WMST 234 - Women in American Musical Theater

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as DRAM 234) This course focuses on the role of female characters in the American Musical Theater. The musical is both a populist and nonconventional form of drama, as such it both reflects contemporary assumptions of gendered behavior and has the potential to challenge conventional notions of normative behavior. Through an examination of librettos, music, and secondary sources covering shows from Show Boat to Spring Awakening the class will examine the way American Musicals have constructed and represented gendered identities. The class is organized thematically and will also consider issues of race, class, and sexuality as they intersect with issues of gender. Ms. Walen.

Prerequisites: DRAM 221/DRAM 222 or WMST 130.

Two 75-minute periods.