EGL 310 - Jr. Seminar (Winter): The American Dream on Stage

Course Units: 1

ATH-305 (Winter; Venning) This course is an examination of the ways the quest for the American Dream has been portrayed-and frequently critiqued-in plays written by notable American playwrights. From Arthur Miller and Lorraine Hansberry to Lin-Manuel Miranda and Matthew Lopez, playwrights have questioned the promises of our (relatively) young nation: the idea that through positivity and hard work, we can all achieve a life of liberty and happiness. Some of the topics explored in these plays include ideals of American exceptionalism, pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps, individualism, and personal identity. Furthermore, we will work to understand how works from diverse writers address crucial interactions between literature, theatrical performance, race, culture, gender, sexuality, and American society today. Plays will be read in pairs, emphasizing differing perspectives on similar themes. Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite for 300-level courses: one 100-level and two 200-level English courses or instructor’s permission CC: HUL, HUM