August Wilson’s Ten-Play American Century Cycle

Catalog description

This course explores August Wilson’s groundbreaking ten-play cycle, a monumental achievement in American theatre that chronicles the Black experience in the 20th century. Through close readings, dramatic analysis, and historical contextualization, students will examine how Wilson’s plays give voice to Black life, struggles, triumphs, and cultural legacies. They will investigate Wilson’s use of poetic realism, folklore, the Blues, and African American vernacular traditions to craft narratives that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. This course will challenge students to think critically about how theatre represents diverse perspectives, ideas, and artistic forms, using Wilson’s cycle as a lens to engage with broader discussions on race, identity, and social change. By the end of the semester, they will have developed a nuanced appreciation for Wilson’s artistic contributions and a greater ability to analyze, interpret, and engage with dramatic literature that speaks to the complexities of human experience. Satisfies Theatre major and minor requirement. Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement. Satisfies Cultural Diversity requirement.