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Modern and Contemporary Drama (ENGL20030)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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This subject is a study of the major developments in 20th and 21st century theatre and drama within the cultural and historical context of aesthetic modernism and modernity. It starts with the anti-realist manifestos of Bertolt Brecht and Antonin Artaud, and the theatrical innovations of Samuel Beckett, to consider the key intellectual and artistic upheavals of modern theatre and drama. The subject then turns to the impact of women dramatists from the social realism of Shelagh Delaney and the political force of Caryl Churchill, to the experiential theatre of Sarah Kane in the 1990s. The subject concludes with a section on 21st century advances in theatre that engage with virtual reality, global war and social satire.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the concepts and practices of modern and contemporary drama;
- apply high level critical and conceptual thinking to weigh up arguments about dramatic texts and theatrical performance;
- articulate the relationship between modern and contemporary drama and the complex social, historical and cultural contexts that produced them;
- work effectively in a team and interact with peers and develop;
- collaboration and leadership skills; and
- work with independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet the goals and challenges of theatre studies, as active participants in cultural life and the workforce.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:
- demonstrate sound and independent critical and ethical thinking in their choice of materials and processes; and
- present written and oral communication to a professional standard regarding their treatment and material choices.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- Either a creative play presentation or a tutorial presentation equivalent to 1,500 words (40%), due during semester
- A 2,500-word essay (60%), due during the examination period
- Hurdle: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Denise Varney Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours: a 1-hour lecture and a 1.5-hour tutorial per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
- Bertolt Brecht, The Caucasion Chalk Circle, Methuen Drama
- Samuel Beckett, Rockaby, Grove Press
- Shelagh Delaney, A Taste of Honey, Grove Press
- Caryl Churchill, Far Away, Nick Hern Books
- Sarah Kane, Blasted, Methuen Drama
- Tony Kushner, Angels in America, Theatre Communications Group
- Anton Chekhov, Three Sisters, Penguin
- Patrick White, Signal Driver, Plays Vol. 11
Recommended texts and other resources
- Antonin Artaud, The Theatre and Its Double, Grove Press
- Christopher Balme, The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies, Cambridge University Press
- Bertolt Brecht, Brecht on Theatre, Methuen Drama
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Arts and Cultural Management Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - English and Theatre Studies Specialisation (formal) Graduate Diplom in Arts - English and Theatre Studies Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - English and Theatre Studies Major English and Theatre Studies Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - English and Theatre Studies Breadth Track Theatre Studies - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 27 April 2024