First Year Students

Defining the "American Dream"

Simpson Colloquium SC-101 V  - Defining the "American Dream"
M W F 10:20- 11:20AM

In this course we will attempt to understand the American Dream by looking at the role 20th century American playwrights played in both forming and renouncing it. By studying the works of such authors as Arthur Miller, Edward Albee, Susan Glaspell, Tennessee Williams, and August Wilson we will investigate the lives of the characters that inhabit many of their plays and ask the questions: What is it they are struggling for? What drives them to achieve their goals? Exactly whose American Dream are they trying to achieve? Is the American Dream a myth? We will begin the semester by asking ourselves what the idea of the American Dream means to us individually and why? At the end of the semester, we will re-examine that question and explore how our concepts may have been altered by the analysis of these plays.

Meet Your Professor
Ann Woldt, MFA
Assistant Professor of TheatreAnn Woldt

ANN WOLDT

… is an Assistant Professor in the Theatre department at Simpson College where she has taught classes in Acting, Oral Interpretation and Discovering Theatre for 15 years. Recent directing credits include, The Glass Menagerie, Pride and Prejudice and Spring Awakening .

   In addition to teaching and directing, Ann has worked as a professional voiceover artist for the past 14 years where she has been featured in numerous national, regional, and local radio and television commercials as well as documentaries and books on tape.

Ann holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a BA in Theatre from Olivet College. 

Ethan NewmanMeet Your Destination Leader
 Ethan Newman 

Hey! My Name is Ethan Newman and I will be the Destination Leader for the class “Defining the American Dream” with Professor Ann Woldt.  I will be a junior in this upcoming year where I will continue to pursue my double major in Mathematics and Theatre. I stay very involved on campus participating in math competitions, Intramurals, and the many performances in the theatre. When I am not busy with my activities, I love to hang out with my friends, watch movies, and play games.

I come from the cultured town of Fairfield, Iowa. I was very active in music and theatre at Fairfield High School with Large Group Speech Team being one of my favorite experiences. I have two brothers and a great family with which I love to spend time. In addition to school and family, I also work on a pony farm where I get to enjoy the outdoors and a little hard labor.

I am very excited to be a Destination Leader next year as I really look forward to helping with your transition to college. I am a very open and friendly person who enjoys hanging out with anyone and everyone. I can be found on Facebook and email and am more than excited to respond. It is going to be a great time next year and I can’t wait to meet the new students! 

Meet Your Writing FellowJoshua Zieman
Joshua Zieman

Greetings and salutations, my name is Joshua Zieman and I will be your Writing Fellow for the class “Defining the American Dream” with Professor Ann Woldt.   I will be a junior in this upcoming year.   I am a History and Political Science major who is also involved in theatre.   I enjoy theatre, Humans versus Zombies, Reacting to the Past history games, and the Non-Monopoly club (it’s a board game playing club where we play any game except Monopoly).   When I am not studying, getting ready for a production, or doing any of the above mentioned activities, I love hanging out with friends, watching the Daily Show and Colbert Report, and running.

I come from the Newton, Iowa, the former home of the Maytag Corporation and current home of the Iowa Speedway.   My most pleasant high school memories involve theatre, jazz band, choir, speech team, and future problem solvers.   I have an older sister who is currently in a Ph.D. program at John Hopkins University for Biochemistry.   Oh, and I’m an Eagle Scout, just don’t expect me to remember any of the knots (well except the square knot, I can remember that).
I am incredibly excited to be your Writing Fellow next year and assisting you with your transition to college.   I can be found on Facebook and email and I would be glad to answer any questions you might have.   Next year is going to be super exciting; thanks for coming along on the ride, and see you soon.  

Last Updated: 4/16/12