Fall 2004 Monday/Wednesday - 2:00-3:15 PM Mary Foust - Ashby Parlor
University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Department of Classical Studies
Instructor: John H. Starks, Jr.
Instructor: John H. Starks, Jr.
Synopsis: The core of this course is a detailed look at Greek and Roman comedy as passed on to us in the primary sources of classical literature (Greek - Aristophanes; Roman - Plautus and Terence). But the script of a play does not make it comedy. Comedy is drama, first and foremost, so alongside the texts from the ancient world, we will examine ancient theater structure, masks, costuming, actors and acting, festivals, artistic representations, minor comic genres (mime, farce, satiric verse), and most of all LIVE PERFORMANCE. Comedy must be read, seen and heard to be truly funny. Most unique to this course is the required public performance of Aristophanes' Feminist Phantasmagoria(Thesmophoriazousai), on Thursday evening November 4 and Saturday afternoon November 6.
VIDEO CLIPS of COMEDIES AND PERFORMANCE SCRIPTS WITH LYRICS AND SOME SONG LINKS
Texts, Course Requirements, and Grade Distribution 2004 Honors 2002
Daily Assignments/Syllabus 2004 Thesmophoriazousai Honors 2002 New Comedy Revue 2003 Ekklesiazousai
Student Learning Goals:
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
1. Describe certain aims and methods of artistic and
intellectual expression in Greek and Roman comedy, and visual arts related
to classical theater.
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of Greek and Roman
comedy as an art form that expresses cultural values important to Greeks and
Romans,
and sensivity toward how
their cultural traditions have shaped our diverse society.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of artistic
expression in the process of self-understanding and continue learning about
the arts,
welcoming new knowledge and insight.
4. Evaluate information and interpret writing about Athenian
Old Comedy and Greek and Roman New Comedy.
5. Write and speak clearly, coherently and effectively
about comic performance and the impact of comedy on yourself and society.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnections
and sensitivity to cultural differences among the Greeks and Romans and
other
comparative societies.
7. Locate, interpret and evaluate information about the
Greeks and Romans.