Course Catalogue

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This course offers a critical and decentralised approach to theatre history until the early 20th century. It will introduce students to theatre texts and performance practices across the globe. It will invite students to consider (1) how these texts and performances are situated in their specific historical, cultural and artistic contexts; (2) the affinities and differences, continuities and discontinuities, between theatre practices and traditions across times and cultures; and (3) the different critical tools at our disposal to write about theatre and performance work, and to re/write theatre and performance histories

2 x 1hr lecture per week (Monday, Wednesday, 15:00-16:00);

1 x 1hr seminar per week (Mon 5-6pm; Group 2 Wed 4-5pm; Group 3 Wed 5-6pm) over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus 

1 x 1hr Practical Workshop to be arranged in advance of Essay submission

Satisfactory completion of both Level 1 TS courses with neither course attaining less than grade D.

None

None

Research Blog entries (1500 words total) - 40%

Essay (2500 words) - 60%

This course aims to:

■ Develop the student's understanding of theatre and performance as located within specific historical, cultural, intellectual and artistic contexts.

■ Develop the students' awareness of theatre practices across times and cultures.

■ Develop the students' awareness of the significance of concepts and methods utilised in the study of theatre and performance history.

■ Improve students' ability to interpret and critique theoretical texts, and to analyse texts and performances.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Analyse theatre texts and practices in their specific historical, cultural, intellectual and artistic contexts.

■ Compare and contrast theatre texts/practices across different times and cultures effectively, while demonstrating sensitivity to the specific historical, cultural, intellectual and artistic contexts in which each is located.

■ Explain the significance of concepts and methods deployed to study theatre and performance history and utilise these with critical awareness.

■ Select, synthesise, critically evaluate and discuss secondary sources appropriate to the area studied.

■ Communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.