Module Identifier DR30320  
Module Title THEATRE IN SOCIETY  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Professor David I Rabey  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 1 hour  
  Seminars / Tutorials   10 x 1 hour  
  Lecture    
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam 2 hour written exam 55%
Semester Assessment assessment of class contribution via presentations and seminar discussion10%
Semester Assessment 2,500 word written assignment  35%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours  55%
Supplementary Assessment Assessment of class contribution via presentations and seminar discussion  10%
Supplementary Assessment 2500 words written assignment  35%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- To demonstrate an intelligent awareness of the different ways in which theatre incarnates social debate.

- To show an awareness of the political implications of analytical positions in relation to theatre.

- To co-operate as part of a group in presenting an argument in the analysis of course material.

Brief description

This is a course of directed reading and weekly discussions, focusing on texts by theatre practitioners, theorists and critics which outline several different approaches to the relationship between theatre and society.

Aims

Content

1.Tragedy and the Spirit of Terrorism: Taylor, Boal, Baudrillard, Hozic, O'Toole, Monbiot
2. Popular Theatre and Community Theatre: Subsidy and Separatism: McGrath, Jellicoe, Wilson
3. Theatre of Catastrophe and Radical Elitism
4. Theatre of the Oppressed and the Rainbow of Desire programme
5. Women's Theatre
6. Gay and Lesbian Theatre
7. Explicit Body Performance
8. Theatre, Art and Nation
9. Barba's Third Theatre
10. Conclusion: Theatre in Crisis?:

Module Skills

Problem solving Class discussion, written assignments and examination essays * Identify problems * Identify factors which might influence potential solutions * Develop creative thinking approaches to problem solving * Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of potential solutions * Construct a rational proposal in response to a problem  
Research skills Independent Project Work * Understand a range of research methods * Plan and carry out research  
Communication Oral Discussion/ Presentation Writing in an Academic Context * Read in different contexts and for different purposes * Write for different purposes and audiences * Speak in different contexts and for different purposes (inc presentation and discussion) * Listen effectively. Level 3 Critically review, consolidate and extend a systematic and coherent body of knowledge, utilising specialised skills across an area of study; critically evaluate new skills and exercise significant judgements on a range of situations; accept responsibility for determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
Aston, E. (1994) An Introduction to Feminism and Theatre London: Routledge
Barba, E. (1995) The Paper Canoe London: Routledge
Barker, H. (1997) Arguments for a Theatre (3rd ed) Manchester: Manchester UP
Boal, A (1994) The Rainbow of Desire London: Routledge
Delgado and Svich (eds.) (2002) Theatre in Crisis? Manchester UP
McGrath, J. (1981) A Good Night Out London: NHB
Schneider, R. (1997) The Explicit Body in Performance London: Routledge
** Recommended Text
Barker, H. ((2004)) Death, The One and the Art of Theatre Manchester: Manchester U P
Bharucha, R. (1994) Theatre and the World London: Routledge
Boal, A. (2002) Games for Actors and Non-Actors (2nd ed.) London: Routledge
Goodman, L (ed) (1998) The Routledge Reader in Gender and Performance Routledge
Hall, P. (1999) The Necessary Theatre London: NHB
Harvie, Jen (2005) Staging the UK Manchester UP 0719062136
Jellicoe, A. (1987) Community Plays (currently out of print but in library)) London: Methuen
Kershaw, B. (1992) The Politics of Performance London: Routledge
Lucas, I. (1994) Impertinent Decorum London: Cassell
McGrath, J. (2002) Naked Thoughts that Roam About London: NHB
Pavis, P. (1992) Theatre at the Crossroads of Culture London: Routledge
Shade, Ruth (2004) Communication Breakdowns University of Wales
Watson, I. (1993) Towards a Third Theatre London: Routledge
Wilson, A. (2001) The Ground on Which I Stand London: NHB

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6