Introduction to Musical Theater

Is a survey and analytical look at musical theater, specifically in the United States. A brief history of the origins of musical theater -- including areas such as passion plays, opera, operetta and other related media -- is covered. The course emphasizes the development of American musical theater beginning with the operetta and early minstrel shows through the Broadway hits of the Twentieth Century. Additionally, this course introduces students to the art of critique in regard to musical theater. Students view several film versions of musicals to understand the societal influences that brought them about, as well as investigate the lives and careers of several major contributors to American musical theater. The course is neither a comprehensive study of the history of theater, nor is it a technical course in production, direction and performance.