Theatre 375

THEA 375: Theatre History I (WI)

Prerequisites: THEA 201 and junior standing

Credit Hours: (3) Three hours lecture and discussion

Investigates theatre from its ritualistic beginnings to the Renaissance, 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 ancient theatre in today’s world.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.


Detailed Description of Course

1.    Origins of theatre
2.    Ancient Greek and Roman Theatre
3.    Medieval European Theatre
4.    Ancient theatre across the globe, i.e. Japan, China, Iran, and India
5.    Italian Renaissance Theatre
6.    English Renaissance Theatre
7.    Spanish Golden Age Theatre


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, styles, appearances, and cultures that differed from our own;
3.    To study, 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
Date             Action            Approved by
September 2005    Review
2/2009            Revision        Carl Lefko
3/2010            Revision        Carl Lefko

July 2010

March 01, 2021