Stages of Justice: Law and Society in the Work of August Wilson

WL ARTS C271 - Stages of Justice: Law and Society in the Work of August Wilson

Seminar, six hours. Reading, discussion, and analysis of the storytelling and issues of social justice and the law in the influential Century Cycle works of visionary poet and playwright August Wilson. Explored works examine issues of race, class, and gender justice in each decade of the 20th century, and include Gem of the Ocean (1900s), Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (1910s), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (1920s), The Piano Lesson (1930s), Seven Guitars (1940s), Fences (1950s), Two Trains Running (1960s), Jitney (1970s), King Hedley II (1980s), and Radio Golf (1990s). Reading and reflection also on related essays in I Ain’t Sorry for Nothin’ I Done: August Wilson’s Process of Playwriting by theater scholar, practitioner, and critic Joan Herrington. Concurrently scheduled with course C271. P/NP or letter grading.

World Arts and Cultures

School of the Arts and Architecture

World Arts and Cultures/Dance

WL ARTS C171 - Stages of Justice: Law and Society in the Work of August Wilson

Prepare and facilitate participatory collaborative group presentations and workshops

Research and share possibilities for expanding social justice through the arts

Practice public speaking by analyzing creative writing and critical justice issues

Deepen understanding of social justice through the lens of influential theatrical writings

Develop critical literacy and analytical skills by responding to noted 20th century texts

General Catalog

Stages of Justice: Law and Society in the Work of August Wilson

WL ARTS C171

5 units