shawn paul evans

THTR 204 Study Abroad: Swedish Theater

Course Description:

This four-credit, spring term, study-abroad course examining Swedish Theater provides students the opportunity to develop a method for critically analyzing a theatrical production with an emphasis on the extent to which the Swedish cultural and social context impacts the production. Aristotle describes theater as the imitation of human action. As artists create their unique imitation of human action, their culture, environment and personal experience influence their work. Students will learn to identify the critical elements of a country’s cultural identity and how theatrical performance reflects the elements of a particular cultural identity. Students will study both historical and contemporary theater production in Sweden, along with the political, economic and social influences that shape the country’s theatre productions. Students will have the opportunity to work one on one with Swedish theater students and experience the educational environment, rigor and professional orientation of a Swedish theatre-training program. By the end of the course, students will hone their ability to analyze critically and gain an appreciation of the influence of culture on theatrical expression.