Theatre History

Programme structure

The programme is comprised of a number of core courses. It also includes an optional choice, a significant archival work placement, and an independent research project. Core teaching is delivered in Semesters 1 and 2. The independent project is completed during the final phase of the course, from April to September.

Core courses

Research Methods: Approaches to History – this course introduces you to a range of research methodologies including oral history, using archives, visual cultures, practice as research, the laboratory as a place of experiment. It is designed to help you select individual study options as well as gain experience in a range of key research methodologies by making full use of available archival and digital resources. Workshops involve library and museum visits, talks, hands-on demonstrations and group discussion, as well as seminar-style discussion.

Debating Dramaturgy 1 – The course is designed to develop and expand your understanding of dramaturgical ideas and practices from the Classical context to contemporary theatre cultures and practices, exploring the role of the dramaturge – and where appropriate the role of the playwright and/or the theatre critic – in a range of theatre making contexts and in a range of historical and geographical locations.

Reading and Interpreting Performance – this course is an investigation of traditional and non-traditional performance texts examined in relation to historical context as well as contemporary forms of performance and adaptation for the theatre. The course examines the traditional and historical canons of different national theatres and investigates and identifies production histories over multiple geographical and temporal periods.

Optional course

You will undertake one optional course from a selection – for example:

• Issues in Victorian and Edwardian Theatre
• Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama: Staging the Other
• Women and Drama in the English Renaissance Period
• Intercultural Performance in the Black and Green Atlantic

You can select courses from across the College of Arts, according to personal interests.

Theatre Archive Placement

The Theatre Archive Placement provides you with the opportunity to undertake an applied archival project, utilising the resources of the University of Glasgow’s Scottish Theatre Archive or the Theatre and Performance Department of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Co-supervised by a member of the Theatre Studies staff team and a staff member of the

Archive, you will undertake a real archival project, of mutual benefit to the archive and to your skills and subject area development.

Independent Research Project

The Independent Research Project offers you a range of opportunities to explore something of interest to you, applying an appropriate methodology. For example, you may choose to produce a 15,000 word dissertation, undertaking primary and secondary research in the pursuit of new knowledge that relates to the field of theatre history; or you may choose to undertake a more applied project, for example, producing a pamphlet to accompany an exhibition of work or compiling a catalogue for an archive of new work.

Assessment

During the programme you will undertake a range of assessment methods including essays, critical report, oral presentations, archive placement, and an independent research project.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods are determined by the different needs of the courses and include seminars, one-to-one tutorials, placements and workshops. They are delivered by staff in Theatre Studies, alongside external specialists. During the Theatre Archive Placement you will be mentored by a specialist within your chosen archive, whilst external specialists are also invited to contribute workshops as part of ‘Research Methods: Approaches to History’. Other occasional workshops, seminars and events are organised throughout the year by both staff and students.  Students also have the opportunity to audit other courses, as appropriate. Students are encouraged to create opportunities for informal peer support outside teaching hours.