Eastern Illinois University Department of Theatre Arts Spring Semester 2016 THA 3752G: EUROPEAN AND U.S. THEATRE FROM 1660 TO THE PRESENT DAY* Professor. Dr. Chris Mitchell Office: CAH Deans’ Suite 2216 Doudna Fine Arts Center (how to find me) Hours: By Appointment† Telephone: (217) 581-2922 (this is the main number, ask for me) E-mail: cjmitchell@eiu.edu (best means of communication) Facebook: Dr. Christopher J. Mitchell (OK to message me there) Website: ux1.eiu.edu/~cjmitchell (handouts/schedule changes) D2L: Not used in this course. Class Meets. TR, 3:00 – 4:15 pm, in DFAC 2040 Texts. Textbook rental should issue you: Wilson and Goldfarb, Living Theatre: A History (6th ed.) Wise and Walker, The Broadview Anthology of Drama, Vols. I and II Jacobus, The Bedford Anthology of Theatre (6th ed.) MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers One play on Booth Library e-reserves: Lillo, The London Merchant Also, you’ll get copies of or URLs for a few items in the second half. Other Costs. None. Prerequisites. ENG-1001G and ENG-1002G. Catalog Course Description. “A journey through the major periods in the development of theatre in Europe and the U.S., from the time of the English Restoration and colonization of North America to today. Connections to the social, political, religious, and artistic trends of the times will be This course was formerly titled “Theatre History II” prior to 2015 curricular changes. For comparison purposes, this course is a briefer treatment of the material of the former Theatre History II course, coupled with a briefer treatment of the material covered in the former THA 3756, “Twentieth Century Theatre.” † Since I am currently an administrator, all consultations must be scheduled as my schedule will vary weekto-week (i.e. there are meetings I must attend, etc.) However, getting on my calendar is very easy; either do so by e-mail or calling the number above. * emphasized. Special attention will be given to artists who have had a lasting impact on world theatre. No background in or knowledge of theatre is required.” [Emphasis mine.] Curricular Fit. For THA majors and minors, see how this course fits in your curriculum. For general education students, see how this course fits in the curriculum. For other relevant curricula (Education, etc.), please consult your advisor. This course is designated writing-intensive and culturally diverse. Learning Goals/ Objectives. In this course, you will continue to develop your skills in critical thinking, writing and critical reading, speaking and listening, quantitative reasoning, and responsible citizenship; all of which are central to an EIU education. Our objectives are that you will/ will be able to: a. Analyze and evaluate primary and secondary source evidence of European and U.S. theatre (play texts, theoretical tracts, extant and extinct theatre spaces, renderings of sets and costumes, diaries of theatre artists, etc.) from 1660 to the present day. b. Analyze and evaluate the relevant social, political, religious, and artistic trends in Europe from 1660 to the present day that inform and are impacted by the theatre. c. Critically and reflectively compare the major periods of European and U.S. theatre from 1660 to the present day and evaluate their impact on succeeding generations of world theatre. d. Conduct guided research on relevant topics within the historical periods covered; synthesize and present such research in scholarly-quality written formats. e. Formulate, present, and orally defend cogent scholarly arguments regarding (a), (b), and (c); orally defend the research synthesized in (d) in a conference-style setting. Requirements The grading scheme is easy to follow for this class. Please note the And Grading. individual point values for each numbered assignment below. The course requirements are as follows: 1. Active participation and keeping up with assigned readings. This includes ensuring that the reading assigned for a particular series of classes is done on time, that you bring the relevant texts to class, and that you enthusiastically and intelligently contribute to discussions in class, especially at times at which you are appointed the leader of a group discussion. (I will cover how that will work in the first days of class.) The volume and scope of covered material necessitates your constant engagement with the material and with other members of this class; your rating of 0 to 100 points in each instance reflects how consistently and diligently you are engaging these. You will be rated TWICE, once at midterm and once at the end of the semester. Each