Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU/UC
- Unit(s)
- 3.00
- Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
- Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
Course Description: The study of the history of theatre from the Origins of Theatre through the 17th Century. The history and development of theatre and drama are studied in relationship to cultural, political and social conditions of the time. Plays are read for analysis of structure, plot, character and historical relevance.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Outline the historical development of theatre from the Greeks through the 19th century.
- Critique and evaluate the historical, artistic, social and philosophical environments in which theatre exists.
- Compile evidence illustrating how the relationship between the audience and theatre artist has changed over time.
- Analyze the role of the theatre arts and its relationship to other parts of society.
- As a theatre patron analyze and critique dramatic literature and performance.
- Confirm the value and necessity of theatre arts in culture and society.
- Assess the historical relevance, context and importance of different plays.
- Compare, contrast and analyze the world view presented by the playwrights in each play.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills such as listening, reasoning, analysis and criticism when reading or viewing plays.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec Hrs |
|---|---|
Theatrical origins and early traditions. Explanation of methodology and theoretical approach to varying histories. | 9.00 |
The classic theatre: Origins of theatrical traditions of Ancient Greek and Roman theatre, analysis of texts, development of the theatrical space, cultural development of specific theatrical practices. | 12.00 |
The Asian theatre: Origins of theatrical traditions of Japan, China, and South Asia, analysis of texts, development of the theatrical space, cultural development of specific theatrical practices. | 6.00 |
The Medieval theatre: Theatrical traditions of Medieval Europe, analysis of texts, development of the theatrical space, cultural development of specific theatrical practices. | 6.00 |
The Renaissance theatre: Theatrical traditions of the Renaissance and early Humanism (including Shakespeare), analysis of texts, development of the theatrical space, cultural development of specific theatrical practices. Midterm. | 6.00 |
The Neo-Classic theatre: Theatrical traditions of seventeenth century France, analysis of texts, development of the theatrical space, cultural development of specific theatrical practices. | 6.00 |
The Restoration theatre: Theatrical traditions of seventeenth and eighteenth century England, analysis of texts, development of the theatrical space, cultural development of specific theatrical practices. | 6.00 |
| Total Hours: | 51.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Collaborative Group Work
- Discussion
- Field Trips
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Lecture
- Reading Assignments
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Quizzes
- Research Projects
- Papers
- Oral Presentation
- Projects
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read a Greek play and create a list of the production needs for that period.
- Read and analyze a scene from a Shakespearean play, then prepare to discuss its political implications as they would have been understood by the original audience.
Writing Assignments
- Throughout the semester, write 500-word guided responses to plays that are viewed digitally.
- Write a 1000-word critique of a theater performance.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Attend a local theater performance and write a 500-word reflective analysis on how the production's design, acting, and direction reflect the historical period or theatrical traditions studied in class.
- Research and write a 10-page paper on a specific playwright or theater movement from a period covered in the course. Present your topic in class.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Suzi Zimmerman. (2020). Introduction to Theatre Arts 1: Volume One. Meriwether Publishing, 2nd. 978-1566082624.
Tobin Nellhaus, Daphne P. Lei, Tamara Underiner, Patricia Ybarra. (2024). Theatre Histories - An Introduction. Routledge, 4th. 9781032027906.
Zero Cost Textbook
#TheatreAppreciation, Kiara Pipino, Copyright 2022, Sony Oeneta
https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/1307
Minimum Qualifications
Drama/Theater Arts (Masters Required)