World Theater Histories and Culture I ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

How did theater and performance evolve into the diverse art forms we know today? How did they originate in different cultures across the globe? This course provides a comprehensive exploration of theater and performance from their beginnings in oral and manuscript traditions to the rise of realism and naturalism. Spanning pivotal eras such as secular and early professional theater, the impact of the print revolution, theaters of absolutism, the role of theater in private and public lives, nationalism in theater, and the emergence of realism and naturalism, students will examine how historical, cultural, and technological shifts shaped theatrical practices. Through engaging with primary texts, compelling case studies, and multimedia resources, this course invites students to uncover the global histories of theater and performance, fostering a deeper appreciation of its cultural significance and evolution.