rating is an independent grade. There is a rubric sheet explaining how participation is evaluated on your class page of my website. (Thus the total point value for this requirement is 200 points.) Reading assignments appear in the course schedule appearing at the end of this syllabus. SPECIAL NOTE TO THEATRE FOLKS: Repeat this until it sticks in your head— “Being in rehearsal, in shop, in tech, or in performance does not excuse me from my responsibilities to this class.” Part of being a theatre major/minor is learning to achieve a balance between classwork and the practice of your art. Strive to achieve that balance. I expect no less. 2. A midterm exam and a final exam. In keeping with the writingintensive designation of this course, these are essay exams which will determine how well you connect concepts together and see the “big picture” of how theatre morphs over time— and how often history repeats itself in a slightly different package. The midterm, tentatively scheduled for March 3, will cover material from the first half of the semester and the final, scheduled for Thursday, May 5, from 2:45 to 4:45 pm, will cover material from the second half only (i.e. it’s not cumulative). Each exam is worth 200 points. I do generate review sheets for each component we cover. They will be posted on your class page of my website. 3. A semester-long research project, culminating in a scholarly quality 10-12 pp. article on a topic in theatre history within the periods/cultures covered, chosen by you in consultation with me. This will involve library and online research and will be done in stages— at each stage you will receive feedback from me. The project will begin right away. The stages are as follows: An approximately 300-word written proposal and a working annotated bibliography, due January 28, and a follow-up meeting with me in which you and I will discuss the strengths and weaknesses in your research proposal, which must take place between February 1 and 5. Together, these are worth 50 points. A progress draft, due March 24, and a follow-up meeting with me in which you and I will discuss the strengths and weaknesses in your progress draft, and in which you will describe your completion strategy. The meeting must take place between March 28 and April 1. Together, these are worth 100 points. Presentation of the completed paper at an in-class mock conference during the final week of class (April 26 and 28), at which you will address audience questions about your research. This exercise is worth 50 points. The polished and properly cited final draft, due April 29, and is worth 200 points. Paper particulars are covered in handouts which be posted on your class page of my website. So the overall grading scheme for the course breaks down thusly: First half participation = 100 possible Second half participation = 100 possible Midterm exam = 200 possible Final exam = 200 possible Research project: Proposal/Mtg = 50 possible Prog Draft/Mtg = 100 possible Presentation = 50 possible Final Draft = 200 possible --------------------------------------------------------------------TOTAL = 1000 possible Your final score, which will be adjusted for attendance (see “Attendance,” below) and any extra credit received (see “Extra Credit,” below) will correspond to the following final letter grade: A = final adjusted score 900 – 1,000 points B = final adjusted score 800 – 899 points C = final adjusted score 700 – 799 points D = final adjusted score 600 – 699 points F = final adjusted score less than 600 points ATTENDANCE. Along with active participation, consistent and prompt attendance is absolutely necessary to reap the maximum benefit from the course. As such, you will be held accountable for your attendance. An attendance sheet will be circulated at every class meeting on and after Tuesday, January 19, and it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to ensure you have signed it before you leave class. In tracking absences, the following definitions apply: “Excused absence”: An excused absence results ONLY from a University-sanctioned activity, a family emergency, a health-related absence in which you are under a physician’s care, or an extraordinary circumstance as determined by the professor. All “excused absences” must be supported by a note from an official (physician, University official, etc.) supporting the absence. o “Excused absences” do not result in a penalty applied to your final point total. “Unexcused absence”: Anything not defined by “excused absence” above. This includes, but is not limited to: “personal” days or nonUniversity