Special Topics in Theater History
THEA 203
Fall 2018
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01
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This class will serve as an introduction to theatricality, performance studies methods, and aesthetic theories. Over the course of the semester, we will explore theater and performance practices from Sophocles' Oedipus the King to Aphra Behn's The Rover. We will analyze plays from Classical Greece to the English Reformation as we examine traditional conceptions of the theatrical. Given the complex and varied roles theater has played during these time periods, we will begin by placing pressure on the terms "theater" and "history." We will pay particular attention to the intersections between theater history, dramatic literature and cultural performance as we trace key moments in theatrical development. Readings will be organized geographically and diachronically, giving us a mobile and flexible account of theater, theory, and practice across a variety of cultures. At the end of this course, students will be familiar with milestones in theater history; be able to write a critical and descriptive performance paper; demonstrate a knowledge of critical performance and aesthetic theories; use performance as research methodology. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA THEA |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (THEA) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Selected plays will include, but not be limited to, the works of Euripides, Lope de Vega, Racine, Molière, Shakespeare, and Marlowe.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Discussion Posts, Short Papers, Group and Individual Projects and Presentations, Research Proposal Paper |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
THEA203 is a Gateway Course for Theater Majors.
The Theater Department organizes a variety of performances for students enrolled in its courses. Field trips to see performances off campus are integrated into course syllabi. Instructors will notify students of all dates at the beginning of the semester and costs for all course field trips are covered (specifically, transportation to and from the performance and tickets). Any potential scheduling conflicts for field trips should be discussed with faculty members. Once students indicate that they are going and tickets are purchased, it is assumed they will attend. (Students backing out of field trips they had said they would attend will be asked to cover the cost of their ticket.) Performances of visitors to Wesleyan's Center for the Arts are integrated into course syllabi and students are required to attend these performances unless otherwise negotiated with instructors. Tickets for performances are available to students at the Box Office in Usdan at the reduced price of $6.00. |
| Instructor(s): Brewer Ball,Katherine Times: .M.W... 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: TST101; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 18 | | SR major: 1 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: -1 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: 7 | FR: 6 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 5 | 1st Ranked: 3 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 1 | Unranked: 1 |
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