History of World Theater II (1700-present)
THETR 2410
M/W 10:10-11:25
Schwartz 125
Spring 2011
http://courses.cit.cornell.edu/thetr241
Professor Sara Warner
Making Contact: slw42@cornell.edu or 254-2727
Office: Schwartz Center 429
Office hours: Wed 2-4 pm and by appointment
Course Objectives:
Course Policies:
Requirements ::
You are
required to read approximately 50 pages per week. Some weeks will be heavier
than others. Readings include plays (primary texts) as well as critical and/or
theoretical material (secondary texts). I expect you to come to class prepared
and ready to engage in discussion.
Attendance and Participation ::
This course
will be based on lecture and in-class discussion of the material we read and
view. Due to the broad amount of
cultural and historical material covered in this survey, it is essential that
you arrive on time to class every day prepared to discuss the assigned
material. I will take attendance daily. You are allowed to miss two classes without
penalty. Each unexcused absence after this will result in your grade being
lowered by 10%. Two tardy arrivals amount to one unexcused absence. If you are
absent, you are responsible for finding out what went on in class and for
coming to the next meeting fully prepared.
You are
welcome to bring your laptops to class, but use is restricted to course
content. Do not text, FB, tweet, email, websurf, etc. during class on your
computer, phone, or pda.
I respect
and uphold University policies and regulations pertaining to the observation of
religious holidays; assistance available to physically, visually and hearing
impaired students; plagiarism; sexual harassment; and racial and ethnic
discrimination. All students are advised to become familiar with these University
regulations and are encouraged to bring any questions or concerns to my
attention. In keeping with University policies, I am available to discuss
appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for students with
disabilities or special needs. Please see me during the first three weeks of
the semester to discuss arrangements. In order for me to assist you, you must
register with Student Disabilities Services.
Academic Integrity ::
Each student
is expected to abide by the Cornell University Code of Academic Integrity. Any work submitted by a student in this
course for academic credit will be the students' own work. All outside
assistance should be acknowledged, and the students academic position
truthfully reported at all times.
Please refer to the Code of Academic Integrity and Acknowledging the
Work of Others in the Policy Notebook for the Cornell Community, or online at: http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Academic/AIC.html
Assessments ::
In-Class Assignments ::
You will be
asked to complete unscheduled in-class assignments that may include
brainstorming exercises, creative writing, textual analysis, physical
activities, and collaborative experiments. These are graded on effort.
Live Performance Attendance ::
You will be
required to attend 2 performances during the semester and to write a one-two
page analysis of each event, relating it whenever possible to course themes and
topics. The first review is due February 28,
and the second is due May 2. You will receive a handout with guidelines on how to
research and write reviews. You
cannot a review a production in which you participate. You must view it as an audience
member.
Suggested
events:
Precious Little, February 16-19, 23-26
Locally
Grown Dance Festival, March 3-12
Far Away, April 15-17
Learned Ladies, April 27-30
You are
required to attend the lecture/demonstration by Lisa Kron, On Trying and
Failing, February
17 from 5 pm – 6:30 pm (unless this conflicts with a class or
rehearsal).
Syllabus Topic Presentation ::
You will
select a date to lead a 5-10 minute class discussion. Presentations should be
brief, concise, and dynamic. Ideally, you will provide an artistic and
historical context for the author and work, summarize the main elements of the
script, and highlight links to other texts we have studied in the class. The
goal of this exercise is not to exhaust a text, but to bring to life a few key
aspects. You should include a handout for the class that encapsulates your
presentation. Performative enhancements are encouraged. The possibilities for
presentation are limited only by your imagination. You can act out a scene from
a performance, show video clips, create a powerpoint presentation, lead the
class in an activity, design costumes, etc. Conclude your presentation with two questions to spark class
discussion.
Preliminary Exam I and II ::
Preliminary
Exam I (February
23) will cover material studied in the first half of the term, and the
Preliminary Exam II (April 27) will cover material from the midterm point to the date of
the test. Exams will be administered in class and will consist of
identification, short answer, and essay questions.
Grades ::
10% Class
Participation
10% Syllabus
Presentation
10% In-Class
Assignments
20% Live
Performance Reviews
25% Preliminary
Exam I
25% Preliminary Exam
II
Text Books :: Available at the Cornell
University Bookstore
Online Articles ::
Library Resources :: A Guide
to Theater Resources
Course Calendar: (O = online article; password
required)
January 24
LAUGHTER: COMEDY, CLOWNS, FOOLS, FOPS, AND
TRICKSTERS
January 26
January 31
February 2
February 7
February 9 – CLASS VISIT BY GUEST
PLAYWRIGHT MADELEINE GEORGE
February 14
February 16
February 21
February 23 – Preliminary Exam I
TEARS, TERROR, AND TRAUMA: THE HAUNTED STAGES
OF HISTORY
February 28
March 2
March 7
March 9
March 14
March 16
March 21 – No Class/Spring Break
March 23 – No Class/Spring Break
March 28
(EN)GENDER(ING) CONFLICT: SEXING THE STAGE
March 30
April 4
April 6
April 11
April 13
April 18
EPIC THEATER
April 20
April 25
April 27 – Preliminary Exam II
May 2
May 4