Modern Drama

General Objectives:

To give a comprehensive knowledge of the tradition of English drama, this course focuses on the traditions of modern drama in English. The students will learn about the techniques and the themes of the modern drama. The cultural and the social changes sweeping across Europe form the warp and woof of the modern drama. The psychological and philosophical approaches to modern life also reflect from the plays included in this course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

i. Identify the elements of drama, such as form and scenic contrast, symbol and myth, theme and message, language and dialogue, staging and performance, character and conflict.

ii. Articulate their understanding of the relationship between literature and the historical/cultural contexts in which it was written. Absurdism in drama was an aftermath of WWII. Students would understand the effect the war had on people at the time but also why some people may have felt it necessary to create theatre like this.

Course Contents:

SAMUEL BECKET Waiting for Godot

SEAN O’CASEY Juno and the Paycock

CHEKOV The Cherry Orchard

T.S. ELIOT Murder in the Cathedral

Assesment