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Christopher Balme

Learn how theatre and globalization have affected each other over the past century, and how to conduct your own research on global theatre histories.

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Syllabus

Definitions, Methods, and Resources for Writing Global Theatre Histories
Introductions with definitions of "theatre" and "globalization"; conceptualizing 'global theatre histories'; overview of online resources for researching the history of theatre during the late 19th and 20th centuries.
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Examines the impacts of globalization on theatre and vice versa, providing historical context
Strong emphasis on the historical impact of global forces on theatre

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Reviews summary

Exploring theatre history and globalization

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive look at theatre and globalization from the late 19th and 20th centuries. Students appreciate the insightful analysis of how theatre has been shaped by and reflected global processes, including migration, political rivalries like the Cold War, and the emergence of modern forms like megamusicals. The course provides valuable methods and resources for conducting original research in global theatre histories. Its academic approach is well-suited for those interested in historical and theoretical perspectives, though some seeking practical skills might find it less aligned with their goals.
Course is theory-heavy.
"It's a very academic course, which fits my interests well."
"The theoretical concepts were well explained and challenging."
"If you want deep historical/theoretical context, this is it."
Explores key themes deeply.
"The module on migration and theatre was particularly insightful."
"Understanding theatre during the Cold War was a key takeaway."
"Analyzing theatre spaces as cultural hubs provided a unique perspective."
Teaches research techniques.
"I feel better equipped to conduct my own research now."
"The methods and resources shared were really useful for academic study."
"This course helped me understand how to approach global theatre history research."
Covers specific history period.
"The course gave me a solid grounding in late 19th and 20th century theatre history."
"I learned about the major global theatre developments of the last century."
"It focuses on a specific historical timeframe, which I found helpful."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Theatre and Globalization with these activities:
Review the book "Theatre and Globalization" by Christopher Balme.
Provides an in-depth understanding of the concepts and theories surrounding theatre and globalization.
Show steps
  • Read the book "Theatre and Globalization" by Christopher Balme.
  • Summarize the main arguments of the book.
  • Evaluate the book's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Write a review of the book.
Start a blog or website about global theatre.
Provides a platform for students to share their knowledge and passion for global theatre.
Show steps
  • Choose a name for your blog or website.
  • Set up your blog or website.
  • Write and publish your first post.
Research theatre history and download the results.
Reinforces concepts of theatre and globalization through hands-on research.
Show steps
  • Find a topic in theatre history that interests you.
  • Research the topic using online resources.
  • Download the results of your research.
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Write a script for a short play that explores a global theme.
Provides an outlet for students to creatively apply their understanding of global theatre themes.
Show steps
  • Choose a global theme to explore.
  • Develop characters and a plot that reflect the theme.
  • Write a draft of the script.
  • Revise and edit the script.
  • Share the script with others for feedback.
Follow a tutorial on how to write a research paper on global theatre.
Improves research and writing skills and provides guidance for writing academic papers on global theatre.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on how to write a research paper on global theatre.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial.
  • Write a draft of your research paper.
  • Revise and edit your research paper.
  • Submit your research paper.
Create a video essay that analyzes a global theatre performance.
Enhances critical thinking and analytical skills by requiring students to analyze and interpret a global theatre performance.
Show steps
  • Choose a global theatre performance to analyze.
  • Research the performance and its context.
  • Develop a thesis statement for your essay.
  • Write a script for your video essay.
  • Record and edit your video essay.
Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Assists in retention of course material and prepares students for assessments.
Show steps
  • Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Organize the materials.
  • Review the materials regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete Theatre and Globalization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
University Lecturer
University Lecturers teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing guidance and instruction in their chosen field of study. They may also conduct research, publish papers, and attend conferences. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for University Lecturers who want to broaden their understanding of theatre history and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to develop new teaching materials and to engage with students in discussions about the impact of globalization on theatre.
Museum curator
Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as acquiring, preserving, and interpreting museum collections. They may also conduct research, publish papers, and give lectures. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Museum Curators who want to develop exhibitions on the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre has been used to represent and interpret global events.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for acquiring, preserving, and making accessible historical documents and artifacts. They may also conduct research, publish papers, and give lectures. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Archivists who want to develop archives on the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different types of documents and artifacts that can be used to document the history of theatre.
