2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ENGL1070 Drama: Text and Performance

20 creditsClass Size: 90

School of English

Module manager: Dr Brett Greatley-Hirsch
Email: b.d.greatleyhirsch@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Module replaces

ENGL1286: Drama: Reading and Interpretation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module invites you to think critically about drama as performance and a literary genre, drawing on a range of plays from different cultures, theatrical traditions, and historical periods. By approaching the plays thematically, you will explore how dramatic texts work on page and stage, developing skills in close reading and a basic understanding of theatre mechanics—the relationship between actor and audience, blocking and the layout of the stage, the use of lighting, costuming, props, movement, and gesture

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to read plays as works of literature and as blueprints for performance, with an awareness of historical, cultural, and theatrical contexts. Students will have acquired the fundamental critical skills and vocabulary required to produce close readings of drama and demonstrate familiarity with a range of critical approaches to dramatic literature, complemented by introductory skills in dramaturgy and theatre practice.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
1. Show familiarity with a range of interpretive strategies applicable to the study of drama
2. Conduct critically informed analysis of dramatic literature and performance
3. Use written communication effectively
4. Think creatively and reflect critically about dramatic performance

Syllabus

- Five dramatic texts, which will be introduced individually and examined in various contexts (e.g., critical, intellectual, historical, linguistic, social).
- The texts are drawn from a range of cultures and historical periods, and may include important works in translation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Practical	3	2.00	6.00
Practical	4	1.00	4.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly discussion in seminars; scheduled discussion and tutor response to group collaboration in practical sessions and skills workshops; opportunity to meet tutors during consultation hours; opportunities to develop skills with writing mentors; written feedback on assessments.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	1,000 words - scene-blocking exercise with a critical reflection.	33.00
Assignment	2,000 words - option of either (a) a research essay or (b) a critical proposal for a theatrical production.	67.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Assignment #1 is a scene-blocking exercise with a critical reflection. Assignment #2 gives students the option of either (a) a research essay or (b) a critical proposal for a theatrical production.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 05/01/2024

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