Kenneth Hinton: Instructor

Three Credits

MWF   11:00am -- 11:50am  

LOCATION: TOS 213

Course Introduction:

The history of theatre reflects the history of civilization. It is a collaborative art form which bring together music, dance, drama and the visual arts, as well as literature, philosophy and history. The study of theatre history provides us with rare insight into the psychology, religious beliefs, political concerns and domestic issues of our ancestors.

Course Overview:

This course will provide an historical overview of the development of drama, theatrical styles, performance spaces and scenic design approaches up through the English Restoration period.  Wile emphasis will be placed on major movements in the western "legitimate" theatre, allied forms (i.e. ballet, opera, puppetry and street theatre) as well as non-western traditions will be eligible for consideration.  Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to approach the plays and periods discussed with a firm understanding of their historical context and significance.

Required Text:

Brockett, Oscar G. and Hildy, Franklin J.   History of Theatre,  9th Edition

Allyn and Bacon, 2003

Course Goals:

1. Provide each student with an opportunity to gain a thorough knowledge of the origins of theatre and drama and their evolution from the beginning of man through the eighteenth.

2. Stimulate in each student an appreciable degree of intellectual curiosity and an inquiring mind.

3. Provide a classroom setting for the enhancement of oral and written skills through a teaching and learning process that places an emphasis on oral and written communication and constant evaluation of both.

4. Provide the students with an adequate knowledge of the sociological, religious and economic impact of each historical period upon the theatre and drama.

Course Objectives:

Each student should understand and be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

1. How primitive man used the "act of imitating" as a prolog to acting.

2. How drama and theatre grew out of ritual, ceremony and oral tradition.

3. The nature of tragedy as determined by Aristotle in works..

4. How the works of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides conform or do not conform to the classical concept of tragedy.

5. The major contributions of Greece to theatre and drama.

6. The attitudes of the early Christian church toward theatre and drama and reason for these attitudes. 

7. The main Reasons for the decline of the theatre during the Roman period.

8. Miracle, Morality and Mystery plays, their differences and similarities.

9. The rise of the professional actors  and the conditions under which they gained professionalism.

10. Shakespeare's plays and the acting styles in Shakespeare's time. 

11. The relationship between audience and performance during each of the periods covered in this course.

Highlight of Subjects to be discussed but not limited to:

Lectures 

Assigned Reading

Student Presentations

Readings 

Videos

Guest artist Field trips

Students will choose their own reading from outside sources,. Write their own, and receive hand outs from additional sources

Course Requirements:

A.   Students are required to be on time and prepared for all classes.

B.   Students are permitted three unexcused absences during the semester

C.   All projects must be presented in a polished and professional manor

D.   Students are required to have notebook and textbook for each class meeting 

E.   Students are required to maintain current email address 

       and blackboard account for this course

Student Evaluation:

Student progress in this course will be evaluated throughout the semester with:

 ASSIGNMENT  CALENDAR 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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