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Debating dramaturgy 1 is a critical and, where appropriate, practical exploration of dramaturgy in a range of historical contexts and frames. The course reviews dramaturgy and dramaturgical practices from the Classical world up to the contemporary period - by way of key theatre debates - and requires students to explore, in a seminar context, a range of primary and secondary texts.

Weekly three hour sessions

Standard entry to College at Masters level.

One 3500 word critical essay - 70%
one oral presentation of ca. 20 minutes (30%)

The course aims to -
- develop and expand students' understanding of dramaturgical ideas and practices from the Classical context to contemporary theatre cultures and practices;
- engage with a range of critical writing regarding dramaturgical ideas and practices from the Classical context to the present day; and,
- explore 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 with reference to a critical literature and, as appropriate, works by and on professional practitioners.

On the successful completion of this course students should be able to ?
- demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the changing role and the work of a dramaturge ? and as appropriate the playwright and the theatre critic ? in a range of historical contexts;
- demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the changing form and purpose of the play text and its dramaturgies in a range of historical contexts;
- demonstrate an ability to move effectively between practical and theoretical analysis of all forms of the play text and of historical textual practices; and,
- demonstrate an ability to engage critically and analytically with the processes and the impacts of historical dramaturgical practices and debates, both orally and in writing.