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

Catalog description

How has theater reflected and influenced the contemporary world? This course examines the global evolution of theater and performance from 1870 to the present, exploring the intersections of theater with major social, political, and technological transformations. Students will study diverse theatrical movements and practices including modernism, avant-garde experiments, political and protest theater, postcolonial and intercultural theater, and the impact of globalization, digital media, and artificial intelligence on performance. Through critical engagement with primary texts, recorded performances, case studies, and contemporary scholarship, this course delves into topics such as the role of theater in shaping identities, confronting oppression, and responding to rapid societal and technological change. Prerequisites: Students taking this course should have advanced level writing, critical thinking, and research skills.