business, oversleeping, and health-related absences not supported by a physician’s note. o You are permitted TWO “unexcused” absences without penalty to your final average; more than three, see box below. For every unexcused absence beyond the TWO you are permitted, you will lose forty (40) points off your final point total. (That’s nearly 1/2 of a letter grade, folks. ATTENDANCE IS SERIOUS BUSINESS IN MY CLASSES.) SPECIAL ATTENDANCE EVENTS: EXTRA CREDIT. There will be an opportunity or two for you to earn some extra points that can bolster your final average. As a general rule, these will be posted to my website, so it is up to you to keep checking it! Late Policy. Research Proposal and Follow-Up Meeting. Unless an alternate arrangement is made with me in advance, for each WEEKDAY of lateness, 2.5 points will be deducted from the score for that portion of the assignment. If your follow-up meeting is held beyond the prescribed window, for each WEEKDAY past the window prescribed, you will lose 2.5 points from the score for that portion of the assignment. (Exceptions made if you make an alternate arrangement with me well in advance for good reason, or if you have an “excused absence” that is unforeseen.) Progress Draft and Follow-Up Meeting. Unless an alternate arrangement is made with me in advance, for each WEEKDAY of lateness, 5 points will be deducted from the score for that portion of the assignment. If over 10 weekdays (two weeks) late, the score becomes zero. Classroom Etiquette. Final Draft of Paper. Unless an alternate arrangement is made with me in advance, for each WEEKDAY of lateness, 10 points will be deducted from the score for that portion of the assignment. However, because of grade submission deadlines, the paper cannot be accepted past final exam date (May 5)— after that, the score becomes zero. Mock Conference. Since conference time is extremely limited, and missing a presentation seriously compromises the event (just like in the “real world”), missing your assigned presentation time (except in case of emergency, as approved by the professor) will result in a deduction of 20 points from that component of the assignment, and you will be re-assigned only if time permits (and, if it doesn’t, this portion of the assignment receives a zero score). Exams. I only grant makeups for absences that meet the criteria for “excused absences” above. These will be done outside of class time. A few ground rules to maximize fairness to all and to help make our classroom environment enjoyable and productive: 1. Be on time and plan to stay the whole time. Class begins at 3:00 pm and ends at 4:15 pm. (That is, don’t begin getting ready to go at 4:10— or earlier. If you’re doing that, you’re being rude to everyone in the class.) “The 15-minute rule.” Even though I can’t remember the last time this was relevant (I’m very time-conscious), you may safely assume that the “15-minute rule” is valid for this class, according to the “official time” of the classroom (usually the classroom clock, unless otherwise designated by the professor). 2. Respect other class members’ right to learn as well as your own, and do your best to keep an open mind to challenging material. This includes not having distracting conversations with your neighbor (or your online/texting buddy), not listening to your music during class time, not reading or working on non-class material during class, and always respecting others’ opinions in class conversation, even if you disagree. While you may keep your mobile on “VIBRATE” in case of emergencies, all other electronic devices (save laptops) must be turned OFF during class time. Laptops and tablets are permissible, but do NOT Facebook, Tweet, etc.— keep your activity relevant to class coverage, please. 3. During examinations, NO electronic device is permitted in the classroom, save your cell phone on “VIBRATE” and out of sight. Students with Should you require any special accommodations due to a documented Disabilities. disability, please contact the Office of Student Disability at 581-6583 as soon as possible. