Experiential Analysis of Period Style

Catalog description

Applications of Visual/Spatial History in Dramatic Production. Offered in London, England. THEA 510 Experiential Analysis of Period Style (3) This course is taught in tandem with the second course of the core sequence on text analysis and dramatic literature required of all graduate students in the School of Theatre. As the course is offered only in London, England, it also functions as a core component of the international field studies program. Prior to taking up residence in England, students will explore films and dramatic texts set in periods ranging from the middle ages to the present day. Discussion will focus on the historic context for each dramatic work. Topics covered will include background information on historical events, an introduction to the visual world of each period, and the social/cultural ideology reflected in the period design.While in England, students will participate in tours of museums and historical sites. Class discussion will focus on establishing connections between the social/cultural content previously presented and the tactile, spatial experiences gained through seeing actual sites and artifacts from each period.The primary objective of the course will be to enhance the practical and intuitive understanding of period dramatic action in theatre students of all disciplines by guiding them through actual experience of period artifacts and spaces.