CHC2230

Classical drama

A S McDevitt

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives This subject aims, through a study of a representative selection of Greek tragic and comic plays, to enable students to develop an appreciation of ancient drama, both as a theatrical experience, and as a vehicle for the exploration of human and moral, as well as contemporary social issues. In addition, students will develop an understanding of the conventions of the genre, and its differences from modern drama.

Synopsis This subject consists of a literary study of Greek tragic and comic drama by means of texts and translation.

Assessment Seminar paper (1500 words): 20%
* Essay (2000 words): 30%
* Examination (2.5 hours): 50%

Prescribed texts

Aeschylus The Persians, Seven Against Thebes, Suppliant Maidens in Aeschylus II ed. Grene and Lattimore, Pocket Books or U Chicago P
Sophocles Antigone, Women Of Trachis, Oedipus The King in Sophocles I and II ed. Grene and Lattimore, Pocket Books or U Chicago P
Euripides Medea, Hecuba in Euripides I and II ed. Grene and Lattimore, Pocket Books or U Chicago P
Aristophanes Acharnians, Lysistrata in Lysistrata and other plays tr. Barrett and Sommerstein, Penguin
Menander Dyskolos tr. Moulton, Mentor