Comparative Literature 497T - ST- Greek Tragedy/Stage&Screen

This course explores the cultural practice and institution of classical Greek tragedy as practiced by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, and it examines modern cinema's engagement with and adaptation of important plays from that tradition. We will study ten plays in translation to examine the structure of tragedy and its cultural, religious, and political function in fifth-century BCE Athens. The reading of each tragedy will be paired with the screening of at least one cinematic adaptation. Students will examine various theories and practices of adaptation and reception, deepen their understanding of the artistic and expressive nature of the cinematic medium, and gain competence in the formal analysis of film.