2009 Courses

Courses for January Term 2009

DRAM 332: The Art of Dress: Conformity and Individuality[3]

Gweneth West, Professor

The Art of Dress: Conformity & Individuality ~ Ever wonder why men wear khaki pants and blue blazers? They are conforming to a long standing tradition established by "Beau" Brummel, arbiter of men's fashion in the early 19th century. We will explore such external influences on the fashion choices you make and the expression of identity you create for a public world in the 21st century. Examination of your own wardrobe and study of the history of dress serves as grounding for research into selected garments from The Collection of Historic Dress housed in the costume department of the Department if Drama This unique experience of working with extant garments dating from c.1830-c.1965 provides insight into these early periods of American history and the people who inhabited these clothes. You will work in collaboration with the professor and your peers to develop your research projects and articulate your discoveries. The course will culminate in an oral presentation of your results.


DRAM 346: Mask Performance in Theatre [3]

Marianne Kubik, Assistant Professor

Prerequisite(s): DRAM 341 or DRAM 344 or Permission of Instructor

This studio course will focus on the significance of mask technique to character, and on developing the skills necessary for effective mask performance. Our study will begin with a very basic neutral mask and move toward the most complex of masks: the performer's own face. To develop these skills, we will utilize the neutral mask, two and three-dimensional character masks, the countermask and the half mask from Italian street theater's commedia dell'arte. With discussion on the history and significance of the mask in performance, focus will be on the practical application of mask technique, to uncover a personal awareness of one's alignment and physical habits while striving to learn how to utilize the universal signals of the body in performance without the use of the face.