The Study of Lit: Drama

In this course, we will ask how different representations of disguise help to articulate the themes with which drama is so concerned. Not only do plays acted on the stage abound in examples of characters switching places or mistaken for each other, they also provide a forum for individual characters to question their relationship with the people and culture that surround them. Even as plays stage the most private of feelings in a public setting, they also suggest that human interactions frequently involve playing a role. Throughout our examination of mix-ups, imposters, and identity crises in plays that range from ancient times to the present day, we will pay attention to both the literary and theatrical conventions of drama and the changing social place of the theater. The syllabus will include works by authors such as Euripides, Christopher Marlowe, Henrik Ibsen, Arthur Miller, August Wilson, Yasmina Reza, and David Ives. One of the most important aspects of the course will be the development of your ability to express your insights about the plays we read in your own written work. There will be frequent informal written assignments designed to help you build up to the longer papers. 100-level courses are open to all students.