Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Theatre History 1

• Unit Code

  DST1225

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit will introduce and explore theatre and its contribution to the development of society. The major periods of western theatre from Greek to Elizabethan England will be examined with emphasis on the religious, social and political influences at work in each period.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Compare the relationship between actor, audience and performing space in selected historical periods.
2. Demonstrate the difference between various acting styles and staging techniques.
3. Demonstrate through performance specific theatrical conventions.
4. Explore through research the features of tragedy in different historical periods.
5. Identify the religious, social and political influences in different periods of theatre history from Classical Greece to Elizabethan England.
6. Perform selected scenes from plays representative of the studies of this unit.

Unit Content

1. Acting styles and staging techniques across the periods.
2. Changing perceptions of tragedy.
3. Relationships between actor, audience and performing space with particular attention to the dynamics of theatrical performance.
4. Religious, social and political influences which influenced theatre in different historical periods.
5. Representative texts by historical playwrights.
6. Theatrical conventions employed in the drama of different historical periods e.g. the changing role of the chorus, the use of the soliloquy.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures Workshops Independent study

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Nil
• Hall, P. (2009). Shakespeare's advice to the players. Methuen.
• Barton, J. (2009). Playing Shakespeare. Performance Books.
• Booth, M (1981). Players of Shakespeare. New York: Cambridge University Press.
• Wiley, D. (2000). Greek theatre performance: An introduction. Cambridge University Press.
• McLeish, K. (2005). A guide to Greek theatre & drama. Methuen.
• Montrose, L. (2000). The purpose of playing: Shakespeare & the cultural politics of Elizabethan England. University of Chicago Press.
• Renshaw, J. (2004). In search of the Greeks. Methuen.
• Shakespeare, W. (2001). The complete works. Arden.

Website References

• Nil

^ Mandatory reference

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