BA Drama and English Literature

This course aims to introduce students to theatre studies as an academic discipline. Focusing on key moments in theatre history, and via close readings of playtexts, performances, and critical material, it encourages students to think carefully about theatre as an art form. Drawing attention to the wide range of contexts which inform both the making of and the understanding of theatre practice, it aims to give students a grounding in key skills (relating to the analysis of play texts, performances and contexts) while also developing their understanding and knowledge of theatre over time. The course aims to encourage students to consider contemporary theatre practices in relation to historical precursors, and vice versa.

Pre-requisites:  None

• To engage students with a range of pre-20th century performance texts and associated critical materials.

• To enhance students’ critical appreciation of play texts, in relation to their performance history as well as potential contemporary relevance.

• To equip students with key skills related to theatre and performance studies.

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the multiple ways in which theatrical performances are ‘read’ by spectators.  
• Articulate a clear and detailed understanding of how plays and performances are shaped by, and speak to, their theatrical and historical contexts.  
• Position a work of theatre in its cultural and performance context.

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the multiple ways in which theatrical performances are ‘read’ by spectators.

• Articulate a clear and detailed understanding of how plays and performances are shaped by, and speak to, their theatrical and historical contexts.

• Position a work of theatre in its cultural and performance context.

• Analyse theatre and performance using a range of key disciplinary skills.

• Identify key features of playtexts and performances and analyse these in detail.

• Understand and explore the relationships between playtext, performance, and context.

• Locate, synthesise and connect a range of source materials and contexts in order to develop detailed understandings of primary texts. 

• Communicate understanding of course materials effectively in both speech (as evidenced through seminar participation) and writing (as evidenced by summative assessments).

• Develop a clear, coherent and critical interpretive argument.

• Work productively both independently and in seminar settings.
• Engage critically and creatively with new and challenging material (including texts, performances, resources).

Maaike Bleeker, Adrian Kear, Joe Kelleher and Heike Roms (eds) Thinking Through Theatre and Performance. (Bloomsbury, 2019)

Jill Dolan, The Feminist Spectator in Action: Feminist Criticism for the Stage and Screen (Palgrave 2013)

Lynette Goddard, Staging Black Feminisms: Identity, Politics, Performance (2007)

Mick Wallis & Simon Shepherd, Studying Plays (Bloomsbury 2010)