Philosophy of Theater, Fall 20
UGS 302, Philosophy of Theater (66410)
2-3:15 PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays, FAC 406
Paul Woodruff
Contact information: or call Ms. Theresa Lane at 471 7497.
Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-5 P.M. in WAG 331.
Attendance. No penalty for the first unexcused absence; after that each absence costs three points from the final grade average on a scale of 100.
We will cancel some daytime classes to give time for evening activities.
Some classes will be re-scheduled in the evening as play readings over dinner. We will try to fit everyone's schedule, but if we can't fit yours, you are excused.
We will also try to attend two plays in local theaters during the semester.
This course will have a final examination as scheduled by the registrar.
Religious holidays. These are always a good excuse for absence.
Students with disabilities. Let me know early in the semester if you need accommodation.
Academic integrity. I expect you to write your own papers and to cite your sources. See handout on how to avoid plagiarism.
Textbooks. You must use the assigned editions, so that page numbers and translations will be the same. The list is attached.
Requirements.
Two short papers (500 words each, or two typed pages)—5% each, due September 16 and October 7.
One medium length paper(1500 words, or six typed pages)—20%. Draft due no later than November 11. Final version due December 2.
One oral presentation, based on the medium paper—15%, to be scheduled at your convenience.
Revisions of papers as needed; assume that you will have to revise each paper at least once.
Library assignment—5%
Theater attendance—5% (plays and dates to be announced)
Mid-term test—15%, October 16.
Final exam—20%, date TBA
Participation—10%
Deadlines. Late papers lose 3 points per day, unless they carry a well-crafted excuse. Papers will be accepted up to 5:00 PM on the due date, in my mailbox either in WAG 316 or FAC 406.
FS 301, Philosophy of Theater (66410)
Calendar
1. Definition of theater, August 28
2. September 2-4. Euripides’ Bacchae.
3. September 9. No class 9/11. Selections from Plato’s Republic (386a-398a). See the handout, “How to read philosophy.”
4. September 16-18. Selections from Plato’s Republic (595a-607a); the Apology of Socrates from The Trials of Socrates.
First short paper due September 16, 5 PM. See handout “How to write a philosophy paper.”
September 21, 6:00 PM. 3204 Cherry Lane, 472 3785. Albee.
5. September 23-25. Albee, The Goat.
6. September 30, October 2. Aristotle’s Poetics.
7. October 7-9. Aristotle’s Poetics.
Second short paper due, October 7, 5 PM.
8. October 14-16. Mid-term exam, October 16.
9. October 21-23. Shakespeare, Dream.
10. October 28-30. Nietzsche, selections (TBA).
November 2, 6 PM, play reading: Ionescu.
11. November 4-6. No class November 6. Ionescu, The Bald Soprano.
12. November 11-13. No class November 13. Aristophanes, The Clouds. From The Trials of Socrates.
Draft of longer paper due no later than November 11, at 5 PM.
Library assignment due no later than November 11, at 5 PM.
13. November 18-20. O’Neill, Long Day’s Journey.
14. November 25. (Thanksgiving is November 27.)
15. Conclusion, December 2-4. Final draft, longer paper, December 2.
UGS 302
Philosophy of Theater
Unique 66410
Paul Woodruff
All are required and all are paperback. Instructor requests that students buy new books. Only these translations may be used.
AuthorTitleISBNCopyright
Woodruff, Paul.Euripides, Bacchae0-87220-392-11998
Hackett Publishing Co
Albee, EdwardThe Goat10-158567-647-02006
Tusk Books (Overlook Press)
Reeve, C.D.C.The Trials of Socrates0-87220-598-42002
Hackett Publishing Co
ShakespeareA Midsummer Night’s Dream 97804515269601998
Ed. ClemenSignet Classic
O’Neill, ELong Day’s Journey97803000930562002 Yale University Press
Kaufmann, WNietzsche, Birth of Tragedy and the Case of Wagner
10: 03947036931967
Vintage Books
Malcolm HeathAristotle, Poetics978-0-044636-4
Penguin1996
Grube and ReevePlato, Republic0-87220-136-81992
Hackett Publishing Co.
Tina HoweIonesco, The Bald Soprano and The Lesson
10: 0802143180 2007
Grove Press