CLLC L210: SINGING AND DANCING AMERICA: AMERICAN SOCIETY, CULTURE, AND POLITICS THROUGH STAGE AND SCREEN MUSICALS (3 credit hours, A&H)
Instructor: Tom Robson, Ph.D. Candidate in Theatre & Drama
Meeting Times: Monday & Wednesday 11:15-12:05, Thursday screenings 7:00-9:30 (arrangements can be made if a student is in rehearsals)
The American musical comedy has endured for well over a century, adapting to meet the shifting needs and tastes of the American public. As such, the musical affords us an opportunity to examine these shifting audience perspectives. How have musicals, both on stage and on screen, challenged societal assumptions and prejudices over their lifespan? Through reading and screening musicals from both stage and screen, this course asks students to analyze these reflections of societal concerns and values. Course assignments will include weekly online responses, one research paper, one presentation, and an end-of-semester final project. Artwork is often a strong window into the beliefs of a society, yet the musical has often been derided as too frivolous for study. This course will capitalize on the very popularity that causes scholars to dismiss the musical to show how the form reveals a great deal about American culture.
Musicals to be discussed will range from Show Boat to The Producers, from Grease to South Park. Special attention will be paid to issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Please e-mail instructor Tom Robson at trobson@indiana.edu with any questions.
