DR30420 - MODERN EUROPEAN DRAMA

Module Identifier

DR30420

Module Title

MODERN EUROPEAN DRAMA

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Dr Karoline Gritzner

Semester

Semester 1

Pre-Requisite

Successful completion of Part 1 Drama.

Course delivery

Lecture

10 x 1 hour

Seminars / Tutorials

10 x 1 hour

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Essay 1 (2,500 words)	45%
Semester Assessment	Essay 2 (2,500 words)	45%
Semester Assessment	Class Contribution	10%
Supplementary Assessment	Essay 1 to a new topic	45%
Supplementary Assessment	Essay 2 to a new topic	45%

Learning outcomes

Typically, upon completion of this module a student will be able to:

demonstrate knowledge of the relation between their reading and viewing of modernist theatre texts of the period covered in the module (late 19th century to mid 20th century) to broader historical developments of performance modes (Realism, Expressionism, Epic Theatre, etc.).
participate knowledgeably in debates (written and oral) about the relationship between theatrical theory and practice.
critically read dramatic texts as indicators of complex theatrical events.

Brief description

This module focuses on a selection of 19th and 20th century European theatre texts in order to examine a variety of performance modes, theatre practices and dramatic theories.

Aims

To introduce students to significant developments in theatrical theory and practice in Europe from the onset of realism to the 1960s.
To develop appropriate methods of analysing specific texts, chosen because they manifest significant differences in theatrical method.
To examine how drama serves as a means of mediating the social discourse of a given time.

Content

1.   IBSEN, Ghosts
2.   MAETERLINCK, Pelleas and Melisande
3.   CHEKHOV, Uncle Vanya
4.   STRINDBERG, A Dream Play
5.   PIRANDELLO, Six Characters in Search of an Author
6.   LORCA, Yerma
7.   BRECHT, Galileo
8.   GENET, The Balcony
9.   WEISS, Marat/Sade
10. Conclusion

Module Skills

Problem solving	NOT DEVELOPED
Research skills	Students will demonstrate the results of individual research in the form of essays.
Communication	Communication skills will be developed in seminar sessions (class contribution).
Improving own Learning and Performance	Students will receive feedback on class contribution and written assignments.
Team work	Group discussions in seminars will develop group work skills.
Information Technology	IT and information handling skills will be demonstrated in students' individual research (library and web-based) and in their written work (word processing).
Application of Number	NOT DEVELOPED
Personal Development and Career planning	Students will have the opportunity to explore specific areas which reflect and strengthen their individual career needs.
Subject Specific Skills	Students are encouraged to develop the use of a critical and analytical vocabulary in their written and oral response to the module contents.

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
BRECHT, Bertolt Galileo
CHEKHOV, Anton (2005) Uncle Vanya Methuen Student Edition
GENET, Jean The Balcony
IBSEN, Henrik Ghosts (in Plays One) Methuen
Lorca, Frederico Garcia transl. Gwynne Edwards (2007) Yerma Methuen Student Edition
Maeterlinck/Debussy (1982) Pelleas and Melisande Calder
PIRANDELLO, Luigi Six Characters in Search of an Author
STRINDBERG, August A Dream Play (in Plays Two) Methuen
WEISS, Peter Marat/Sade
** Recommended Background
Brandt, George (ed.) (1998) Modern Theories of Drama
Dukore, B.F. (1974) Drama Theory and Criticism
Elam, K (1983) The Semiotics of Theatre and Drama
Fischer-Lichte, Erika. (2004.) History of European drama and theatre /Erika Fischer-Lichte. Routledge 0415180597
Pavis, P (1982) Languages of the Stage
Pfister (1988) The Theory and Analysis of Drama
Szondi, P (1965) The Theory of Modern Drama (trans. M. Hayes 1987)

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6