Theatre History and Literature I: Origins to 1865

Catalog description

This course surveys theatre history and dramatic literature from its pre-historic origins to 1865, examining the development of drama, acting, architecture, and theatrical production and their relationship to social, cultural, and political contexts. Particular attention is paid to theatre's relationship to religion, secularization and the early-modern state, and national identity formation from the English Restoration through the American Civil War. Students also gain foundational skills for undertaking research in theatre studies through projects that explore questions on the course themes. The course focuses on western theatre but also includes case studies from Asia, Africa, and indigenous America to draw global connections and illustrate theatre's capacity to respond to geo-political specificity. Prerequisite: sophomore standing. Offered Fall.