Cultural Anthropologist
Cultural Anthropologists study the cultures of different societies, past and present. They may conduct fieldwork, interview people, and analyze data in order to understand how different cultures work. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Cultural Anthropologists who want to study the role of theatre in different cultures. The course can help them to understand how theatre is used to express cultural values, beliefs, and practices.
Historian
Historians research and write about the past. They may specialize in a particular period of history, a particular region, or a particular topic. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Historians who want to study the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre has been used to represent and interpret global events.
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Journalists who want to report on the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Librarian
Librarians help people to find and access information. They may work in public libraries, academic libraries, or special libraries. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Librarians who want to develop collections on the history of theatre and its relationship to globalization. The course can help them to understand the different types of resources that are available on this topic.
Teacher
Teachers instruct students in a variety of subjects, including English, Math, Science, and History. They may work in public schools, private schools, or charter schools. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Teachers who want to teach about the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Writer
Writers create written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. They may work for a variety of employers, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and publishing houses. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Writers who want to write about the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Editor
Editors review, edit, and revise written content. They may work for a variety of employers, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and publishing houses. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Editors who want to work on content related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Producer
Producers oversee the production of films, television shows, and other media content. They may work for a variety of employers, including studios, networks, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Producers who want to work on projects related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Director
Directors oversee the production of stage plays and films. They may work for a variety of employers, including theaters, film studios, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Directors who want to work on projects related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Actor
Actors perform in stage plays, films, and other media content. They may work for a variety of employers, including theaters, film studios, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Actors who want to work on projects related to the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Playwright
Playwrights write stage plays. They may work for a variety of employers, including theaters, publishing houses, and independent production companies. A course on Theatre and Globalization can be useful for Playwrights who want to write plays about the arts and culture. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.
Theater Manager
A Theatre Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a theatre. They are responsible for managing the staff, budget, and marketing of the theatre. They also work with the artistic director to plan the season's programming. A course on Theatre and Globalization may be useful for Theatre Managers who want to develop a better understanding of the global theatre landscape. The course can help them to understand the different ways in which theatre is used to represent and interpret global events.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Theatre and Globalization.
This (2021) edited collection includes essays from over 50 contributors exploring global theatre and performance. Owing to its large number of contributors, this comprehensive volume offers a wide-ranging set of perspectives and case studies that will supplement the course's materials.
This introductory textbook (2019) provides a broad overview of theatre and performance. It offers a solid foundation in theatre studies that will help students new to the discipline.
This textbook (11th edition, 2016) provides a comprehensive overview of theatre history, theory, and practice. It would be a helpful reference for students taking this course.
This classic work (first published in 1968) by renowned theatre director Peter Brook explores the nature of theatre and its relationship to the audience. It must-read for anyone interested in theatre.
This seminal work by Augusto Boal (first published in 1979) explores the potential of theatre as a tool for social and political change. It would provide students with a valuable perspective on the role of theatre in society.
This important study (1998) explores the ways in which Shakespeare's work has been interpreted and performed in postcolonial contexts. It would provide students with a valuable perspective on the global reach of Shakespeare's work.
This (2009) monograph provides a comprehensive overview of theatre in Latin America. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in the global reach of theatre.
This (1995) study explores the relationship between theatre and politics in Africa. It would provide students with a valuable perspective on the role of theatre in postcolonial societies.
This (2012) volume provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese theatre history. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in the global reach of theatre.
This (2016) handbook provides a comprehensive overview of Chinese theatre history and theory. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in the global reach of theatre.

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