Dramatic Art

• DRAM 115: Perspectives in Drama

DRAM 115: Perspectives in Drama

This course provides an overview of Western drama from its origins in ancient Greece to the present. Tracing the evolution of drama through its major periods, the course surveys a selection of representative plays, from Greek drama to contemporary works, and analyzes them through such elements as action, character, structure, and language. The course will help you develop an understanding of the theatre, its diverse offerings, and its rich history.

DRAM 115 will introduce you to an intriguing range of plays and playwrights, and also foster a lively interest in current professional theatre and theatre-going. Ideally, you will reap the following benefits from this course:

• an understanding of the major periods in the development of Western drama
• an understanding of the ideas and works of major playwrights
• ability to read and analyze various kinds of plays
• familiarity with the elements of dramatic structure and with theatre language
• an understanding of the relationship between text and performance
• knowledge of the social, cultural, and political influences on theatre.

You will explore Web sites containing information on theatres around the world, and other useful theatre resources.

You will be expected to meet the following requirements:

• complete all reading assignments
• participate in the online discussion forum
• explore and evaluate Web sites related to theatre
• submit all written assignments by the due dates
• complete a research paper or an equivalent project on a theatre topic
• complete a short quiz each week
• complete a midterm and a final exam.

Required Text

• Jacobus, The Bedford Introduction to Drama, 5th edition (2005). Be sure to purchase ISBN 978-0-312-44576-8.

You may purchase the textbook at the Higher Grounds bookstore in person, online, or by mailing or faxing in the book order form. Refer to the online ordering site for current book prices. Please see Textbooks for textbook purchase dates.

Course Details

• Instructor: Mark Perry, MFA
• Department: Dramatic Art
• Credit hours: 3
• UNC-Chapel Hill perspectives/requirements fulfilled: The Office of Undergraduate Curricula has links to information about which perspectives this course fulfills under the “Pre-2006 Curriculum” and which requirements it fulfills under the new curriculum (see “2006 Curriculum”).
• View sample course syllabus.

How to Enroll

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