Modern Drama OpenCourseWare: A Free Bachelor Level Modern Drama Course by MIT

Published Feb 13, 2009

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Study works of written drama and their effects on culture in 'Modern Drama,' an OpenCourseWare offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This free online course covers the works of many successful playwrights and explores the social circumstances surrounding the time periods in which they were written. This course is beneficial to individuals seeking a bachelor's degree in Theater, English or Creative Writing.

Modern Drama: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Modern Drama: Course Description

This OpenCourseWare teaches drama as literature. Students examine works by a variety of playwrights, including Tennessee Williams, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. These writings reflect various social, political and cultural leanings of different periods over the last 100 years. Professor Diana Henderson brings these leanings to focus by presenting questions on character relationships, race issues and political systems. Users of this OpenCourseWare write essays based on samples of on-campus student work. Students gain additional insight into the course material by watching several films recommended by Professor Henderson.

Sample essays, discussion questions and a complete reading list is available online for free download. Students interested in this OpenCourseWare should visit the 'Modern Drama' course home page.

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