University of Toronto – Mississauga

DRE202 – Acting 2

Contact: Autumn Smith (Professor)

autumn.smith@utoronto.ca
Office Hours: TBD
TA: TBD

Course Delivery: In-Person Lecture/Lab

Dates: Jan 10-April 4 (No class Fab 21)

Course Description:
A practical follow-up course to DRE201 aimed at defining and refining the unique individuality
of the artist in relationship to character intention. This course expands upon various techniques
garnered in DRE201: specificity of action, active listening and world creation whilst also
introducing text analysis, actor objectives and utilization of tactics/active verbs. This course is
ideally suited for any student who has successfully completed DRE201 and is seeking to deepen
their interpersonal and presentation skills.

Detailed Course Description:

Using theatre as a catalyst, this course aims to empower students to engage each other and the
world around them with empathy and curiosity. In this class we will investigate perceived
“otherness” through text analysis and character progression with the hope of understanding the
complexity of the human spirit.
The studio portion of the class focusses on process not product, therefore failure and mess are
encouraged and are a key component to the successful completion of the course.

Textbook:

• A Challenge for the Actor, Uta Hagen 1991, Scribner 0-684-19040-0

• Selected Plays from the Contemporary Repertoire for Scene Study and Final Monologue
Performance

Method of Evaluation:
Deadline
Neutral Monologue 10% Jan 31
Scene Study 25% Mar 7
Monologue 25% Apr 4
Participation 10% ongoing
Uta Hagen Paper 1 10% Feb 28
Uta Hagen Paper 2 10% Mar 28
Weekly Reflective Journal 10% ongoing/Apr 4

Course Objectives:
1) To critically engage current events through an artistic practice to empower empathy
through exploration of “the other.”
2) To augment active listening practices
3) To examine and practice techniques to overcome obstacles and specify intention
4) To explore physical and vocal techniques that aid in effective communication
5) To utilize the skills mentioned above to work cohesively in an ensemble/group
6) To maximize critical thought in analyzing text and research materials
7) To enhance personal observation and be able to formulate thoughts into dramatic
renderings.
8) To intensify personal confidence and self-advocacy techniques

Course Schedule
L = Lecture
T= Tutorial

L Fri Jan 10 Course introduction and revisitation to Uta Hagen

T Welcome exercise and introduction to neutral monologue

L Fri Jan 17 Crafting Space – defining the world of your neutral monologue
T Exploration of punctuation through movement and defining how to
use in text. Monologue Rehearsal.

L Fri Jan 24 Introduction to Movement – Laban and Viewpoints and How to Infuse
Techniques into Work
T Monologue rehearsal
*Scenes disseminated for next unit

L Fri Jan 31 Active Listening and Mirroring in Artistic Practice

T Monologue Performances

L Fri Feb 7 Active Verbs and Playable Tactics

T Scene Study Intro

L Fri Feb 14 Utilizing Opposites and Secrets

T Scene Study Rehearsal

L Fri Feb 28 Flipped Classroom (Scene Study Directives)

T Scene Study Rehearsal
*Final Monologue Choices Due
L Fri Mar 7 Flipped Classroom (Scene Study Directives)
T Scene Study Presentation Day One

L Fri Mar 14 Scene Creation through Monologue Work

Scene Study Presentation Day 2

L Fri Mar 21 Why this text? Why now? Harnessing stakes in solo work.
T Monologue Preparation

L Fri Mar 28 Transferable Skills – Utilizing Acting in other Sectors

Monologue Preparation

L Fri Apr 4 Flipped Classroom – Final Monologue Preparation and Burning

Questions Answered
T Monologue Presentations

Policies
The Department of English & Drama is committed to anti-racist classroom and evaluation
practices. All members of this course, including the professor and any teaching assistants, are
responsible for creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and active inclusiveness. Any instances
of discrimination, harassment, or hate speech reported to me or the chair of the Department will
be handled swiftly in accordance with University policy. As a community, we will not condone
or tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual in this course,
particularly racialized students and those from marginalized groups. Creating space for safer and
more open discussion also means being willing to respond to and address discriminatory
comments and behaviour that any of us may witness. If you feel uncomfortable doing so in a
public setting, please alert me if a discriminatory situation arises. As your professor, I am
committed to creating assignments and evaluating your work with sensitivity to how race,
religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or disability may inflect your relationship to the
University and to the work you are asked to do here. Furthermore, I pledge to examine my own
practices, and to do my utmost to protect you from any negative consequences for raising a
concern. I am open to reconsidering any classroom and teaching practices that strike any student
as inequitable. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact me directly, or, if you feel more comfortable, the UTM Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Office at edo.utm@utoronto.ca.

