History of American Musical Theater

Dr. Diane Howard

Class Outline:

Week 1- Ballad Opera, Ministrel Shows, Vaudeville, Burlesque, Extravaganza, Revue
Week 2- Operettas
Week 3- Music and Musicals of the 30's & 40's: Jerome Kern, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin,
Rogers & Hart, Cole Porter
Week 4- Rogers and Hammerstein Musicals
Week 5- Lerner and Loewe Musicals
Week 6-7 Musicals of the 50's, Discuss Chap. 1-4
Week 8-9 Musicals of the 60's, Discuss Chap. 5-10
Week 10-11 Musicals of the 70's,Discuss Chap. 11-16
Week 12 Musicals of the 80's, Discuss Chap. 17-20
Week 13 Musicals of the 90's
Semester Review

Creative Projects- to be assigned weekly

Grading- Pop quizzes, tests, and a final examination are to be given. One third of each student's grade is to be based on quizzes, tests, and the final exam. Two thirds of each student's grade is to be based on class presentations and discussions of reading.

Objectives-Students will be able to trace the development of American musical theater. Students will be able to discuss elements of musical theater through American history such as characterization, theme, plot, theater style, music, spectacle, and choreography.