Seltzer Asks Upper Level Drama Class

Daniel Seltzer, associate professor of English and originator of Humanities 4, the new Gen Ed course on the literature and practice of drama, said yesterday he is contemplating the proposal of a small-enrollment course for more intensive study of drama.

Characterizing the new course as a large scale seminar or tutorial," Seltzer said it would involve studying "two or three works of dramatic literature in great detail, reading about 15 more which could enlarge the understanding of the major texts, and then choosing one play or production."

Because participation in a production could be required of students in the new course, Seltzer said, an audition as well as an application would probably be necessary for admission.

Everyone Participates

The new course could escape the difficulties presented by Hum 4's large (83 members) and unwieldy enrollment, Seltzer pointed out. "Everyone in the course could participate in the production connected with it," he said. "And don't mean by distributing posters."

Satisfied with Hum 4

Although Seltzer emphasized that he satisfied with the progress of Hum 4 this year, he pointed out that one "should not limit a lower level Gen Ed course to the number appropriate to this project. Which I would say should be 30 people." I don't think Hum 4 should be dropped," he said, "I think we need both courses."

To Propose the Course

Seltzer said he was not sure when he would propose the course. After being proposed under a particular department, English or Humanities, for example, the course would have to be approved by the committee on Educational Policy.

"I would want to discuss it carefully with other faculty members interested the drama at Harvard," Seltzer said.