focusing on improvisation and character embodiment.
Lesson 11: Performance Techniques
- Objective: Develop essential performance techniques.
- Activity: Exercises in voice, movement, and emotional expression.
Lesson 12: Directing and Stagecraft
- Objective: Introduction to directing and stagecraft.
- Activity: Students will participate in small directing groups.
Lesson 13: Creating the Production Team
- Objective: Understand the roles within a production.
- Activity: Assignment of roles for in-class performances.
Lesson 14: Developing Scripts
- Objective: Create an original scene influenced by "Noughts and Crosses."
- Activity: Collaborative writing workshop.
Lesson 15: Rehearsal Techniques
- Objective: Hone rehearsal techniques for smooth performances.
- Activity: Peer-led rehearsals of original and existing scenes.
Lesson 16: Review and Reflection
- Objective: Reflect on character development and thematic understanding.
- Activity: Journaling and group sharing.
Lesson 17: Mid-Course Performance
- Objective: Present a set of selected scenes.
- Activity: Formative assessment in performance.
Lesson 18: Feedback and Improvements
- Objective: Analyze performance strengths and weaknesses.
- Activity: Peer feedback sessions.
Lesson 19: Further Thematic Exploration
- Objective: Explore the theme of power dynamics.
- Activity: Group discussions and text analysis.
Lesson 20: Figurative Language in Drama
- Objective: Examine the use of figurative language in "Noughts and Crosses."
- Activity: Identify and analyze examples from the text.
Lesson 21: Exploring Conflict
- Objective: Analyze the conflicts within the play.
- Activity: Group performances focusing on conflict resolution.
Lesson 22: Character Relationships
- Objective: Investigate character relationships and their developments.
- Activity: Analyzing interactions through role-play.
Lesson 23: Group Collaboration
- Objective: Foster teamwork through collaborative projects.
- Activity: Prepare a group presentation on chosen themes.
Lesson 24: The Importance of the Ending
- Objective: Discuss the ending and its implications.
- Activity: Group debate on character fates.
Lesson 25: Writing Critiques
- Objective: Analyze and critique peer performances.
- Activity: Write performance reviews based on observations.
Lesson 26: Final Performance Preparation
- Objective: Prepare for the final performance.
- Activity: Focused rehearsals and refinement.
Lesson 27: Tech Rehearsal
- Objective: Understand the technical aspects of production.
- Activity: Tech run-through of the final performance.
Lesson 28: Final Performance Dress Rehearsal
- Objective: Conduct a full dress rehearsal.
- Activity: Run through the entire performance.
Lesson 29: Final Performance
- Objective: Present the final performance to an audience.
- Activity: Performance of the play or selected scenes.
Lesson 30: Reflection and Assessment
- Objective: Reflect on the course and assess learning outcomes.
- Activity: Group discussion and individual reflection essays.
Assessment
- Participation and engagement in class activities (30%)
- Group performance and individual contributions (30%)
- Written assignments and critiques (20%)
- Final performance (20%)
This course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of "Noughts and Crosses" and the skills to express themselves in dramatic art, paving the way for further studies in drama and literature.