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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Modern World Drama
Module Code LIT1069 (ITS: EL105)
Faculty English School Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
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


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture21No Description
Tutorial3No Description
Independent Study101No Description
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20756Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorEugene McNultyModule TeacherDarren Murphy, Ellen Howley, Gearoid O'Flaherty
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEssay25%n/a
Formal ExaminationEnd-of-Semester Final Examination75%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • 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,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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