ENGL 285 - Playwriting and Textual Analysis

Cross-Listed as THDA 242

Students will read a variety of plays that exemplify structural and genric concerns of writing for live performance: tragedy; comedy; the courtroom drama; farce; experimental, others. Students will elaborate their own interests in these forms through a series of time-bound conventions: the 3-minute, 10-minute and ultimately one-act form. In-class exercises and prompts, and small-group workshopping and reading will challenge writers’ development. A mid-term and final playreading series will allow students to hear their work read in a supportive public setting. Offered alternate spring semesters. (4 Credits)