Department of English

This course examines Western and Asian theatre history, dramatic literature, and performance, from the Renaissance to the mid-19th century.  We will view theatre in the context of the broader urban, artistic, social  and political backgrounds that gave rise to them.  Encompassing multiple cultures and traditions, it will draw on a variety of kinds of readings and viewings, designed to locate the play, playwright, trend or concept under discussion within particular socio-historical contexts.  The evolution of written and performed drama, theatre architecture, design and scenography will be examined in tandem with the evolution of various nationalisms, population shifts, and other commercial and material forces on theatrical entertainments.