ENG 107-1 History & Drama: (Introduction to Dramatic Literature)
An introduction to drama itself, with conversations about the long
standing tradition of reading texts aloud, whether poetry, novels, or
drama. We will review and pose reasonable and helpful questions of any
drama, as well as special ones appropriate for historical drama. Using
Pirandello's Henry IV as a paradoxical warning about the dangers of
historical fictions, we will look at the varieties of ways American and
European dramatists use history, with special emphasis on playwrights'
manipulation and education of audiences and the “truth” created by merging
fact with fiction. A cautious, careful reader who delights in discovering
truth and identifying lies in fiction: an admirable course goal. Texts
include Shakespeare and Ionesco's plays about Macbeth, and Shaw and
Brecht's approaches to the Joan of Arc story. This course is offered first
half, fall semester.
Credits: 1/2
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