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to give me a copy of the “Academic Accommodations” statement no later than January 26. Booth Library. Located in the center of campus, Booth Library is the best place to do research, find expert help, or study in a calm, distraction-free environment. In addition to the many print resources, Booth provides access to high quality e-books, journals and scholarship not freely available on the Web. Stop by the Reference Desk or go to http://library.eiu.edu to explore library resources. Get expert help with your research by contacting the Booth Library reference librarians. Visit, call 581-6072, or go to http://booth.eiu.edu/ask to connect with a librarian. The Student Success Center. Students who are having difficulty achieving their academic goals are encouraged to contact the Student Success Center for assistance with time management, test taking, note taking, avoiding procrastination, setting goals, and other skills to support academic achievement. The Student Success Center provides individualized consultations. To make an appointment, call 581-6696, or go to 9th Street Hall, Room 1302. Academic Integrity. All assignments are expected to be your original work, and ALL resources you quote must be properly cited using an accepted citation method, appropriate to your discipline. (If you are in Theatre Arts, the most appropriate method is MLA.) THIS INCLUDES INTERNET SOURCES! You can always ask for help from me on citation method; that’s what I’m here for. Academic honesty, suffice it to say, is taken VERY seriously here, and any instance of plagiarism (see me if you are not clear on the definition of the word) or cheating will result in a zero for the assignment AT MINIMUM (depending on the severity of the infraction). No project will be accepted for a grade without proper documentation of sources. If I see a paper without citations, I will return it to you the next class period and you will begin losing points as per the late policy above. THIS SYLLABUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PROFESSOR. A PREFATORY NOTE ON TEXTS AND READINGS The Wilson and Goldfarb text (Living Theatre: A History, 6th ed.) serves two purposes for this course: 1. It is a reference text that provides excellent illustrations relevant to concepts we cover in the class. I will refer to such illustrations periodically in class. (As such, I encourage you to bring it regularly!) Chapter 1 (which is an Introduction), Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and select parts of Chapters 16 and 17 are all relevant to the course coverage. However, the exam material comes from lectures and class discussions primarily; don’t assume you can miss class and catch up from just reading the text. Also, as a matter of policy, I do NOT give out copies of my PowerPoints. If you miss a class, you may catch up on notes with a classmate and see me with any questions you might have. 2. It is a launching point for ideas for your research paper. You will need to browse through Chapters 10-17 to get some inspiration for topics early in the semester. There’s a good bibliography in the back for starters, too; Booth has many of these titles listed, and if not, they can be swiftly interlibrary-loaned. The Wise and Walker texts (The Broadview Anthology of Drama, Vols. I and II) and the Bedford Anthology are the primary books in which the plays we will cover will be contained. Completion of play readings should be done as per the schedule below. Make sure to bring the relevant anthology (i.e. relevant to the play under discussion) to each class. Don’t show up on a discussion day without it! You’ll be at a severe disadvantage during the discussion if you don’t have it, and repeated occurrences of not having the book handy will cost you participation points. SCHEDULE OF COURSE CONTENT AND ASSIGNMENTS Subject to change at professor’s discretion – visit my website often to check for changes Please know that covered topics may stretch between class periods specified below. Dates Key Topics Covered Readings and Assignments PART ONE. Overview of class. What a Theatre Historian does. How to think and act like one and how to navigate research sources. Brief recap of European theatre history, pre-1660. Theatre in the English Commonwealth (1642-1660). January 12 Introduction to the course and Read syllabus thoroughly prior to Jan. addressing of syllabus 12 (or ASAP thereafter if you add the questions. The practice of class late). theatre history. Brief recap of European theatre history, pre1660. January 14 Theatre practices during the Over the weekend: practice searching English Commonwealth period. Booth databases for topics suggested Introduction to research and in class. Scan over “Purdue Owl” writing strategies in theatre website. Locate the Writing Center. history. How to effectively Also read Wycherley’s The Country search academic article Wife (Wise and Walker Vol. I, pp. databases. Developing an eye for separating good online info from the “yahoos.” Judicious and effective citation of sources. Balancing rendering of sources with your