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Rationale
Drama is a discipline that originates in the impulse to depict human
experiences, communicate understanding about these experiences, and
give them form and meaning. Drama is a powerful mode of expression
that has evolved over time to include a variety of forms and
techniques. It seeks to bridge the real and the imagined, the
concrete and the symbolic, the practical and the inspired. Drama is
an interactive, creative process that engages students in
relationships with others and the environment. Drama education
provides students with opportunities to examine human experiences
through character and situation. It reflects a part of students'
daily lives as they connect with others, experience tension, resolve
conflict, and create meaning in their world.
Aesthetic Development
An education in drama provides students with opportunities to examine
human experiences through imagined roles and situations and to value
the essential contribution of drama in bringing meaning to ideas and
feelings. Drama education provides the impetus to enhance personal
enjoyment of the arts as students increase their knowledge of and
critical appreciation for live theatre and film and television
productions.
Social Development
Drama both reflects and affects the social, cultural, and historical
contexts in which it exists. For this reason, drama education
provides a unique opportunity to foster respect for and appreciation
of a variety of values and cultures. In addition, an education in
drama promotes understanding of the role of the arts in reflecting
and challenging social values throughout history. Drama education
helps learners make sense of their world by integrating experience
with knowledge.
Emotional Development
Drama allows students to experience life-like situations, to make
choices and take responsibility for the consequences of their actions
in a safe and nurturing environment. By taking on roles, students can
gain enjoyment and a deepened awareness of themselves and others from
a variety of perspectives.
Intellectual Development
Learning in drama enhances learning in all other areas. Through
drama, students make connections between previous and current
learning as well as between various subject areas. Drama education
helps students develop intellectually by expanding their capacities
for creative thought and expression, and by encouraging
critical-thinking skills such as curiosity, inventiveness, and
flexibility.
Career Opportunities
Drama education enhances career development by fostering personal
growth, self-confidence, and a variety of knowledge, skills, and
attitudes valuable for careers in many fields. Students of Drama 11
and 12 will have opportunities to develop some of the acting,
directing, scriptwriting, and production skills needed to pursue
careers related to drama.
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Revised: January 28, 1999
