Performance & Modern Culture

Catalog description

This course investigates the development and legacy of modernist performance and theatre traditions since 1870. It addresses European and US-American movements, including Realism, the historical Avant-Garde, and major postwar playwrights and movements including Brecht, Beckett, Absurdism, Fluxus, and Minimalism. The course also surveys contemporary reactions to modernism, including contemporary playwriting, performance art, global avant-gardes, and postmodern design. In addition to quizzes and reading responses, students apply course content through research exercises and the conceptualization of their own avant-garde performance group. Required for majors. Offered Spring semester.