A study of modern and contemporary plays in English and in translation through a close reading of texts in the light of their historical, social and political contexts. Special emphasis will be given to the developments and changes that led to the emergence of various theatrical trends.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
Course Assistant(s)
--
Schedule
--
Office Hour(s)
--
Teaching Methods and Techniques
Lectures, discussions and screenings.
Principle Sources
Henrik Ibsen, Ghosts,
Anton Chekov, The Seagull
John Osborne, Look Back In Anger
Oscar Wilde, Salome
T.S. Eliot, Murder In the Cathedral
Alfred Jarry, Ubu Roi
Pirandello, Six Characters In Search of Its Author
Artaud, The Marat/Sade
Jean Genet, The Balcony
George Büchner, Woyzcek
Eugene O’Neill, The Hairy Ape
Edward Bond, Bingo
Caryl Churchill, Cloud Nine
Other Sources
Nicoll, Allardyce. English Drama 1900-1950. The Beginnings of the Modern Period. Cambridge, 1973.
Fergusson, Francis, The Idea of a Theatre
Artaud, Antonin, The Theatre and Its Double
Styan J.L. Modern Drama in Theory and Practice, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1981 (3 Vols.)
Cassirer, Ernst. The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms. Trans. Ralph Manheim. New Haven. 1957.
Bentley, Eric, The Theory of The Modern Stage, New York, 1968.
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
2. Week
The Heritage of Realism:
Henrik Ibsen, Ghosts
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
3. Week
Anton Chekov, The Seagull
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
4. Week
New Realism
John Osborne, Look Back
In Anger
n Anger
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
5. Week
Symbolist Drama:
Oscar Wilde Salome
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
6. Week
T. S. Eliot, Murder In The Cathedral
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
7. Week
Alfred Jarry, Ubu Roi
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
8. Week
Grotesque Theatre:
Pirandello, Six Characters in Search of Its Author
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
9. Week
Theatre of Cruelty:
Artaud, The Marat/Sade
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
10. Week
Ritual Theatre:
Genet, The Balcony
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
11. Week
Expressionist Theatre:
Bücher, Woyzcek
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
12. Week
Eugene O’Neill, The Hairy
Ape
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
13. Week
Postmodern Theatre:
Caryl Churchill, Cloud Nine
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
14. Week
Edward Bond, Bingo
Discussions, presentations, report/response paper
15. Week
Final Exams Week
16. Week
17. Week
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
20
Homework / Term Projects / Presentations
2
30
Project(s)
1
30
Final Exam
1
20
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of literary texts, authors, genres and movements.
PO-2
Display a thorough understanding of literary research methodology and different critical approaches to literature.
PO-3
Analyze texts from different theoretical perspectives.
PO-4
Develop a critical understanding of literature.
PO-5
Know how to conduct independent research in English studies.
PO-6
Articulate and share interpretation of texts and contexts in carefully constructed
arguments.
PO-7
Apply precise critical terminology in the presentation of analysis and research.
PO-8
Engage in scholarly debates about their academic subjects.
PO-9
Critically examine and use the latest research materials in their academic discipline.
PO-10
Identify the ways both explicit and implicit cultural norms and assumptions affect perceptions and judgements.
PO-11
Recognize the interdisciplinary aspects of English Studies and its complex relationship with other disciplines and forms of knowledge.
PO-12
Develop a capacity to pursue academic studies at the doctoral level.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
1. Show substantial amount of knowledge regarding predominant theatrical trends and literary movements of the modern era and trace the historical outline of major developments in pre-twentieth-century drama.
LO-2
2. Analyze studied texts from different theoretical perspectives.
LO-3
3. Engage in scholarly debates about the intellectual, political, cultural and socio-historical contexts from which modern and contemporary dramatic texts have emerged.
LO-4
4. Critically examine the distinctive characteristics of plays written by modern and contemporary dramatists.
LO-5
5. Display a thorough understanding of levels of meaning in dramatic texts.
LO-6
6. Critically examine and use the latest research materials in planning integrating information and preparation of presentations and written work for the course.
