DTS4004

Rethinking Theatre History ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Rob Baum

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit will explore the processes of rethinking theatre history in a number of ways: the challenges to received critical thinking and methodology, and to canonical assumptions; the implications for theatre history of parallel texts reflecting 'translations' into new media; the responses of analytical and critical approaches in Drama and Theatre Studies to the influence of thinking in other disciplines; the reframing of canonical texts in the light of contemporary theoretical and cultural perspectives, and its implications for historicised interpretation. It will examine a range of plays in relation to traditional scholarly interpretations and to specific recent re-readings.

Objectives: Students completing 'Rethinking Theatre History' should have acquired: 1. A working awareness of contemporary theoretical perspectives. 2. The capacity to apply specific theoretical approaches to a diverse range of theatrical texts. 3. An ongoing sensitivity, openness and scepticism to shifts in the climate of disciplinary debate. 4. A developed sense of the continuing volatility and contingency of intellectual debate in the field. 5. A sophisticated understanding of the issues underlying those debates at a level appropriate to graduate study. 6. Enhanced confidence in articulating informed arguments and interpretations, in both oral and written form.

Assessment: An exegetical essay (3000 words): 30% + An oral class presentation (equivalent 2000 words): 20% + A long essay (4000 words): 50%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Corequisites: DTS4000