Special Topics in Advanced Theatre Studies (340-0-20)

Topic

Religious/Spiritual Drama: Embodied Expressions of

Instructors

Peter Civetta

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 215: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

What, exactly, is religious drama? To approach this topic, we must first come to some understanding of what the term means. Does religious drama deal with spiritual themes, involve scriptural characters, or necessitate performance in a church? This course seeks to debunk some of the stereotypes around this genre by expanding how it has been used in theatrical history. Through close readings of plays as well as detailed explorations in their cultural contexts, we will seek to get a better understanding of how religion, spirituality and theatre work together through a notion of embodied expressions of belief. In this way, we will explore three different categories of religious drama as a means of understanding the varied contexts of its usage. Through our readings and discussions, we hope to leave will a clearer ability to extract and understand themes around belief and agency in theatre.

Registration Requirements

Pre-req: 160-2 or any first year writing seminar
Graduate students may register with a permission number

Class Materials (Required)

Digital course packet
No cost

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Open to students who have completed their first year or THEATRE 160-2.