User:Amyehughes/sandbox/Course description

Course description
In this course (the second half of a two-semester survey of Western theater history), we will explore theater practice and drama from the Restoration to postmodernism, examining scripts, theory, audiences, theater architecture, scenic and costume design, and acting styles in light of the social and cultural conditions that influence theatrical literature and performance. All students must complete a significant research project during the course (35% of grade), either 1) an academic research paper addressing a significant and original research problem, following the conventions associated with a conference paper; or 2) a Wikipedia project, in which students will create or substantially edit one or more pages on Wikipedia about notable individuals, historical periods, and/or aesthetic movements in theater history, citing at least ten secondary sources. This course page is designed for students who choose the second option.

Wikipedia has quickly become a "go-to" resource for people looking for information about various subjects. But since Wikipedia entries are written and peer-reviewed by a wide range of people (not all of whom are scholars), their quality and accuracy ranges widely. During this project, you will draw on your research in order to improve substantially at least one Wikipedia article, thereby increasing access to accurate information about theater history.

After completing this project:


 * You will have increased your knowledge about several topics in theater history
 * You will be better able to assess and critically read information posted on the Internet
 * You will be more familiar with the social/editorial conventions, formatting, and programming associated with wikis generally and Wikipedia specifically
 * You will be a better writer—the transparency and flexibility of wiki technology allows you to see the strengths and weaknesses in your own writing, to hone your skills as a researcher and editor, and to give and receive help from other members of the Wikipedia community.

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