An integral factor in the study of the history of theatre is the impact that governments, democratic or otherwise, have on the development and sustenance of the arts. World Theatre History I is a Writing-Instructive course that covers early theatre through the Renaissance, so will investigate principles and ideals of Athenian democracy associated with Classical Greece, republican Rome, and the Italian republics of the early Renaissance, as well as more authoritarian forms of rule in early civilizations in India, China, Japan, and Meso-America. Key questions will include: In what ways are artistic freedoms and practices linked to structures of governance? How has theatre over time been a force for political change? Why does theatre flourish in some democracies (and in some authoritarian governments) and not in others?
Prerequisite(s): POLSC 1000 United States Government and Politics or THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation or THTRE 1020 Script Analysis.
(Normally offered on even fall semesters.)
POLSC 1000 United States Government and Politics (3 hours)
This course will introduce students to ideas about institutional structures, political actors, and constitutional debates in U.S. government and politics. We will explore the historical development and founding of the United States, discuss major debates about the structure of our republican form of government, connect the three branches of government to contemporary politics and elections, examine the role of race and gender in American politics, and critique the American constitutional system.
Archway Curriculum: Foundational Literacies: Scientific Investigations: Social Science
Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: Democracy Thread
Archway Curriculum: Integrative Core: UC Leadership Thread
THTRE 1010 Theatre Appreciation (3 hours)
The basic course in theatre. The appreciation of theatre is facilitated by units in the history of theatre, acting, directing, dramatic literature, and technical theatre. Does not count toward Theatre Arts major or minor.
(Normally offered each semester.)
THTRE 1020 Script Analysis (3 hours)
This is a fundamental course in the systematic analysis of dramatic texts. It is designed to equip theatre arts majors and minors with the textual expertise and vocabulary needed for academic discussion and artistic collaboration. Students will read and research a series of scripts in order to investigate the process in which a play develops from page to performance. Emphasis will also be given to how directors, designers, performers, and spectators individually and collaboratively engage with and utilize a dramatic text during each phase of the pre-rehearsal, rehearsal, and performance process.
(Normally offered each fall semester.)