own argumentation. How to sound authoritative without alienating your audience. What the EIU Writing Center can do for you. PART TWO. English Restoration Theatre. January 19 Influences. Heroic and BlankVerse Tragedies. Comedies of “Humours,” Intrigue, and Manners. Introduction to our group discussions and discussion of The Country Wife. January 21 552-604) prior to Jan. 19’s class. Today (Jan. 19) is the first day of formal attendance taking. Don’t miss the attendance sheet going around. Between the classes of January 19 and 26, meet with your discussion group as directed by the professor. Work on getting your topic in shape! Proposal and Working Annotated Bibliography due soon (Jan. 28). PROFESSOR OUT OF TOWN. Guest lecturer will screen The Way of the World. (There is a copy of the play in your Wise and Walker, Vol. I anthology, pp. 605-648, if you’re intrigued— or if you miss class!) January 26 Wrapping up discussion of Read Lillo’s The London Merchant Country Wife and talking a bit for January 28’s class. (The play is on about the Way of the World Booth Library e-reserves; instructions video. Restoration theatre for access will be given in class.) spaces, staging practices, costumes, and actors. PART THREE. Eighteenth Century Europe and Colonies/early U.S. January 28 The “transitional” (turn of 18th Proposal/Bibliography for Research century) period in England. Paper is due electronically by Overview of 18th Century. Thursday, Jan. 28 at 5 pm. FollowEnglish Domestic Tragedy and up meetings (by appointment) must Sentimental Comedy. take place the week of Feb. 1-5. Dissemination of The London Between the classes of Jan. 28 and Merchant discussion questions. Feb. 2, meet with your discussion group to discuss your assigned London Merchant question(s). February 2 Discussion of The London Merchant. English drama in the second part of the 18th century. What’s happening theatrically in the British North American colonies and early U.S. in the 18th century. Theatre practice in France, 18th Have Schiller’s The Robbers (Wise century pre- and postand Walker, Vol. I, pp. 770-832) read Revolution. Trends in Italian for Feb 9. theatre in the 18th century— especially the making “literary” of the Commedia dell’Arte. February 9 Innovations in 18th century set Between the classes of Feb. 9 and Feb. design. Trends in 18th c. theatre 11, meet with your discussion group spaces and costumes. Actors to discuss your assigned The Robbers and acting practices in the 18th question(s). c. First steps of the “director.” Dissemination of The Robbers discussion questions. February 11 Trends in drama and theatre Have Aiken’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin practice in “Germany.” (Wise and Walker, Vol. II, pp. 25-65) Discussion of The Robbers. read for Feb. 16’s class. PART FOUR. 1800-1875 Europe/US. February 16 Sociocultural background of Between the classes of Feb. 16 and Europe/US in this period. Feb. 18, meet with your discussion Romanticism, the Hernani group to discuss your assigned Uncle controversy, and the postTom’s Cabin question(s). Romantic era. “Well-Made Plays” and Melodrama. Dissemination of Uncle Tom’s Cabin questions. February 18 Discussion of Uncle Tom’s Have Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler (Wise Cabin. Popular Theatre Forms. and Walker, Vol. II, pp. 66-107) read 19th Century Scenic Design for Feb. 23’s class. innovations. 1800-1875 theatre space trends, actors and acting. PART FIVE. Rise of Realism/Naturalism (1875-WWI). February 23 Theoretical foundations of Between the classes of Feb. 23 and Realism— sociocultural and in Feb. 25, meet with your discussion the theatre world. Melodrama group to discuss your assigned Hedda vs. Realism. Dissemination of Gabler question(s). Hedda Gabler questions. February 25 Discussion of Hedda Gabler. How Naturalism came to be. March 1 Screening of extended excerpt Prepare questions for me and group from Miss Julie and discussion. for Mar. 2 session if you plan to (There is a copy of the play in come! your Bedford Introduction to Drama anthology, pp. 697-715, if you’re intrigued— or if you miss class!) Discussion of midterm exam format. Wednesday, OPTIONAL evening-before Make sure you have acquired an March 2 midterm review session, “exam booklet” from the bookstore (time to be location TBA. for your final exam if you plan on February 4 agreed upon) March 3 handwriting it. Have Jarry’s King Ubu (Wise and Walker, Vol. II, pp. 144-166) read for Mar. 8’s class. th PART SIX. Turn of the (20 ) Century Anti-Realism, Acting Styles. March 8 Symbolism: theoretical Between the