Retired 12/31/2008: Reading and discussion of representative plays, ranging from classical to modern drama, with some attention to dramatic and theater criticism. Students will be able to use relevant critical terms in their analyses of plays, will analyze and interpret individual works, and will become familiar with such dramatic genres as tragedy, comedy, melodrama, and farce. Students will write effective analyses and interpretive (expository) essays on plays and their conventions. Written work includes essay exams and several formal essay assignments (totaling 9-12 pages), in addition to any reading journals, class notes, or other informal responses. A research paper is generally not required. All written work must meet the usual standards for college-level writing, be clearly and coherently presented and substantially free of surface errors. Students may be asked to read aloud and attend one or more plays.