Special Topics in Popular Music: Survey of Musical Theatre

This course introduces nonmajors to the history and artistry of musical theatre through viewing, listening, reading, and discussion. We will trace selected developments from early American musical entertainment through the Golden Age and into contemporary Broadway. Twelve musicals serve as case studies in how music, lyrics, dialogue, dance, design, and performance tell stories and reflect the societies that produce them. No ability to read music or perform is assumed in the instructional design.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:
1. Identify major developments in musical theatre and place representative works in historical sequence.
2. Explain how songs, lyrics, dialogue, movement, and design contribute to character and storytelling.
3. Analyze how musical theatre represents race, gender, class, national identity, and belonging within a historical context.
4. Compare musical theatre forms and distinguish choices made for stage, concert, and film presentations.
5. Support an interpretation with specific performance evidence and communicate it through writing, recorded presentation, and peer discussion.