This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Drama is exciting and learning about Drama is even more exciting! Join professional actor and playwright Kevin O’Brien as he leads us through a brief survey of the History of Drama, showing how Drama expresses and enlightens the Human Spirit!
Total Classes: 12
Duration per class: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested Grade Level: 7th to 8th grade
Suggested Credit: One full semester of English or Drama.
Description
From its beginning in ancient Greece and from its inception in England in the context of the liturgy, drama has always been about man’s relation to God (or “the gods”). This survey course will examine some of the great works of drama and comedy, focusing on how dramatic art grapples with the question of the meaning of life and the revelation of God in the human heart.
Outline
Class One: An Overview of Theater from Ancient to Modern Times and Scenes from Shakespeare
Class Two: “The Libation Bearers”
Class Three: Medieval Mummers Plays
Class Four: “As the Globe Turns”
Class Five: Scenes from “Julius Caesar”
Class Six: Commedia Dell’arte
Class Seven: “The Forced Marriage”
Class Eight: “A Doll’s House” Part 1
Class Nine: “A Doll’s House” Part 2
Class Ten: “Rhinoceros”
Class Eleven: American Musical Theater
Class Twelve: Conclusion and Review
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Will be provided free by the instructor in the form of PDF’s and eBooks; scenes from filmed versions of the plays will be shown during class time.
Homework: Each play should be read before the following class. There are frequent short quizzes, consisting of multiple-choice and essay questions. This should take no more than 3 to 4 hours per week.
