DRAMA 564 A: Theatre Studies: History, Theory, Criticism

Course Information

DRAMA 564A: Text Analysis

Instructor: Nikki Yeboah (Links to an external site.)

DRAMA 564: Text Analysis

Class schedule: M 2:00pm - 4:50pm (PST) 

Winter Quarter 2022 Course Syllabus

Email: nyeboa@uw.edu 

Office Hours: By appointment 

LINK TO SYLLABUS

(NOTE: syllabus may change as the quarter progresses depending on students' needs. Below is the 12/20/21 version. Refer to above link for most recent version)

Course Objectives

The course in script analysis involves exposure to analytical and interpretive techniques used to study play scripts in order to better produce them on the stage. An informed and thorough reading of a script is essential in the creation of a vital and meaningful theatrical performance. Therefore, this course is designed to provide students with a practical method for analyzing stage scripts in preparation for production. Each analysis performed will be based on a close reading of each script and can be used by all theatre collaborators including directors, designers, actors, dramaturgs, and technicians. 

Learning Outcomes 

• Be able to carefully read a stage script in order to unlock the clues that serve as a springboard for engaging in the imaginative act of directing, designing or acting in a particular work.
• Critically analyze, evaluate and describe a dramatic work and its underlying structural elements and deeper message(s).
• Demonstrate a richer basic knowledge of dramatic literature and be able to place a theatrical work in its historical, social and political context. 
• Write and present on a scholarly script-analysis-based paper.
• Have a set of analysis tools that can be applied to any type of stage script.

Required Text and Materials: 

Textbook: 

Rush, David. A Student Guide to Play Analysis (Southern Illinois University Press; 2005).

Dramatic Texts: I have placed all books on course reserve at the Odegaard Library

Milk Like Sugar by Kirsten Greenidge

Straight White Men by Young Jean Lee

An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

Mother Courage and her Children by Bertolt Brecht

The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse

List of Submissions (in order of deadlines)

Deadlines Submissions

Ongoing Reading Reflections (3x7 classes = 21 pnts)

Ongoing Collaboration/Participation (2x8 = 16 pnts)

Ongoing Facilitated Class Discussion (20 pnts)

2/25 Final Project Draft (10 pnts)

03/07 Final Project (33 pnts)

Assignment Breakdown (all assignments are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise noted)