classes of Mar. 8 and foundations and practice. The Mar. 10, meet with your discussion “unclassifiables” and “hybrids” group to discuss your assigned King of this time. Dissemination of Ubu question(s). King Ubu discussion questions. March 10 Discussion of King Ubu. Influential acting styles at the turn of the 20th century. March 15, 17 SPRING BREAK: No class. Over break: no assignment. Relax and have fun. (Be safe!) PART SEVEN. European/U.S. “-isms” of the 1910s. March 22 Sociocultural background of For March 24’s class, read the “The Europe/US, 1910-WWII. Futurist Synthetic Theatre” manifesto Expressionism: theoretical (Copy or URL given to you). foundations and practice. March 24 Futurism, Constructivism, Progress Draft due today (Mar. 24), Dada, and Surrealism. electronically by 5 pm. For March 29’s class, read Artaud’s “An End to Masterpieces” manifesto and his playlet The Spurt of Blood (Copy or URL given to you). Also read Brecht’s Mother Courage (Jacobus, pp. 987-1020). PART EIGHT. 1920s-1930s Europe/U.S. Theatre. March 29 Pirandello, Garcia Lorca, Follow-up meetings for progress Copeau, Giradoux, Anouilh. draft (by appointment) must be this Discussion of Artaudian theory week, March 28-April 1. Between and Blood. Bauhaus, Epic the classes of Mar. 29 and Mar. 31, Theatre, intro. to Brecht and meet with your discussion group to discussion questions for Mother discuss your assigned Mother Courage disseminated. Courage question(s). March 31 Discussion of Mother Courage. For April 5’s class, read Beckett’s US Theatre: Rise of Broadway, Krapp’s Last Tape (Jacobus, pp. the Little Theatre Movement, 1162-69) and Williams’ Cat on a Hot O’Neill, Jones/Mielziner, Tin Roof (Wise and Walker, Vol. II, revues, the Harlem Renaissance, pp. 389-438). the Federal Theatre Project. PART NINE. 1940s-1950s Europe/U.S. Theatre. April 5 Sociocultural background of Between the classes of Apr. 5 and 7, Europe/US, ‘40s/’50s. meet with your discussion group to Absurdist and Existentialist discuss your assigned Cat on a Hot theatre, discussion of Tape. The Tin Roof question(s). “Angry Young Man” movement, off-Broadway, and Midterm examination. other rebellions. Dissemination of Cat questions. April 7 Discussion of American realism and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. HUAC and the “Red Scare.” Maturation of the musical in the US. Stanislavskian acting interpretations: Strasberg vs. Adler. PART TEN. 1960s-1970s Europe/U.S. Theatre. April 12 Sociocultural background of Europe/US in this period. Redefinitions of theatre: Grotowski, The Living Theatre, The Open Theatre, Schechner/ Environmental Theatre. Reemergence of Thrust and Arena Spaces. Off-Off-Broadway Movement. Rock Musicals. Liberation and Pride Movements. Boal. Effects of Vietnam, Watergate, Détente, etc. on theatre. Dissemination of Homecoming questions. April 14 Discussion of Homecoming and continuation of April 12 topics. For April 12’s class, read Grotowski’s tract “The Theatre’s New Testament” and Boal’s “Theatre of the Oppressed” (Copies or URLs given to you). Also read Pinter’s The Homecoming (Jacobus, pp. 1289-1317). Between the classes of Apr. 12 and 14, meet with your discussion group to discuss your assigned The Homecoming question(s). For April 19’s class, read Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (Jacobus, pp. 1544-1579). PART ELEVEN. 1980s-present day Europe/U.S. Theatre. April 19 Sociocultural background of Between the classes of Apr. 19 and Europe/US in this period. Rise 21, meet with your discussion group of postmodernism. to discuss your assigned Angels in Performance Art. AIDS crisis America question(s). and theatre. Mega-musicals. Theatrical reactions to conservative surges, South African Apartheid, Japanese wonder economy, collapse of USSR, genocides, 9/11. Dissemination of Angels questions. April 21 Discussion of Angels in America and continuation of April 19 topics. Discussion of final exam format and conference. PART TWELVE. Spotlight on your research and final exercises. April 26 Allocated for Mock Conference, day one. April 28 Allocated for Mock Final, polished research paper, Wednesday, May 4 (time to be agreed upon) Thursday, May 5, 2:45 – 4:45 pm Conference, day two. Discussion of final exam format. OPTIONAL evening-before midterm review session, location TBA. Final Examination. Grades will be available by Monday, May 9 at 4 pm unless announced to be so previously. properly cited, is due electronically Friday, April 29, by 5 pm. Make sure you have acquired an “exam booklet” from the bookstore for your final exam if you plan on handwriting it.