Modern Drama

Subject 673-339 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour tutorial/workshop per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

12.5 points of first year theatre studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Paul Monaghan

pmonag@unimelb.edu.au

&

Angela O'Brien

aob@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will introduce students to modern drama through a study of seminal dramatic texts representing the various dramatic and performance movements that emerged from around 1890 to the mid-twentieth century. These movements will include, among others, realism, expressionism, symbolism, absurdist theatre, kitchen-sink, modern tragedy and political theatre. The texts and the genres they represent will be analysed through lectures, seminars and workshops, and there will be a focus on the plays in performance.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will understand the theories and practices of modern drama and theatre and its historical and cultural contexts;
work effectively in a team to present the results of research through both rational argument and the presentation of performance material;
develop appropriate research methodologies in the field of modern drama and theatre;
critically analyse and evaluate arguments and theories regarding the practice and development of modern drama and theatre;
identify and critically analyse the traces of modern drama in contemporary theatre practice.
Assessment:

Work to the equivalent of 4000 words: comprising an essay of 2000 words 50% (due after the end of semester), a creative play presentation equivalent to 1000 words 25% (due during semester) and a tutorial presentation equivalent to 1000 words 25% (due during the semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum 80% attendance applies.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • demonstrate sound and independent critical and ethical thinking in their choice of materials and processes;

  • be able to present written and oral communication to a professional standard regarding their treatment and material choices.
Notes:

Formerly available as 760-208 Theatre and Realism. Students who have completed 760-208 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Creative Arts students and may be credited towards a theatre studies major in either course.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Creative Arts
Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English
Theatre Studies Major

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