Course Description and Objectives

The course objective is to acquaint the students with selected trends and movements in modern English drama. Moving from drawing-room comedy to absurdism, we will sample a wide range of fascinating drama that has been composed during the past century. The course focuses on the representative works of prominent 20th-century playwrights. For purposes of this course, it will not be assumed that the students have a prior understanding of the literary movement called Modernism. Hence, the significant concerns of this movement as well as the historical, intellectual, artistic, and cultural influences that birthed it, will be discussed in broad terms at the outset and then in specific terms and greater depth with reference to the genre of drama.

Intended Learning Outcomes

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

• differentiate between the techniques, structural and thematic aspects of earlier plays, and the modern drama. In the classroom, students will be able to critically read and analyze dramatic texts, with particular attention given to conditions of performance concerning Theater of Absurd.  
• identify and discuss the theoretical and practical elements of drama from the perspective of existential doctrine
• understanding of the predominant trends, genres as well as the main representatives of the British drama and assess their contribution to the European tradition of the 20th-century drama.

Contents

1. Devil’s Disciple by G.B. Shaw                     
2. The Caretaker by Harold Pinter                 
3. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett              
4. Juno and the Paycock by Sean O’ Casey                

Recommended Texts

1. Bryden, M. (Ed.). (2012). Waiting for godot: A tragicomedy in two acts. London: Faber & Faber.
2. O'Casey, S. (2011). Juno and the paycock. London: D’arts Publishing.
3. Pinter, H. (1991). The caretaker. London: Faber & Faber.
4. Shaw, G. B. (2019). The devil's disciple (reprinted version). London: The Floating Press.

Suggested Readings

1. Bennett, M. (2011). Reassessing the theatre of the absurd: Camus, Beckett, Ionesco, Genet, and Pinter. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
2. Flynn, T. (2006). Existentialism: A very short introduction. New York: Oxford University Press.
3. Innes, C. (Ed.). (1998). The Cambridge companion to George Bernard Shaw. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
4. Pinter, H. (Ed.). (2009). The Cambridge companion to Harold Pinter. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Sessional:                                            20

                 Project/Assignment:                        10

                 Presentation:                                   05

                 Participation:                                   02

                 Attendance                                     03

Mid Term Exam:                                            30       

Final exam:                                         50

Class Timings: 

2:00 pm- 3:30 pm  Monday 

                              Tuesday

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• Come to class prepared and ready to participate actively in the online class session.
• Participate in class through active listening, asking questions, and taking part in discussions.
• Discuss when allowed by the instructor.
• Be polite and respectful even to your peers.
• IMPORTANT: All policies of the Department shall be abided by in letter and spirit. 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, will not be tolerated in this course. While collaboration and consultation is encouraged, you must cite and acknowledge any materials you consult or aid you receive on assignments or projects, including the names of peers with whom you collaborate on the assignments. Violations of academic integrity are taken very seriously and will result in disciplinary action