Conduct, Standards, Expectations

Participation:
Lectures and Tutorials will be held in person when deemed safe by the Chief Medical Officer
and the Universities Governing Body. Attendance and regular, informed participation in
discussions form the basis of a significant part of your grade. Participation is being present in
class and being informed on the material of the day. If a student is absent for Tutorial – it is
asked that they give notice to the professor beforehand.

Email Policy:, The best way of getting in touch with me is by email. I make every effort to
respond to student emails within 48 hours, usually much faster. There are exceptions to this rule:
I check my inbox on weekends but won’t answer messages as quickly as during the week. As a
rule, you ought to contact me as soon as possible about any problem you might have or foresee.
With regards to office hours – please ensure that you book a time ahead via email.

I am happy to answer questions about the readings on email, but generally prefer to have such
discussions during office hours or in class on the days when I am teaching synchronously. Still,
if you feel more comfortable asking your questions in writing, don’t hesitate! Please check the
syllabus, assignment descriptions, and all other supplementary materials posted on Quercus first
if you have questions about the course before emailing me. You should make every reasonable
effort to make sure I haven’t in fact answered your question already. In the weeks leading up to
assignment deadlines, feel free to contact me with your concerns and ideas, but also be sure to
make use of your TAs’ time and expertise. They will be grading your assignments, and it is in
your best interest to discuss your plans with them.

You are expected to check your U of T email at least once every 48 hours in term time. I
often communicate through class emails; if you do not receive these emails in a timely manner,
you will miss important information about discussion topics and class assignments.

Deadlines and Absences: All deadlines are given in the class schedule above. They can be
extended only in serious medical or personal emergencies.

Unexcused lateness will result in a 1% deduction from your overall participation grade
(ie: 1 late will result in a 9/10 instead of 10/10). An unexcused absence will result in a 3%
deduction from your overall participation grade (ie: 1 absence will result in a 7/10 instead of
10/10). Attendance at both the lecture and studio components are mandatory.

Late submission of assignments without prior consultation or note of an illness or emergency

will be penalized by a deduction of 3% per day for a maximum of two weeks, after which they
will receive a zero.

If deadlines conflict with religious holidays you observe, please let me know in advance and I
will make accommodations. The same applies to tutorials and participation marks: please let
your TA and me know if you need to miss class on religious grounds.

Plagiarism: You must cite all secondary sources (including websites) properly, using the MLA
format. You cannot incorporate ideas, phrases, or longer passages from other writers without
crediting your source. Always keep detailed records of your research: never copy and paste
snippets from electronic texts without marking them as quotations and citing a reference.
Including the work of others without due credit, deliberately or unconsciously, is plagiarism.
University policy states: Academic integrity is essential to the pursuit of learning in a
university. As a result, the University of Toronto treats cases of cheating and plagiarism
very seriously.

The University of Toronto’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters

(https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/sites/default/files/import-files/ppjun0119954871.pdf)
outlines the behaviours that constitute academic dishonesty and the process for addressing
academic offences. Potential offences include, but are not limited to:

In papers and assignments:

1. Using someone else’s ideas or words without appropriate acknowledgement.
2. Submitting your own work in more than one course without the permission of the
instructor.
3. Making up sources or facts.
4. Obtaining or providing unauthorized assistance on any assignment.

On tests and exams:

1. Using or possessing unauthorized aids.
2. Looking at someone else’s answers during an exam or test.
3. Misrepresenting your identity.
In academic work:
1. Falsifying institutional documents or grades.
2. Falsifying or altering any documentation required by the University, including (but not
limited to) doctor’s notes.

All suspected cases of academic dishonesty will be investigated following procedures

outlined in the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters. If you have questions or concerns
about what constitutes appropriate academic behaviour or appropriate research and citation
methods, you are expected to seek out additional information on academic integrity from
your instructor or from other institutional resources see
(http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/academic-integrity/resources/students).

I would also strongly encourage you to consult Margaret Proctor’s very useful essay on “How
Not to Plagiarize” (http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/using-sources/how-not-to-plagiarize).

Submission of Papers and Use of Turnitin: All assignments will be submitted on Quercus;
most submissions are reviewed for possible academic offenses using Turnitin. Please take note of
the following legal statement: “Normally, students will be required to submit their course essays
to Turnitin for a review of textual similarity and detection of possible plagiarism. In doing so,
students will allow their essays to be included as source documents in the Turnitin reference
database, where they will be used solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism. The terms that
apply to the University’s use of the Turnitin service are described on the Turnitin website”

Should you wish to opt out of using this service, please notify me and your TA in writing as soon
as possible, so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Drop Policy: The last day to drop Winter courses from your academic record without penalty is
March 10, 2025. By that date you will have received grades on two assignments, making up
20% of your final grade.

