EN 804.01 Negative Capabilities: Beckett on Stage and Screen (Fall 2011-2012: 3)
This survey course introduces the twentieth century's most influential dramatist,
Samuel Beckett, together with the dynamic field of Beckett Studies. Considering
Beckett's work as director-choreographer as well as playwright, we will
place Beckett in his theatrical as well as biographical, geographical, and
historical contexts. We will also question some of the critical mythology
that has grown up around Beckett's challenging, erudite, and darkly funny
oeuvre. Central to our investigation will be approaching Beckett as a multi-media
artist driven to explore the formal possibilities and limits of his chosen
media in order to create artworks that defy easy categorization. Texts will
include Waiting for Godot, Endgame, Happy Days, Krapp's Last Tape, Not
I, Footfalls, and Quad. Work will include a class presentation;
a short project; and a final long essay. Students will also have the option
to pursue original archival research in the Burns library. No background
in theater or performance, or previous familiarity with Beckett's work,
is required. The course will be of particular interest to Irish Studies,
but all are welcome.
Andrew Sofer
Last Updated: 25-JAN-11