FYEC - FYEC 185-186 Madness, Death, Action! On-Stage and Off

Institution:

Randolph-Macon College

Subject:

Description:

All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts. -Wm Shakespeare, Jaques in AS YOU LIKE IT, Act 2, Sc.7 This course will examine theatrical representations and sociological explanations of personal crisis and/or relationships through reading about and watching scripted and unscripted social life both on and off stage. By analyzing action and interaction from a theatrical point of view, we will learn about theme and purpose; additionally, from the point of view of a sociologist, we'll get a sociological overview of contemporary social issues related to problems of living in society. Along the way we'll discuss the social structures in which theatrical works are created and interpreted, considering both historical and contemporary perspectives while also looking at basic theatrical practice and the responsibilities of theatrical collaborators. How, for example, could a scenic designer imagine an environment to support "madness and death," or how might a costume communicate crisis? In what social and cultural context is madness manifested or is death negotiated? We'll find out that crises, such as death and madness, are socially constructed and negotiated both on and off stage. This course will incorporate lectures, group discussions and activities, and audio-visual materials through an emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills. Active participation in class discussion and activities is expected. The out of class assignments for this course are designed to give students an understanding that performance is a reflection of culture and many of the social issues and problems in living being discussed in the class are currently, or have been, the themes of visual and performance art. The field trips/excursions will help improve their observation and analytical skills as well as give them the opportunity to make a connection between theory and their experience. Area of Knowledge requirement met: one Sociology course in the Social Sciences area, and one Drama course under Arts and Literature Area. Four hours each semester. Ms. Gill, Mr. Hillmar.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.rmc.edu

Phone Number:

(804) 752-7200

Regional Accreditation:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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