Page to Stage

Subjects

English and Theatre

Faculty

Chrissy Calkins Steele and Dr. Jeff Steele

Program Summary

“What a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason! how infinite in faculty!” ~Hamlet, Act 2 scene 2

This program examines the ongoing philosophical question; What does it mean to be “human?” With Shakespeare’s Hamlet as the fundamental study text, the course explores the humanistic themes of the play from two perspectives—theatre and literature. We will be looking at the central question from within the perspectives of our multiple roles as citizens, artists, critics and free-range thinkers. This program is for students who are willing to cross boundaries, to explore both literature and theatre and see how the two work together in a dynamic partnership.

Renaissance Themes with Dr. Jeff Steele introduces students to Hamlet and to a range of English and Italian renaissance literature including Machiavelli’s The Prince and Michel de Montaigne’s Essays. These writings not only introduce students to the world of the European Renaissance and the rise of humanism, but shed light on Shakespeare’s thinking as we find direct links from his reading to some of the dialogue of his play(s).

Acting I with Chrissy Calkins Steele will be approaching this question, “What does it mean to be human,” through performance. How do you bring a text to life in the classroom and in performance? In the acting class, students learn the fundamentals of acting and bring dramatic literature to life through ensemble exercises, improvisation, and scene work.

The Integrated Learning Course develops organizational and time management strategies, and research, writing, and discussion skills. It culminates in a final research paper and a group project that links all three courses. We also will be attending at least two live theatre performances. One of these field trips will most likely be an overnight trip to Chicago.

Courses

• ENGL 178: FYE: Renaissance Themes | 3 SH (GEH) MWF 3:20–4:10 p.m.
• THEA 101: FYE: Acting I | 3 SH (GEA) MW 12:55–2:10 p.m.
• GEN 101: FYE: Int Learn: Page to Stage | 3 SH MWF 2:20–3:10 p.m.