Introductory Topics in Literature
Topic: Tragedy & American Politics
Class Information
Instructor: Barr, Clara
CRN: 53227
Time: TR 12:10-1:30
GE Areas: Writing Experience
Description
We will examine depictions of American politics in contemporary drama through the lens of classical tragedy, beginning with Sophocles' Antigone and ending with Theater of War Productions' Antigone in Ferguson. The course will ask: How can forms of tragic drama help us to understand these depictions of America? What is the relationship between the theatricality of American politics and American political theater? And what can the metaphorical connections between drama and democracy help us to understand about the present moment?
Because we will be studying drama during a time when live theater is largely shuttered, students should be prepared to engage with a number of (sometimes lengthy) audio and video recordings.