Play Analysis

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This gateway humanities course introduces students how to read, analyze and write about plays in the context of cultural studies as well as theatrical production and dramatic criticism. By engaging with plays from a variety of periods, cultures, genres and styles - including plays from Ancient Greece to contemporary America, from Shakespeare to classical Noh drama - we will develop students’ ability to read plays closely while analyzing the host of production choices inspired by structure, theme, context and interpretive lens, for example. Plays studied range from classics to contemporary realism, farce to solo performance, and include plays from diverse cultural perspectives. This introductory seminar is required for all TPST majors and minors, and includes writing assignments designed to hone students’ emergent critical and creative voices.