Detailed analysis of Chekhov's poetics of theater through close reading and discussion of his major plays . Application of his theater poetics to his prose writings for their adaptation for stage.

The course is divided in two main parts: 1). the reading and discussion of Chekhov's four major plays--The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard with the special emphasis on Chekhov's poetics of drama and his contribution to the development of the world theater of the twentieth century. The discussion of the plays will be supported by the discussion of the production of these plays on Russian and Western stage. 2). Reading and discussion of Chekhov's short stories in their relation to his dramatic works. As their final project, students will be asked to write an adaptation of one of the stories for stage.

Lectures and classroom discussions, plays and stories reading, and viewing videotapes of theater productions. Oral reports on the part of the students. Term paper and a script.

Anton Chekhov, the plays
Anton Chekhov, selected short stories
A selection of Chekhov's writings on theater.