This half-year course will serve as an introduction to theater studies representing a variety of cultures. Texts and accompanying films will reflect a myriad of genres, and styles. Writers may range from traditional to contemporary. Students may be asked to compare a variety of works simultaneously, and will examine how dramatic works tell stories and reveal characters and themes through literary analysis, discussion, and response. A variety of acting techniques may be explored, which would give students opportunities for in-class performances. A portion of the semester will be devoted to studying theater history so that students understand the context of modern theater traditions and practices.