| CODE | THS2200 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Theatrical Texts | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Theatre Studies | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The development in the writing of the theatrical text underwent a series of major changes throughout the centuries. This study-unit examines the changes in perspective of theatre through key theoretical texts that were written in specific moments of theatre history. These are examined as a pattern in the development of this specific element of the theatrical act. Theoretical writings are examined with a view to understanding how playwriting was conceived at particular historical periods. This study-unit examines the shift in meaning of 'text'. It shows how in particular historical periods the concept of text is extended to include the actor鈥檚 work, and how this will eventually lead to the concept of a text without words, or questions the notion of character or plot. Forms of text such as bourgeois drama, melodrama, epic theatre are examined. Theories and corresponding plays will be the mainstay of the study-unit. Plays of various periods will be studied in the light of the theories elaborated at the time and contrasted to other periods and theories. Study-Unit Aims: - introduce students to the nature and role of text in theatrical practice. - allow them to familiarize themselves with essential theoretical texts from Western and non-Western theatre history in relation to writing for theatre. - Give students tools to enable them to read theatrical texts as structures which generate meaning in particular performance contexts and as examples of the development of theatrical and textual conventions. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: Analyse, contextualise, and problematise theoretical and philosophical texts; - Link theoretical and philosophical texts with dramatic and performance texts; - Adopt a synoptic approach when considering the writing of texts on paper and in space 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate skills in sophisticated thought, self-reflection, and independent learning; - Demonstrate communication and presentational skills in writing, debate, and peer presentations; - Demonstrate skills in teamwork and research project organisation; - Carry out research using appropriate research methodologies. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: M. Carlson. 1993. Theories of the Theatre: expanded edition (London: Cornell University) [available as e-book] M. Sidnell, ed. 1991-1994. Sources of Dramatic Theory Vol I-II (Cambridge: CUP) [available] D. Gerould. 2000. Theatre, Theory, Theatre: The Major Critical Texts from Aristotle and Zeami to Soyinka and Havel (New York: Applause) [ordered] Supplementary Readings: C. Burroughs and J. Ellen Gainor, eds. 2023. The Routledge Anthology of Women's Theatre Theory and Dramatic Criticism (London: Routledge) G. Odom. 2017. World Theories of Theatre (London: Routledge) Various playtexts will be assigned as readings during the study-unit. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Seminar and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Vicki Ann Cremona |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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