This course (different each time) explores one or more distinctive theatrical genres such as tragedy or comedy; melodrama, satire or farce; or plays of distinctive theatrical types, such as experimental ensembles, theatre of the absurd, solo performance, documentary theatre or same-sex plays. Since theatrical genres and theatrical types come into being because playwrights respond to historical necessity by visualizing specific world views, the course presents a study of the role and function of the theatre within societies as a response to historical, psychological and spiritual forces. (Theatre Studies B)