THEA 376: Theatre History II (WI)
Prerequisites: THEA 201 and junior standing
Credit Hours: (3)
Investigates theatre from the Renaissance through the modern and contemporary theatre
repertoire, examining aspects of theatrical performance, design, architecture, audiences,
literature, and theory/criticism. Theatre is contextualized in the cultures, styles,
and politics of past societies, with emphasis on the influence of theatre in today’s
world.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
Detailed Description of Course
1. Trends in theatre research
2. French Renaissance Theatre
3. English Restoration Theatre
4. European Theatre in the Enlightenment
5. Setting the Stage for Realism
6. Realism and 20th-century Non-realism
7. American Theatre History, 1660-present
8. Global theatre: Japan, China, South Africa, and Nigeria
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Course consists of traditional lecture through oral and visual presentations, visual
analysis of ancient structures, artifacts, fashion and artworks, class discussions,
group discussions, readings in and out of class, and completion of a research project.
Approaches will also include problem-based and experiential learning.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. To trace and recount important events and developments in the history of world
theatre;
2. To make sense of lives and cultures that differed from our own;
3. To read, envision, and analyze historically significant theatrical performances;
4. To discover the relevance and value of theatre’s past to our life today;
5. To achieve the completion of a major research project;
6. To gain insight into how theatre and society have influenced one another.
Assessment Measures
Graded work will take the forms of written quizzes, tests, and papers.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 2005 Review
February 2009 Revision Carl Lefko
3/2010 Review Carl Lefko
July, 2010
March 01, 2021