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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Modern World Drama
Module Code EL105 (ITS) / LIT1069 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School English
Module Co-ordinatorEugene McNulty
Module TeachersEllen Howley, Gearoid O'Flaherty
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

The purpose of this module is to examine the development of new forms of theatrical representation through a focus on the evolution of modern European and American drama from the late nineteenth century to the present. Significant developments in the theory and practice of dramatic performance will be identified. The module will provide the opportunity to explore how the dramatic forms pioneered in Europe were adopted and adapted by leading American dramatists of the twentieth century. Focusing on seminal dramatic texts from both continents, students will gain an understanding of how the theatre is shaped by the world around it. Perspectives on gender, power, memory, myth, and identity will be interrogated within their relevant social, cultural, and political contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the major developments in theatrical practice from the late nineteenth century to the present
2. Make links between experimental theatre and wider social and philosophical issues, such as socialism and existentialism
3. Illustrate an understanding of the relationship between new realist/experimental theatre and the preceding history of dramaturgy
4. Deploy key critical vocabulary, such as metatheatre, Absurdism, Expressionism
5. Demonstrate an understanding of performative praxis
6. Identify connections between the theatre of Europe and America and the adaptation of European theatrical innovations by American dramatists



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture21No Description
Tutorial3No Description
Independent Study101No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Henrik Ibsen

August Strindberg

Anton Chekhov

Luigi Pirandello

Bertolt Brecht

Samuel Beckett

Eugene O’Neill

Tennessee Williams

Arthur Miller

Edward Albee

David Mamet

August Wilson

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEssay25%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Carlson, Marvin: 1993, Theories of the Theatre: A Historical and Critical Survey, Cornell UP, New York,
  • Esslin, Martin: 2014, The Theatre of the Absurd, Bloomsbury, London,
  • Brecht, Bertolt: 2014, On Theatre: The Development of an Aesthetic, Methuen, London,
  • Fortier, Mark.: 2002, Theory/Theatre: An Introduction, Routhledge, London,
  • Harris Smith, Susan: 2006, American Drama: The Bastard Art. Cambridge, Cambridge UP,
  • Stylan, J.L.: 1983, Modern Drama in Theory and Practice: Volumes 1-3, Cambridge UP,
Other Resources

None

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