This module explores some key developments in modern drama from the nineteenth century to the twenty-first. It also examines some of the representations of those plays in television and film.

The first half of the module will discuss the development of ideas and definitions of modern drama both in theory and practice. It begins by considering some key European dramas and discussions of the role and function of drama in society. The focus of the module will then turn to plays representative of twentieth-century trends in British and American theatre. We will pay close attention to the engagement of that theatre with cultural and historical events and to the development of an ideal of drama as a national art.

- discuss drama, theatre, and performance from a variety of critical perspectives

- demonstrate a clear awareness of historical developments and trends in dramatic presentation

- engage critically with individual dramas to explore such issues as class, genre, language, race, nation, and gender

- develop critical skills in note-taking and independent research

- formulate unique argumentative conclusions that synthesize a reading of individual texts with a consideration of larger issues discussed in class

The module will consist of two lectures and one one-hour seminar per week. Lectures will provide students with an introduction to social, cultural, and historical context. They will provide an overview of key critical approaches to these texts, and a close analytical reading of individual works.

Students will be expected to come to class prepared and to have read and thought about the plays in advance of lectures. Film clips will be subtitled whenever this is possible and appropriate. It will not be possible to provide transcripts or audio-described versions of the clips or to post clips on Learning Central.

This module will develop and practise skills in close reading, note-taking, and independent scholarly research. It will encourage students to build upon their ability to formulate and articulate an informed analytical opinion. Students will be encouraged to contemplate the connections and tensions between the texts studied, and to formulate original arguments around that relationship. In so doing, they will develop their ability to synthesize information and to push ideas into independent, informed conclusions. Employability skills that will be developed in this module include the ability to synthesize information, problem-solve, write argumentatively and convincingly, and research independently.

One essay of 3,200 words. The module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the module guide. There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

In accordance with University regulations, students are allowed two attempts at retrieval of any failed essay, for a maximum module mark of 40%.  Resit assessments are held over the summer.

The main texts to be discussed in this module are books and films.

Primary texts (any edition is acceptable):
Henrik Ibsen, Hedda Gabler
August Strindberg, Miss Julie
George Bernard Shaw, Candida
Terence Rattigan, The Deep Blue Sea
Samuel Beckett, Happy Days
Harold Pinter, The Homecoming
Tennessee Williams, Suddenly Last Summer
Sarah Kane, Phaedra’s Love
Suzan-Lori Parks, Topdog/Underdog
Jez Butterworth, Jerusalem

Excerpts from the following may be shown and discussed in class:

Miss Julie
The Threepenny Opera
Separate Tables
Brief Encounter
Happy Days
The Homecoming
Working with Pinter
Suddenly Last Summer
The Deep Blue Sea
Holiday Inn
The Jazz Singer