English 43 - Winter, 2013

Introductory Topics in Drama

Topic: Foundations of English Drama

Class Information

Instructor: Zimbalist, Barbara
CRN: 52605
Time: TR 1:40-3:00
Location: 106 Olson

Description

The study of medieval performance culture is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas in English literary studies. This course takes advantage of new and interesting insights in this field to explore the history of dramatic performance prior to the age of Shakespearean drama. We will consider the complicated relationships among liturgical and church drama, on the one hand, and popular and folk drama, on the other. We will also study in depth both the texts and the cultural contexts of fascinating traditions like English cycle dramas and morality plays. Some of these medieval plays were still being performed in Shakespeare’s lifetime: this early tradition of English drama crucially influenced many developments in English dramatic literature. To understand Anglophone drama, one must understand its medieval heritage.

Grading

The factors which will determine your final grade include quizzes and assignments (15%); your first paper (15%); your second paper and proposal (25%); your midterm (15%) and final exam (20%); and section participation (10%).

Texts

Broadview Anthology of Medieval Drama, Fitzerald and Sebastian, eds.
A Midsummer Night\'s Dream, Shakespeare