An introduction to major forms of dramatic activity in English. In addition to learning the tools of critical analysis, students will study and practise composition.
Course Texts
(available at Bookstore – try to use the correct editions)
Wise, Jennifer and Craig S. Walker, eds. The Broadview Anthology of Drama
Optional (but recommended)
The Little Brown Handbook
Working Class Schedule
Jan 7: Introduction
Jan 9: Oedipus Tyrannos Broaadview: Introduction (vii-xi)
Elements of the Theatre
Dramatic Irony
Jan 14: Oedipus Tyrannos
Broadview: Introduction (xii-xxii)
Greek Tragedy
Reading Character
Reading Structure
Jan 16: Frogs Broadview: Glossary (A-D) Ancient Comedy
Genre Criticism
Jan 21: Frogs Broadview: Glossary (E-O) Satire
Farce
Parody
Jan 23: The Tempest Broadview: Glossary (P-W) Renaissance Drama
Shakespearean Romance
Jan 28: The Tempest Historicism
Post-Colonialism
Close Reading Assignment Due
Jan 30: The Tempest Metadrama
Feb 4: Essay Writing Workshop
Feb 6: The Importance of Being Earnest Wit
Comedy of Manners
Feb 11: The Importance of Being Earnest Gender Theory Role Playing
Feb 13: Mid-term Exam
Feb 17-21: Mid-term Break
Feb 25: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Naturalism Realism
Feb 27: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Morality Play Social Problems Play
Mar 4: Play Modernism
Mar 6: Play Minimalism
Mar 11: The Rez Sisters Canadian Drama
Mar 13: The Rez Sisters Postmodern Theatre Black Comedy
Mar 18: The Rez Sisters Advanced Essay Writing
Using Secondary Sources
Mar: 20: Aunt Dan and Lemon Contemporary Theatre
Mar 25: Aunt Dan and Lemon Viewership
Alienation
Mar 27: Dramatic Humour
Monologues, Sketches, and Stand-up Term Essay Due
April 1: Rear Window Film as Theatre
April 3: Rear Window Spectacle
Voyeurism
April 8: Review
Assignments