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ENG-213 Dramatic Literature

This course is an exploration of the history and genre of drama. By analyzing some of the best-known plays throughout theatre history and how they were performed, students will deepen their understanding of dramatic literature and performance. During the course students will decide on a particular area of research in order to write a critical analysis focusing on one or more play(s). The course culminates in a capstone project focusing on one creative endeavor and reflecting on their chosen area of study. This course is required for students in the AA Theatre Art program and is appropriate for students seeking a humanities, arts, capstone, or 200 level course. This course carries SUNY General Education Humanities and The Arts credit.


Credits

3

Cross Listed Courses

ENG-213

Prerequisite

ENG 102 or ENG 103

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

  • Visual and Performing Arts

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

  • Yes

Semesters Course Will Be Offered

  • Spring

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will read dramatic literature in light of the historical, political, and architectural contexts in which they were originally produced.
  2. Students will analyze the dramatic structure, sources of tension, and themes in a number of play scripts.
  3. Propose and write a critical analysis essay that argues the effectiveness of an element in one or more plays.
  4. Design and execute a Creative Capstone project focusing on one area of interest (acting, design, or playwriting).
View Course Outline

ENG 213: Dramatic Literature

Department

Visual and Performing Arts

Course Description

This course is an exploration of the history and genre of drama. By analyzing some of the best-known plays throughout theatre history and how they were performed, students will deepen their understanding of dramatic literature and performance. During the course students will decide on a particular area of research in order to write a critical analysis focusing on one or more play(s). The course culminates in a capstone project focusing on one creative endeavor and reflecting on their chosen area of study. This course is required for students in the AA Theatre Art program and is appropriate for students seeking a humanities, arts, capstone, or 200 level course. This course carries SUNY General Education Humanities and The Arts credit.


Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture3
Lab0
Other0

Semester(s) Course Will Be Offered

Spring

Prerequisites

ENG 102 or ENG 103

SUNY General Education Course

  • The Arts
  • Humanities

First Year Experience Course

No

Capstone Course

Yes

Course Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will read dramatic literature in light of the historical, political, and architectural contexts in which they were originally produced.
  2. Students will analyze the dramatic structure, sources of tension, and themes in a number of play scripts.
  3. Propose and write a critical analysis essay that argues the effectiveness of an element in one or more plays.
  4. Design and execute a Creative Capstone project focusing on one area of interest (acting, design, or playwriting).

Topic Outline

  1. Broad Overview of Theatre History
  2. Elements and Genres of Drama
  3. Why Write about Drama
    1. Close Reading
    2. Play Analysis
    3. Critical Analysis
  4. Greeks
    1. The Poetics
    2. Read a Greek comedy or tragedy
    3. Overview of theatre architecture
  5. Roman
    1. Excerpts of plays
    2. Overview of theatre architecture
  6. Medieval
    1. Medieval
    2. View a mystery Play
    3. Read a morality Play
    4. Overview of theatre architecture
  7. Renaissance
    1. Read Shakespearean comedy or tragedy
    2. Overview of theatre architecture
  8. Restoration
    1. Read Restoration comedy
    2. Overview of theatre architecture
  9. 17th and 18th Century
    1. Read realism or naturalism
  10. 19th Century
    1. Read Oscar Wilde or George Bernard Shaw
    2. Overview of theatre architecture
  11. Early and Mid 20th century
    1. Read psychological realism
    2. Overview of theatre architecture
  12. Contemporary
    1. Read African-American drama
  13. Creative Projects and reflection essay