Modern American Drama

THEATRST 365S

New Course Available Fall 2022.

Instructor: Michael D'Allesandro

C-L: ENGLISH 364S

ALP, W

No consent required.

Description:

While playwright names Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, and Edward Albee may be familiar, do American playgoers know how weird these artists' works can be? This survey course tracks some of twentieth- and twenty-first century's most recognizable dramas, focusing on the theater's potential for formal innovation as well as social commentary. Plays include Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Anna Deavere-Smith's Twilight Los Angeles, 1992, Tony Kushner's Angels in America, and Annie Baker's The Flick. Evaluation will be based on online response posts, two formal essays, one oral presentation, and class participation. No prerequisites necessary.

While the playwright names—Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee—may be familiar, do American playgoers know how weird these artists' works can be? This survey course tracks some of twentieth- and twenty-first century's most recognizable dramas, focusing on the theatre's potential for formal innovation as well as social commentary. Plays include Williams's A Streetcar Named Desire, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, Anna Deavere-Smith's Twilight Los Angeles, 1992, Tony Kushner's Angels in America, and Annie Baker's The Flick. Evaluation will be based on online response posts, two formal essays, one oral presentation, and class participation. No prerequisites necessary.
Curriculum Codes
  • CCI
  • W
  • ALP
Cross-Listed As
  • ENGLISH 364S
  • ENGLISH 264S
Typically Offered
Fall and/or Spring