This survey course of the dramatic literature of the past 2500 years begins with the Greek and Roman classic drama and principal Asian drama. It then examines the Christian drama of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance neoclassical drama of the early modern period, and the 18th century antecedents to the realistic drama of the 19th century. Students also explore the modern drama of the 20th century, and the global contemporary international drama of the 21st century. This is a reading and discussion course that requires students to read major plays and attend live performances of world dramatic masterpieces being performed at local theatres.