THTR 180 - FS: First-Year Seminar

Credits: 3

Fall 2015, THTR 180-01: First-Year Seminar: Scum and Villainy: A History of Theatre through the Characters We Love to Hate (3). First-Year Seminar. Prerequisite: First-Year class standing. This seminar examines the idea of villains and villainy as it is reflected in dramatic literature. Through readings and discussions, we come up with our own ideas about how the significance of villains has changed over time – sociologically, historically, psychologically, and as a source of entertainment. We look at the ways theatre history both reflects and affects changes in our ideas about “bad guys”. A combination of frequent shorter writing assignments and two longer papers allow students to hone their writing skills while reflecting on larger questions of good and evil. (HA) Levy. Planned Offering: Offered occasionally. Each first-year seminar topic is approved by the Dean of The College and the Committee on Courses and Degrees. Applicability to FDRs and other requirements varies.