Time Schedule:
Verena Veronica Kuzmany
C LIT 240
Seattle Campus
Comparative approach to literature and a workshop in writing comparative papers in English. Emphasis on cross-cultural comparison of literary works. Readings in English with an option to read selected texts in the original languages Offered: AWSp.
Class description
20th Century Experimental Drama.
This is a composition class designed to help students become better writers through the medium of literature. The theme of the class is experimental drama. We will read representative plays from different national contexts, and analyze how theatre performances, audience involvement and aesthetic choices changed over the course of the 20th century. We will discuss German epic theatre, the French and British theatre of the absurd and its tamer North American adaptations, and how these movements reflected general trends in literary production and responded to historical events. First and foremost however, students will hone their close reading and written analytical skills. The texts (and two films) will hence provide the framework and point of departure for an intensive, workshop-style writing laboratory. Emphasis will be placed on improving interpretive skills and academic writing through discussions about texts, writing exercises, and peer editing workshops.
Student learning goals
How to write an analytic essay about one or several works of literature.
How to structure individual paragraphs, and an entire essay, step by step.
How to edit one's own writing and work with improving drafts.
How to effectively take notes about a text and draw upon them for writing.
How to close read and interpret a play.
How to read, analyze and write about a play in a comparative manner.
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
