About ENGL 1150 A
Study of the play as a work of literature and as a dramatic experience. Continental, British, and American drama from all ages.
Notes
Open to Degree and PACE students
Section Description
In this class we survey dramatic literature across a range of time periods, theatrical movements, and geographic locations. With a keen ear to the call and response between historical and modern plays, we explore issues of theatre history, dramatic form, genre, and language. As we investigate the function of world building in the theatre, we notice how drama operates as a blueprint – always attempting to map out what it means to be human across time and space. In our reading, conversations between playwrights are gleaned across centuries indicating the ways that the best writers are always prolific readers. A sample of plays we will explore include Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex (429 BCE) alongside Beckett’s Waiting for Godot (1955); the medieval morality play Everyman (ca. 1510) and Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins’ Everybody (2017); Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1604-5), and James Ijames’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fat Ham (2022); Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull (1896) and Aaron Posner’s Stupid F#%ing Bird (2013); and Brian Friel’s Translations (1980) and Sanaz Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, English (2021).
Section Expectation
Regular attendance, keeping up with weekly reading and quizzes and full class participation are expectations for the course.
Evaluation
Class Participation — 10%
Active attendance and engagement are essential. This includes coming to class prepared by completing all assigned readings, participating thoughtfully in class discussions, and contributing to small group activities.
Attendance Policy:
• More than 4 absences: deduction of half a letter grade from your final course grade (e.g., from B to B-).
• More than 6 absences: automatic course failure (“F”), except in documented emergencies.
Please notify the instructor proactively if you anticipate attendance issues.
Quizzes — 30% (10 quizzes, 3% each)
Quizzes will be administered online and assess your comprehension of the primary plays.
Small Group Class Presentation — 10%
Groups of 3-4 students will lead the class discussion on the week’s play and an associated critical essay.
Response Papers — 20% (2 papers, 10% each)
Two short, approximately 500-word papers critically engaging with course readings or topics.
Midterm Exam — 10%
An in-class exam covering material from the first half of the course.
Live Performance Review — 10%
A critical analysis paper reviewing the live production at the Royall Tyler Theatre
Comparative Dramaturgy Group Presentations — 10%
Group presentations demonstrating your development and application of dramaturgical skills. Note: Students are required to attend every class session this week. If you choose not to attend a presentation that is not your own, then your presentation grade will be affected.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.
| Last Day to Add | |
|---|---|
| Last Day to Drop | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 50% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw with 25% Refund | |
| Last Day to Withdraw |
Resources
Remind Me Form
Remind yourself about ENGL 1150 A.
We'll send you a reminder before Fall 2026 registration begins.