At its best, theatre helps us understand who we are; it can explain, examine, ridicule, or celebrate the human condition. Gender is a fundamental aspect of personal and social identity. It is a biological, psychological, and cultural category of paramount importance. In addition, gender is often a criterion for social stratification and differing political treatment, as well as a favored symbol for expressing essential values and beliefs. This course examines specific examples of the representation of women on the American stage, focusing on what this dramatic literature says and implies about women. The course illuminates ideas about the "nature" of women and the changing perceptions of their roles in both the family and society throughout the last 100 years. The course also addresses how these changes impact the role of men in American society. Prerequisite: any 100-level VUSM course or transfer student placement. LDW, LA