Drama is exciting and learning about Drama is even more exciting! Join professional actor and playwright Kevin O’Brien as he leads us through a brief survey of the History of Drama, showing how Drama expresses and enlightens the Human Spirit!
Total Classes: 12
Prerequisite: None
Suggested Grade Level: 7th to 8th grade
Suggested Credit: One full semester of English or Drama.
Instructor: Kevin O'Brien
Course Description: From its beginning in ancient Greece and from its inception in England in the context of the liturgy, drama has always been about man's relation to God (or "the gods"). This survey course will examine some of the great works of drama and comedy, focusing on how dramatic art grapples with the question of the meaning of life and the revelation of God in the human heart.
Course Outline:
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Class One: An Overview of Theater from Ancient to Modern Times
Class Two: Tom Thumb
Class Three: A Tale of Mystery and Professor PalladiumClass Four: A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen
Class Five: A Doll's House pt. 2Class Six: Modern Catholic Drama
Class Seven: The Surprise by G.K. Chesterton
Class Eight: The Surprise pt. 2
Class Nine: Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco
Class Ten: The Little Saint of the Poor by Kevin O'Brien
Class Eleven: The Little Saint of the Poor pt. 2
Class Twelve: Conclusion and Review
Course Materials: Will be provided free by the instructor in the form of PDF's and eBooks; scenes from filmed versions of the plays will be shown during class time.
Homework: Each play should be read before that week's discussion of it. Frequent short quizzes, consisting of multiple-choice and essay questions. This should take no more than 3 to 4 hours per week.
Answer Keys: No answer key is required for this course, as quizzes are automatically graded by Moodle. Essays can either be graded by the instructor (if instructor access is purchased) or parents can grade essays themselves.
- Teacher: Kevin OBrien