RUSS 203: RuSSiAn DraMa
Wheaton College - Norton, Massachusetts - Russian

MW 12:30-1:50
Mars / Meneely 302
Françoise Rosset
RUSSIAN 203 is an English-language survey of modern Russian theatre, including some opera and ballet. It is open to students at any level. .... No knowledge of the Russian language is assumed, nor is it needed.

Our readings cover a variety of short to full-length plays from the classic pieces of Pushkin to plays by contemporary women playwrights. We will read eight plays and some shorter pieces, do a brief history of Russian theatre and its traditions in directing and set/costume design, and discuss famous Russian theatres. Readings include works by Pushkin, Gogol', Ostrovsky, Chekhov, Kharms, Erdman, Shvarts, Aitmatov, Petrushevskaia, and Nina Sadur.

ASSIGNMENTS || IMAGES

TEXTBOOKS and other class materials
Four books to be purchased at the bookstore:

  • Gogol, Nikolai. Gogol Plays and Petersburg Tales. at bookstore
  • Ostrovsky, Aleksandr. Four Plays -- optional, includes our reading, The Storm.
  • Chekhov, Anton. The Plays of Anton Chekhov. at bookstore
  • Erdman, Nikolai. The Suicide. at bookstore
  • Other plays will be on reserve/electronic reserve. They include but are not limited to two of Pushkin's Small Tragedies, Shvarts's The Dragon, Aitmatov's The Ascent of Mt Fuji, Sadur's The Weird Old Woman.

CLASSES
are conducted in English and center on the discussion of readings and a few viewing assignments. Students' main responsibilities are: attending class [you may have up to two absences, excused or otherwise]; completing all assignments; actively participating in class discussions. And writing all written work/quizzes/papers/tests.
Because this class is about drama, we will approach some of our materials and devote some of our time to acting and performance, or production issues.

 GRADES will be determined as follows

  • 20% class: attendance, preparation, participation, presentations
    (half of this, or 10% of your total grade, is reserved for index cards and possible presentations)
  • 20% all short papers and writing: 10 pages total
  • 20% two in-class tests
  • 20% final exam
  • 20% performances and project
INSTRUCTOR
Françoise Rosset, Department of Russian
Office and phone: Knapton 002, x3696
e-mail: frosset (frosset@wheatonma.edu)

 

 

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This page created and maintained by FR, frosset@wheatonma.edu. PICTURE: Aleksandra Exter, Costume design for Salome.
Created: 9/02
Modified: 1/07