Beat By Beat Script Interpretation: Pulitzer Version

DRA2388.01
Course System Home Terms Fall 2026 Beat By Beat Script Interpretation: Pulitzer Version

Course Description

Summary

Students in this class will read a weekly selection of Pulitzer Prize winning plays and be required to analyze and explore these plays beat by beat in class discussion and weekly critical writing exercises. This is an in-depth script interpretation class in which theme, dramatic structure, arc, character development, tone, style and extensive study of the given playwrights and their influences will be explored in detail and in a way that centers the questions one would need to interrogate in order to bring these diverse and extraordinary pieces of work to life. This is not a performance class, though it is suggested for actors, directors, playwrights, designers, and students from other disciplines interested in dramatic literature.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will learn to engage and communicate through regular class discussion, inquire and research through extensive study of playwrights and playwriting, and will create critical and creative responses in project form throughout the term. They will begin to understand how to recognize structure and also, how to ask questions about what purpose the work serves.

Corequisites

Dance/Drama LAB

Cross List

  • Literature

Instructor

  • Dina Janis

Day and Time

TU,FR 4:10pm-6:00pm

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Fall 2026

Area of Study

Credits

4

Course Level

2000

Maximum Enrollment

16

Course Frequency

Once a year