Analyzing Characters in Twentieth-Century American Drama

This is a dramatic literature course that analyzes characters' emotional and psychological motivations from the perspective of the actor. It is not an acting course and there will be no performance component, although reading scenes will occur to make clear those choices arrived at through textual analysis. In addition, the course will provide students with analytical tools to aid in the appreciation of dramatic literature. We will read and analyze eight plays from the twentieth century American canon using methods derived from an essentially subjective perspective. 3 hrs. lect.