| THEATER 385: Theater as a Mirror of Today's America (3) | |
| Why? | To examine how today's theater is a mirror of society; explore how varying cultures view life in America; investigate how theater is viewed as a method of informing the community about current issues, teaching history, eradicating stereotypes, etc.; focus on the issues arising because of the interaction of diverse cultures, nationalities, races, gender, ethnicity, classes, ages, religions and politics; explore the themes and aesthetics of the plays within their social and historical context. |
| Content: | This course will explore how contemporary theater reflects the issues and perspectives of different cultures and groups within America. The groups will include African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Feminists, Gays and Lesbians. The course will examine how today's theater portrays these groups, how it views their lives in this country, and how it reflects their differences, fears and concerns, and similarities. The course will focus on issues arising because of diversity of cultures, nationalities, race, gender, ethnicity, orientation, class, age, religion and politics. Guest lecturers from among the University faculty and community with expertise related to the various ethnic and cultural issues will be invited as guest lecturers. |
| Format: | Read plays, lecture/discussion. |
| Evaluation: | Multiple choice quizzes, attend plays, short papers, mid-term and final. |
| Prerequisites: | English 101 recommended. |