Science in the Theatre and on Film

Professor Vince LiCata Department of Biological Sciences

This course will focus on reading and discussion/analysis of science-based theatrical plays and films. Plays will be the primary emphasis, such that the course content ratio for the two genres will be about 80% plays, 20% movies. Texts to be studied will be fiction and creative non-fiction plays that have high scientific content, or underlying scientific content that is critical to the work. The course will examine how authors (including some of playwriting’s most recognized authors) have incorporated real scientific concepts or real science into stories that still make for compelling performance. Classical science fiction will not be included.