DRAMA: BRITISH DRAMA
English
3348.001
Fall
2006
Dr.
David Mead
In this course, we will read and view
productions of selected representative plays from the Medieval Period through
the end of the 19th Century (excluding plays by Shakespeare: take English 4304
for plays by the Bard of Avon). Our
goals are three: to develop a through
acquaintance with some major works of dramatic literature in English, to
develop an understanding of important themes and concerns in British Drama, and
to improve critical and writing skills.
To achieve these goals students should read the assigned work carefully in advance of class discussion, attend
class regularly and participate in the discussion, and complete all assigned
work satisfactorily.
Please note that we view videotaped
performances of many of the plays we read in the course. If you miss a class in which a video is
shown, please attempt to view it the
My office is Faculty Center 288. My office phone number is 825-2360. I will be in and around my office MWF from 10
to 11, and TTh from 9:30 to 11. I will
be in my office from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on class meeting nights. I will also be available by appointment if
you can't come see me during regularly scheduled hours.
Course
Requirements: Satisfactory performance on two essay
examinations; satisfactory class performance; and satisfactory completion of
all other assigned work (e.g. critical essays, reaction papers, pop
quizzes). Students will write a 100-150
word response paper for each play, turning it in at the beginning of class the
day the work is first discussed. Late
work will not be accepted unless arrangements have been made in advance of the
due date. Excessive absence (more than
3) is grounds for grade reduction at my discretion.
Please note that our FINAL Examination
is scheduled for FRIDAY, December 8, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Required
Texts:
1. The Genius of the Early English Theater,
ed. Barnet, et al.
2. John
Webster, The Duchess of Malfi, ed.
Brennan.
3. The Revenger’s Tragedy, ed. Gibbons.
4. Congreve,
The Way of the World, ed. Gibbons
5. to be determined later
6. Goldsmith,
She Stoops to Conquer
In addition to these books, I will
distribute copies of the following plays -- Jonson's The Alchemist and Gilbert's Patience. These plays were not readily available in
economic editions. All are required
reading in the class.
This class assumes you have completed the
University Core requirements in Composition and Literature. If you have not yet obtained a signed degree
plan from your Academic Advisor and Faculty Advisor, you should see your
Academic Advisor immediately; degree plans are important.
I look forward to an interesting and
enjoyable term with you. These plays we
are reading are delightful, in my opinion, so we should have some fun. Think histrionically!
CLASS SCHEDULE
Aug 23 Course
Introduction. Read The Second Shepherds
Play, Abraham and Isaac.
30 Early
Drama and the Mystery Plays: View The Second Shepherds Play. Discuss plays.
Read Everyman.
Sep 06 View
and discuss Everyman. Read Dr.
Faustus.
13 Discuss
Dr. Faustus. Read
The Revenger's Tragedy
20 Discuss
The Revenger's Tragedy. Read The
Duchess of Malfi.
27 View
and discuss The Duchess of Malfi. Read
The Alchemist.
Oct 04 Discuss
The Alchemist. Take-home essay Exam 1 distributed.
11 Lecture. Take
Home Essay Exam 1 Due at beginning of class. Read The Way of the
World.
18 View
and discuss The Way of the World. Read The
Beggar’s Opera.
25 View
and discuss The Beggar's Opera. Read The
School for Scandal.
NOV 01 View
and discuss The School for Scandal. Read She
Stoops to Conquer.
08 View
and discuss She Stoops to Conquer. Read
Patience.
15 View
and discuss Patience. Read The
Importance of Being Earnest.
22
TBA
29
View and discuss The Importance of Being Earnest.
Last Class meeting before Exam
Dec 08 FINAL
EXAMINATION ON FRIDAY
evening. 7 - 9:30 p.m.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: It is very important that you read your material before the scheduled class discussion.