T/Th 11:00AM – 12:20PM
Dr. Mark Raider
This course offers a thematic and inquiry-based approach to the history of American show business, referred to colloquially as “showbiz.”
While introducing students to historiographic practices, the course investigates a variety of theatre productions including minstrel shows, operas, operettas, and Broadway musicals from the nineteenth century to the present day.
It pays close attention to the social, cultural, and historical context of these productions as well as the composers, lyricists, producers, directors, choreographers, and performing artists who contributed to their development.
The course utilizes interdisciplinary materials in order to underscore multiple intellectual and methodological approaches to the subject.
The main themes and issues of the class are covered through a series of lectures and/or presentations, reading, writing, and film viewing assignments, and discussions and activities.
