Lit 2: Drama
Dr. Les WRIGHT Office: 617.928.7314 Mount Ida College
Office: ATC 240 Ofc Hr Mon & Fri 2-2:50 Spring 2000
EN 230: DRAMA
Course Description
An introduction to the classics of Western drama—both comedies and tragedies—from ancient Greece to the contemporary American stage. Class will consider plays intended to be read, intended for live stage performance, and the problems of translating stage plays into film.
Prerequisites: EN 101 and EN 102
Required Text Drama: Classical to Contemporary, Coldewey and Streitberger
Teaching Procedures
Class sessions will include lectures, video screenings, in-class discussion of plays, as well as background and secondary readings found in the course text.. Discussions and written work will require the student have a thorough familiarity with the assigned readings and screenings. Tests are designed as part of the teaching process: the student will be required to synthesize material in new ways through her or his written work.
Instructional Objectives
To introduce the student to the historical development of cultural standards, critical thought, and social values which have significantly contributed to creating the society we live in today. Specifically, to introduce the student to the key symbolic role drama (written, staged, and filmed) plays in both everyday life and society as a whole. To increase the student’s ability to communicate clearly and effectively, to access relevant information, to work independently and in a group, and to instill leadership skills, such as initiative, risk-taking, and independent decision-making, through involvement with the course. To bring the student to infer, deduce, extrapolate, and draw complex connections between the student’s world, contemporary society, the broader cultural and historical context, and the realm of humanities scholarship.
Grading and Attendance
Student grades will be based on the following: five take-home exams (5×15%=75%), and regular attendance and active participation (both in class and brief take-home assignments) (25%). A total of two absences are permitted. (See the instructor in case of medical or other emergency.) The student will receive a warning notice after two missed classes. Additional absences may result in the student being withdrawn with no further recourse.
Dr. Les WRIGHT Office: 617.928.7314 Mount Ida College
Office: ATC 240 Ofc Hr Mon & Fri 2-2:50 Spring 2000
EN 230: DRAMA
SYLLABUS
| WEEK | READING/SCREENING | ASSIGNMENTS |
| 1 | Introduction; Oedipus Rex | |
| 2 | Medea | |
| 3 | Everyman | Test 1 |
| 4 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream (& Shakespeare) | |
| 5 | A Midsummer Night’s Dream (& Shakespeare) | |
| 6 | The Misanthrope | Test 2 |
| 7 | Phaedra | |
| 8 | Hedda Gabler | |
| 9 | The Cherry Orchard | |
| 10 | The Importance of Being Earnest | Test 3 |
| 11 | Mother Courage and Her Children (& Brecht) | |
| 12 | The Crucible | Test 4 |
| 13 | The Crucible | |
| 14 | The Piano Lesson | |
| 15 | Three Tall Women | Test 5 |
