One theme is the relationship between self and place. Students are responsible for several analytical papers and creative pieces, a research project, and independent readings, as well as for active participation in class discussion. Since 1900 we have seen the rise of realism, naturalism, the theatre of the absurd, and many other genres. As we enter the 21 st century, it is appropriate to reflect on the drama that has shaped the 20 th century. Playwrights studied may include George Bernard Shaw, Eugene O'Neill, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, Wendy Wasserstein, Lanford Wilson, Edward Albee, August Wilson, Marsha Norman, Tony Kushner, Sam Shepard, Samuel Beckett, and Harold Pinter.
Students discuss plays in terms of theme, historical perspective and relevance.
Discussions of stage conventions and the technical aspects of productions are included. Whenever possible students will also see and critique plays in the Capital District and New York City. Historical and gender issues will also be explored. In this course, students practice close reading of poems and prose passages and write the particular types of essays that the Advanced Placement Examination in English Literature demands. Reading includes several short novels and one longer novel, two plays, and a wide range of poems.