8/25/2000
Drama and Film
On the surface, plays and films might seem to have much in common, and,
in fact, they often do. But the two forms of expression are distinct.
Each has its own strengths and limitations; each says what it means to say
by using the ways most suited to its form. In this course, we will
explore the ways in which similar themes are developed in the two forms.
We will discuss and read aloud in class scenes from plays. Wednesday
meetings will be scheduled only when we screen a film. Seven films are
scheduled. Each will be discussed on the Thursday following the
screening and perhaps beyond. As much as possible, we will try to build
connections among the plays and films we study.
Anyone enrolling in this course should expect to be active in
discussions and should be ready to read parts from plays. Each
student will also write two papers (3 to 5 pages each) in response to
specified problems and will write a few shorter, less formal essays
or exercises. A mid-term examination and a final examination are
both probabilities as of this writing on July 9, 1996.
For Fredonia students not majoring in English, this course may be used
to fulfill part of the II B requirement of the General College Program.
The textbook will be the Harcourt Brace Anthology of Drama, 2nd
edition. Among the films we will view and discuss are Michael Radford's The Postman,
Jean Renoir's A Day in the Country, Laurence Olivier's Hamlet, Woody Allen's Purple Rose of Cairo, Neal Jordan's The Crying Game, and Zhang Yimou's Raise the Red
Lantern.
I also offer a course in Introduction to Film.
My office is Fenton Hall 264. Phone: 716 673 3588.
You can reach me by e-mail at:
James.shokoff@fredonia.edu
Other courses I teach regularly are: