ABOUT THE WRITING ASSIGNMENTS:
These assignments have two parts. In one part you are asked to make an academic study of some aspect of the play; this is strictly based on what you find in your reading assignment and how the play deals with it. In the second part, you are asked for a personal reaction. The first part should constitute 2/3rds of the assignment and you are expected to keep the two parts seperate. The first part is an objective response; the second is subjective.
All assignments should be submitted via the Digitial Dropbox as a Microsoft WORD document formatted as follows:
- FONT: 12 Point, Times Roman
- MARGINS: One Inch (1")
- LENGTH: Minimum of 300 words
- LINE SPACING: Double-Spaced
- NO EXTRA SPACE BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS
- TITLE PAGE: With the title and number of the assignment your name, course name, instructor's name, and date submitted
OPTIONAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT:
For any ONE of the following writing assignments you may rent and watch a film version of the play and compare it to the script of the play, discussing what was added, what was left out, and why you feel one was better than the other.
W E E K 1:
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Read: Introduction (Pgs. 2 – 17) and “Trifles” (Pgs 18-24)
Assignment: Define the 'Mistake' in ‘Trifles’ and discuss whether or not you agree with your textbook's explanation of "Mistakes and Conflicts" and "Audience Awareness." Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon July 7th)
W E E K 2:
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Read: Pgs. 44 – 55
Assignment:
Describe how “Oedipus” (Pgs. 56 - 86) exemplifies the classic Greek drama and discuss why you feel it is a pertinent story, even today. Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon July 14th)
W E E K 3:
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Read: Pgs 216 - 220, 258 - 266, & 371 - 377
Assignment: Explain why ‘Hamlet” continues to be produced and performed
and discuss the aspects of the play you find most relevant today. Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon July 21st)
W E E K 4:
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Read: Pgs. 548 – 552 & 583 - 588)
Assignment: Explain what was 'modern' about ‘A Doll's House” (Pgs. 553 - 582) and whether or not you believe the circumstances Ibsen describes are still in existence. Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the
play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon July 28th)
W E E K 5:
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Read: Pgs 804 - 805 & 843 - 846
Assignment:
Discuss whether or not Willie Loman in "Death of a Salesman" (Pgs. 806 - 841) fits the requirements of the classic definition of a tragic hero and whether or not that definition and Willie's character hold up today. Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon August 4th)
W E E K 6:
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Read: Pgs. 917 – 924, 1313 - 1314 & 1342 - 1343)
Assignment: Select the role of one of the characters (Troy, Jim, Rose, Lyons, Gabriel, Cory, or Raynell) in “Fences” (Pgs. 1315 - 1341) and explain how that character contributes to the theme of the play. Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the
play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon August 11th)
W E E K 7:
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Read: Pgs. 1218 – 1224 & 1247 - 1250
Assignment: Explain how "True West" (Pgs. 1225 - 1247) accomplishes (or doesn't) Shepard's goal of being "a play about double nature, one that wouldn't be symbolic or metaphorical or any of that stuff. I just wanted to give a taste of what if feels like to be two-sided..." Then discuss whether or not you got to "feel" "what if feels like to be two-sided." Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon August 18th)
W E E K 8:
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Read: Pgs. 1399 - 1405 & 1439 - 1441
Assignment: Explain the extent to which "Angels in America" (pgs 1406 - 1438) relies on "theatrical illusion." Discuss the impact, if any, this play had on your personal views regarding homosexuality. Make sure you support your case with specific examples from the play.
(Due: No later than 12:00 Noon August 25th)
