Rotating topic, period, or genre. Intensive study of a particular topic, period, or genre in dramatic literature. May be repeated for a total of nine credits provided the specific course content is different. Goal is to examine the vision of American society created and presented in contemporary American theater. Perspectives include sociology, theory of culture, practical theater craft, and literary criticism.
Features plays by a wide range of American playwrights.
Students will read and discuss dramatic texts, performance theory, and video clips in an effort to understand a variety of theatrical traditions within their cultural and historical contexts. Students will be encouraged, whenever possible, to attend live local theater, and contribute their experiences to the discussion as appropriate. Students are exposed to the principles of dramatic writing, including character, plot, dramatic structure, dialogue, exposition, setting, and creating theatrical images using examples from plays, screenplays, and the students' own work. THR 380 or permission of instructor. Intensive continuation of the work begun in THR 380.