English and drama

Modern and Postmodern Drama

Module code: Q3004
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

This module will be taught as a series of seminars exploring the shift from naturalism to modernist and postmodernist theatre from the late 19th to the 21st century. It examines a number of plays that address important issues of modernity (and postmodernity), both in their form and content. We will look at the contribution and response of drama to social and cultural debates around the role of art, gender and sexuality, the family, the state and the nation. You will study a different play each week, give a short presentation in one of the seminars and engage fully in the discussion of all the texts.

Module learning outcomes

  • Have a knowledge of a wide range of texts from the 19th century and 20th century.
  • Be able to define the terms 'modern' and 'post-modern'.
  • Recognise the form and effect of a range of very different theatrical texts.