1. |
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Introduction to the Course Introduction to the American Drama
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ntroduction to the course in general such as evaluation, assignments and textbooks?
The historical development of the American Drama since the colonial period to the present |
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Introduction to the Course Intro
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ntroduction to the course in general such as evaluation, assignments and textbooks? The historical development of the American Drama since the colonial period to the present |
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2. |
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Arthur Miller
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The literary world of Arthur Miller. His ideas of theater. Miller's essay, "The Tragedy and the Common Man."
Death of a Salesman Act 1: general introduction (theme, character, setting etc.) |
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Arthur Miller
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The literary world of Arthur Miller. His ideas of theater. Millers essay, "The Tragedy and the Common Man." Death of a Salesman Act 1: general introduction (theme, character, setting etc.) |
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3. |
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Death of a Salesman Act 1
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Death of a Salesman Act 1
The themes to consider: the individual vs. society; the value of Willy Loman; the reality vs. fantasy; the present vs. past; the family issue(Linda, Biff, Happy) |
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4. |
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Death of a Salesman Act 1
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Death of a Salesman Act 2: Who or what is responsible for Willy's fall? His value? society? capitalism? social system? his family? |
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5. |
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Death of a Salesman Act 1; Requiem
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Death of a Salesman Act 2“ Requiem.
What's wrong with Linda and Happy?
Is Willy a tragic figure? Is there hope in the play? |
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6. |
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Death of a Salesman
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Review: American dream, industrialization, urbanization, the value of the Normans, the universal appeal, family drama. |
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7. |
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A Streetcar Named Desire Scene 1-3
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The literary world of Tennessee Williams: the general introduction (theme, character, setting, symbols etc.) A Streetcar Named Desire Scene 1-3. The themes to consider: the conflicts between Old South and New South; South and North; a man and a woman; reality and fantasy. The character analysis: Stanley, Stella, Blanche, Mitch |
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8. |
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A Streetcar Named Desire Scene 4-7
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A Streetcar Named Desire Scene 4-7: symbols, language, values. Do you sympathize with Blanche? or Stanley? What is Blanche's major problem? |
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9. |
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A Streetcar Named Desire Scene 8-11
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A Streetcar Named Desire Scene 8-11: Who is responsible for the fall of Blanche? How shall we interpret the ending? How do you think of Stella's choice in the end? |
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10. |
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M. Butterly : The Literary World of David Hwang
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The general introduction (theme, character, setting); the historical, cultural backgrounds of the play. Comparison to Puccinni's Madame Butterfly. M. Butterly Act 1 |
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11. |
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M. Butterly Act 1
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M. Butterly Act 1: East vs. West, man vs. woman, reality vs. fantasy. Is Gallimard's misunderstanding of Song just a problem of one man? or does the play dramatize the general phenomenon of the western world? |
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12. |
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M. Butterly Act 2
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M. Butterly Act 2: from an individual to the global issues such as the Vietnam war. The other historical incidents to consider: the Chinese cultural revolution, the student revolution in France |
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