A course in Renaissance theatre offered within the general studies curriculum at Rhode Island College introduced students to the field of Jacobean and Elizabethan drama and to the dramatic arts, provided opportunities for students to help produce and act in scenes from several plays, and revealed to them the importance of vivid and detailed writing (through their journal entries describing and criticizing rehearsals and performances). This paper discusses the course in detail and with examples, including a profile of the college student body; the method of approach, which recognized that most of the students were majoring in fields other than English or speech/theatre; the professor's role as discussion leader, critic, and guide; the evaluation of performances using videotape; and the students' achievements as well as their reactions to the course. (JM)