Module Details
| Module Code: |
CULT H8032 |
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Full Title:
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Twentieth Century Drama in the United States of America
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| Valid From:: |
Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 ) |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
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| Module Owner:: |
Fiona Fearon
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| Module Description: |
The aim of this module is to explore the history and practice of twentieth century drama in the United States of America, with particular reference to a number of key playwrights and their work. American theatre practice has been hugely influential on the development of the film industry, and is therefore probably more widely known on a world basis than any other continent’s drama. Students will achieve a detailed understanding of the foundations of North American theatre and its contemporary influences.
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| Module Learning Outcome |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| # |
Module Learning Outcome Description |
| MLO1 |
Evaluate the main themes and practices of Twentieth Century Drama in the United States of America |
| MLO2 |
Analyse performance practice in American Drama |
| MLO3 |
Perform an in-depth analysis of a number of key American plays |
| MLO4 |
Critically reflect on their own learning in practice based workshops |
| MLO5 |
Write effectively displaying academic rigour |
| Pre-requisite learning |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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| No recommendations listed |
| Module Indicative Content |
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Key themes in Early 20th Century American Drama
The American Dream; Tragedy and family drama: Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Edward Albee, Sam Shepherd
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Race and Representation
The American Musical Theatre, Black and Hispanic theatre, Lorraine Hansberry, August Wilson
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Representation and Gender
Lillian Hellman, Susan Glaspell and Sophie Treadwell, Lorraine Hansberry, Wendy Wasserstein, Tennessee Williams, Edward Albee, Tony Kushner, Sam Shepherd and David Mamet
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Theatrical Style in American Drama
Realism and naturalism; the emergence of an authentic American voice in drama; realism in acting as developed and practice in America: Method and Movements away form the Method; Non-Realistic movements: Expressionism and Eugene O’Neill; Absurdism and Edward Albee; Tony Kushner and Sam Shepard and Post-Modernism
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Key Plays that might be discussed:
O'Neill, 'Long Day's Journey into Night'; Tennessee Williams, 'Streetcar Named Desire'; Arthur Miller, 'Death of a Salesman': Edward Albee, 'American Dream'; Sam Shepard, 'Buried Child'; David Mamet, 'Glengarry Glen Ross'; Lorraine Hansberry, August Wilson, Tony Kushner, Wendy Wasserstein
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Module Assessment
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| Assessment Breakdown | % |
|---|
| Course Work | 100.00% |
| Module Special Regulation |
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AssessmentsFull-time
Part-time
| Reassessment Requirement |
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
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DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full-time |
| Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
| Lecture |
Contact |
No Description |
Every Week |
2.00 |
2 |
| Practical |
Contact |
Drama Workshop |
Every Week |
1.00 |
1 |
| Directed Reading |
Non Contact |
Students should read selected plays from the reading list |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
| Independent Study |
Non Contact |
Students should engage with secondary reading on themes and issues addressed in lectures |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
9.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
| Workload: Part-time |
| Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
| Lecture |
Contact |
No Description |
Every Week |
1.00 |
1 |
| Practical |
Contact |
Drama Workshop |
Every Week |
1.00 |
1 |
| Directed Reading |
Non Contact |
Students should read selected plays from the reading list |
Every Week |
4.00 |
4 |
| Independent Study |
Non Contact |
Students should engage with secondary reading on themes and issues addressed in lecturesNo Description |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
9.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
2.00 |
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Module Resources
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| Recommended Book Resources |
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Bigsby, C.W.E. (1982), American Theatre: 3 Volumes, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
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Bigsby, C.W.E. (2000), Modern American Drama 1945-2000, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
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Middike, Martin, Peter Paul Schnierer, Christopher Innes, Matthew Roudané, eds.,. (2014), The Methuen Drama Guide to Contemporary American Playwrights, Methuen, London.
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Saddick, Annette. (2007), Contemporary American Drama, Edinburugh University Press, Edinburugh.
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Wilmeth, Don B, ed. (2007), Cambridge Guide to American Theatre, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
| | This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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| This module does not have any other resources |
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