Generative AI and CHAT GPT

• You may use generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.) for
learning and practicing the concepts in this course, but these tools may NOT be used for
completing assignments in this course.
• The use of generative artificial intelligence tools or apps for assignments in this course,
including
tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot and other AI writing or coding
assistants, is prohibited.
• The knowing use of generative artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini,
Claude,Microsoft Copilot and other AI writing and coding assistants, for the completion of, or to
support the completion of, an examination, term test, assignment, or any other form of academic
assessment, may be considered an academic offense in this course.
• Representing as one’s own an idea, or expression of an idea, that was AI-generated is
considered an academic offense in this course.
• Students may not copy or paraphrase from any generative artificial intelligence applications,
including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot and other AI writing and coding
assistants,
for the purpose of completing assignments in this course.
• The use of generative artificial intelligence tools and apps is strictly prohibited in all course
assignments unless explicitly stated otherwise by the instructor in this course. This includes
ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot and other AI writing and coding assistants. Use of
generative AI in this course may be considered use of an unauthorized aid, which is a form of
cheating.
• This course policy is designed to promote your learning and intellectual development and to
help you reach the course learning outcomes.

Help, Accommodations, Rights

Essay Writing Advice: The Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre (Maanjiwe nendamowinan
3251) offers a range of workshops, seminars and individual consultations to help you develop the
academic skills you need for success in your studies. You ought to avail yourself of their services
if at all possible: doing so can only improve your work and help you make the most of your
university experience. Their website is www.utm.utoronto.ca/asc and they can be reached by
phone on 905-828-3858.

AccessAbility Policy: Students with diverse needs are very welcome in this course. The UTM
AccessAbility Resource Centre offers services to assess specific student needs, provide referrals,
and arrange appropriate accommodations. If you have questions about disability/health
accommodations, you should let me know and contact the AccessAbility Resource Centre as
soon as possible. The AccessAbility Resource Centre staff can be contacted by phone (905-569-
4699) or email (access@utm.utoronto.ca).

Health and Well-Being: Different types of resources are available for students who feel that stress
or other factors are having a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. UTM’s Health
and Counselling Centre offers Counselling Groups and confidential Personal Counselling to
students. The cost of most appointments is covered by OHIP or UHIP. The Centre is located
around the corner from the UTM bookstore and is staffed by a team of health professionals. Drop
in or call 905-828-5255 for an appointment. For more information, see
https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/health/our-services.

Other resources on campus that support health and well-being include the Indigenous Centre and
Athletics: https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/indigenous-centre/welcome-indigenous-centre and
https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/athletics/home

Good2Talk: An additional mental health resource available to all students is Good2Talk, a

counselling helpline designed specifically for Ontario university students experiencing distress.
Free, professional, and anonymous support is available 24/7, 365 days a year, at 1-866-925-5454.

Academic Rights: You, as a student at UTM, have the right to:

- Receive a syllabus by the first day of class.
- Rely upon a syllabus once a course is started. An instructor may only change marks’
assignments by following the University Assessment and Grading Practices Policy provision
1.3.
- Refuse to use turnitin.com (you must be offered an alternative form of submission).
- Have access to your instructor for consultation during a course or follow up with the
department chair if the instructor is unavailable.
- Ask the person who marked your term work for a re-evaluation if you feel it was not fairly
graded. You have up to one month from the date of return of the item to inquire about the
mark. If you are not satisfied with a re-evaluation, you may appeal to the instructor in charge
of the course if the instructor did not mark the work. If your work is remarked, you must
accept the resulting mark. You may only appeal a mark beyond the instructor if the term
work was worth at least 20% of the course mark.
- Receive at least one significant mark (15% for H courses, 25% for Y courses) before the last
day you can drop a course for H courses, and the last day of classes in the first week of
January for Y courses taught in the Fall/Winter terms.
- Submit handwritten essays so long as they are neatly written.
- Have no assignment worth 100% of your final grade.
- Not have a term test worth 25% or more in the last two weeks of class.
- Retain intellectual property rights to your research.
- Receive all your assignments once graded.
- View your final exams. To see a final exam, you must submit an online Exam Reproduction
Request within 6 months of the exam. There is a small non-refundable fee.
- Privacy of your final grades.
Arrange for representation from Downtown Legal Services (DLS), a representative from the
UTM Students’ Union (UTMSU), and/or other forms of support.