20th Century European Drama

Content of Course

This course takes a look at how European drama has evolved over the 20th Century and how they sit in the social, political and cultural context in which they were created. How much do politics and ideology influence literature and popular culture? How do the texts stand the test of time and how do they speak to modern audiences? Through class discussions we will analyse the themes and techniques used in the different texts of writers coming from diverse traditions and backgrounds, from Scandinavia and Britain to France and Italy.

Teaching method(s)

Discussion-based classes, with a short introductory lecture in every session.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a good general understanding of how European drama has evolved over the 20^th Century:

• Engage critically with fictional texts, describing and analysing themes and techniques:

• Show understanding of the social, political and cultural context in which the texts analysed were created:

• Evaluate the degree to which literature and popular culture in general are influenced by politics and ideology.

Sources

Core Readings

Students are advised to wait until the course has been confirmed to run before purchasing any of the recommended books.

Essential:

• Strindberg. A (2008) Miss Julie and Other Plays. Oxford: Oxford World's Classics
• Pirandello, L. (1995) Six Characters in Search of an Author and Other Plays. London: Penguin
• Garcia Lorca, F. (2008). Four Major Plays. Oxford: Oxford World's Classics
• Camus, A. (2006) Caligula and Other Plays. London: Penguin
• Priestley, J B (2001) An Inspector Calls and Other Plays. London: Penguin

The editions shown are the ones currently in print. Students may use any other edition.

Class Handouts

Fragments from critical appraisal of the works and authors will be provided to provide a background and facilitate teaching.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.