Module Code and Title:        LIT206 Classical Greek Drama to the Theatre of Ideas

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                          12

Module Tutor(s):                   Sonam Deki (coordinator), Vanlallawmkimi, Sunil Kumar

General objective: This module aims to introduce students to different genres of drama such as Classic Greek tragedy, Shakespearean tragedy and the Theatre of Ideas. Close attention will be paid to the understanding and appreciation of the theories and conventions of tragedy and Theatre of Ideas. In addition to close reading and analyses of the texts themselves, students will be directing and performing selective scenes from the prescribed plays.

Learning outcomes – On completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Distinguish the styles of writing of the various playwrights prescribed in the module.
2. Differentiate various genres of drama.
3. Critically read, analyse and debate on the texts prescribed.
4. Direct and perform scenes from the prescribed texts.
5. Discuss different interpretations of the play in new adaptations.
6. Analyse how the genres studied arose as a result of specific socio-political, historical, and cultural conditions.
7. Critique tragedies using Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Assessment Approach:

1. In-class critical response paper: 10%

A short in-class critical response of 300 – 350 words on a specific topic from Medea by Euripides will be written in the class.  Assessment should evaluate the students’ understanding of the text as well as their ability to analyse the text beyond classroom teaching.

Assessment will be based on the following marking criteria:

Critical Analysis and Quality of Argument: 30 marks

Use of examples from the Primary texts: 25 marks

Depth of Knowledge and Accuracy of understanding: 30 marks

Language Use and Structure & Organisation: 15 marks

1. Group Performance: 25%

Students in groups of 5 - 6 members will be made to select scenes from prescribed texts and will analyse and interpret their chosen scenes. The groups will be given time to direct and rehearse these scenes. Group members will meet the tutor to update on the direction and the process, and set goals if applicable in the pre-presentation meetings.

The two pre-performance meetings will be evaluated out of 4% and 6% respectively, and will be based on the following marking criteria:

Choice of subject and relevance of scenes: 10 marks

Plan and appropriateness of performance: 20 marks

Preparedness of and teamwork in the group: 20 marks

The culmination of the assessment will be a performance of 25 - 30 minutes each followed by a question-answer session for 10 – 15 minutes. The performance will be based (15%) on the following marking criteria:

Choice of the subject matter & its relevance: 15 marks

Understanding and analysis of the subject/scenes: 30 marks

Dramatisation: 40 marks

Teamwork and cooperation: 15 marks

1. Debate: 15%

Students will be divided into groups of approximately 5 members. The groups will be assigned topics from Macbeth by Shakespeare to analyse and debate in class. In the debate, each student will get 5 minutes to state their argument for or against their topic and as a group, they will get 3 minutes to present their rebuttal. Each group will pick one member for the rebuttal.

Assessment will be based on the following criteria:

Organisation (group mark): 15 marks

Team work (group mark): 10 marks

Rebuttal (group mark): 10 marks

Quality of argument (individual): 30 marks

Use of examples (individual): 15 marks

Fluency (individual): 15 marks

Body language (individual): 5 marks

1. Class participation and preparedness: 10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. 5% will be graded before mid-term, and the remaining 5% post midterm.

1. Midterm Examination: 10%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr. duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester. This assessment is comprehensive and summative in nature, and will comprise structured questions from all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, and will follow the programme’s blue-print for Midterm Examination questions.

1. Semester-End Examination: 30%

Students will take a written exam of 2.5 hr. duration encompassing all the subject matter covered in the semester. This assessment is comprehensive and summative in nature, and will comprise structured questions from all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, and will follow the programme blue-print for Semester-End Examination questions. 

Overview of assessment approaches and weighting

Pre-requisites: None

Subject matter:

1. Unit I: Classical Greek Drama: Close reading and analysis of Medea by Euripides
   • Origin of Tragedy in Greek Drama
   • Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy
   • Greek Theatre and its conventions
   • Giving voice to the marginalised in Medea.
2. Unit II: Shakespearean Drama: Close reading and analysis of Macbeth by William Shakespeare
   • Introduction to Shakespearean Tragedy and its features
   • Characterisation and Plot Development in Macbeth
   • The Divine Rights of Kings in relation to Macbeth
   • Interpretation in the new adaptations (film and/or performance) of the play
3. Unit III: Theatre of Ideas: Close reading and analysis of Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
   • The concept of Theatre of Ideas
   • Drama as a vehicle of social criticism
   • Intellectual engagement of audience in Shavian plays
   • Deconstruction of conventional beliefs in Pygmalion
   • Use of monologues and dialogues in Pygmalion
   • Themes in Pygmalion

Reading List:

Essential reading

Aristotle. (2013). Poetics (A. Kenny, Trans.). Oxford University Press. (330 BC).

Euripides. (2020). Medea (I. Johnson, Trans.).

      http://people.uncw.edu/deagona/women%20F12/Medea%20Johnston.pdf.

Shakespeare, W. (1992). Macbeth.  Wordsworth Editions Ltd. (1606)

Shaw, G. B. (2011). Pygmalion. Orient Publication. (1912).

Additional reading

Alker, S., & Nelson, H. F. (2007). ‘Macbeth,’ the Jacobean Scot, and the politics of the union. Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, 47(2), 379-401.Rice University, Johns Hopkins University Press. doi:10.2307/4625116.

Bloom, H. (2010). Bloom’s modern critical interpretations: William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4183494/mod_folder/content/0/harold-bloom-macbeth-william-shakespeare-new-bookfi-org.pdf?forcedownload=1

Rusinko, S. (1982). Rattigan versus Shaw: The drama ideas’ debate. Shaw 2,171-178. Penn State University Press. doi:10.2307/40681082.

Date: June 2022