Course description: This course introduces students to the dramatic text as literature and as a text written for performance. Emphasis will be placed upon the elements of drama, such as dialogue, character and dramatic structure, as well as upon the genres of tragedy, comedy and tragicomedy. Readings will include major plays from Western drama, presented in a trans-historical approach that juxtaposes modern drama with plays from earlier periods. Although attention will be paid to the cultural and theatrical milieux from which each play arose, discussions will concentrate upon discovering a contemporary critical vision of the work. The class will attend plays staged in the Oberlin area and view film and video productions of plays (outside class time).

Course Requirements: An important component of the course will be class participation. As you read, jot down questions and ideas and bring them to class. Attendance is required. It is required that students attend one on-campus performance and screenings of three videos (listed on the last page of the syllabus). Groups of students will prepare scenes from plays to be presented in class. In addition, students must also complete all the written requirements in order to receive credit for the course, which include two 4-5 page papers, as well as mid-term and final examinations (see Paper Topics).

Attendance Policy: It is extremely important that you attend class and be there on time. Much of our course work occurs during discussions and small group workshops, and if you miss these, they cannot be made up. If you have more than three unexcused absences during the semester, your grade will automatically drop. Excused absences will not count as long as they are not extensive and work is made up promptly. Absences will be excused if you are ill or if you have a family emergency or some other grave or extreme situation. Doctor's notes, etc., are encouraged. You may notify me via e-mail if you cannot attend at fdorff@oberlin.edu.

Required texts: (Available at Oberlin Coop Bookstore)

Sept. 2: Introduction: Reading drama/Performing drama

UNIT 1: DRAMATIC STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE TRADITIONS

UNIT 2: DRAMATIC DIALOGUE

UNIT 3: DRAMATIC CONCEPTS OF CHARACTER

October 18-26: FALL BREAK!

UNIT 4: DRAMATIC MYTHS OF AMERICA

UNIT 5: AUDIENCE AND THE MODERN/POSTMODERN THEATRE

Nov. 27: THANKSGIVING BREAK

SECOND PAPER DUE BY 8:00 p.m. (no extensions)

Reading period: December 12th-14th

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Students are required to attend a performance of Ntozake Shange's play, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, which will be produced on stage at Oberlin College's Hall Auditorium. Tentative dates for our class to attend will be October 7 and/or 8th. Student-price tickets will be arranged ahead of time. PLEASE MARK ONE OF THESE NIGHTS FOR THIS PLAY IN YOUR SCHEDULE NOW!!! Assignments will be given that require your attendance.

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Students are required to see the following videos, which will be discussed in class. A screening for the entire class will be held on Sunday afternoons, at 4:30 p.m. in Mudd Library, Room 456 (4th floor next to A/V Dept). If you cannot attend this scheduled screening, you must see the film on your own BEFORE the day we discuss it in class (see syllabus).

Videos are available in the Audio-Visual Services department on the fourth floor of the library. YOU MUST WATCH THEM THERE. YOU CANNOT CHECK THEM OUT. Audio-Visual hours are as follows:

The following video is available in the library, but is not required viewing:

Oedipus Rex