The Dramatic Character 1580-1700

Subject 674-315 (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 has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1 hour lecture and 2-hour tutorial/workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually 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

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Angela Mary Barringt O'Brien

Contact

Angela O'Brien

aob@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will explore the dramatic creation and stage interpretation of characters in plays written in the Elizabethan, Jacobean and Restoration periods. Various character types and conventions will be considered including the fool, the malcontent, the fop, the independent woman, the cross-dressed character and the foreigner. Lectures will analyse characters in selected plays in terms of dramatic/theatrical lineage, sociopolitical context and performance history. The subject will also investigate the circumstances of live performance for actors in the periods under question. Characters and plays will be further explored in practical workshops.
Objectives: be able to demonstrate a social, ethical and cultural understanding of other historical periods and of different kinds of people as represented in set texts;
be able to understand the significance of character in dramatic and performance texts;
have established close reading skills through the analysis of a selection of dramatic texts;
be able to articulate in verbal and written form an historical and theoretical understanding of the dramatic development and theatrical interpretation of a range of character types;
understand the place of the Elizabethan, Jacobean and Restoration periods in Western theatre history;
be able to reveal in their own performance work their understanding of characters from selected dramatic texts and periods.
Assessment:

Work to the equivalent of 4000 words comprising an essay of 2000 words 50% (due just before the end of semester); performance work equivalent to 1000 words: 25% (due just after the end of semester); and tutorial presentation equivalent to 1000 words: 25% (due during the semester). A hurdle requirement of a minimum 80% attendance applies.
Prescribed Texts:

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:

  • possess historical and theoretical research skills;

  • display effective communication of arguments and ideas;

  • possess personal and performance presentation skills;

  • display critical thinking and analysis;

  • display creative thinking through theoretical analysis and through innovative ways of conceptualising society and humanity.
Notes:

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

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