FYSP 175 - Amer Theater Community Dissent

Semester Offered: Fall Semester 2019
Full Course
Credits: 4 credits
Attribute: 4HU, WINT

This course will explore how theatrical performance has been used in American culture to bring communities closer together and to express internal values to external audiences. We will read American plays in their historical contexts in order to understand how communities coalesce around shared points of reference and have used theatrical performances in order to gain mainstream acceptance. Before reading each play, the class will spend time becoming familiar with relevant American history and social movements by reading and discussing newspaper clippings and historical retrospectives. These discussions will lend opportunities to learn to distinguish between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. After becoming generally versed in the history and social movements of a specific time the class will read plays relating to that time period and subculture: A Raisin in the Sun, Zoot Suit, The Normal Heart, and others.

Enrollment Limit: 16
Instructor: J. Dorwart

Consent of the Instructor Required: Yes