PERF06106 2019 Greek Theatre
This module introduces learners to Greek theatre. Works by the three major Athenian Playwrights - Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides - will be studied in terms of their social, cultural and political contexts. Lectures will introduce elements of tragedy, myth, and legend and how these are manipulated by the playwrights in some of the following works: Iphigenia at Aulis, the Oresteia, Medea, The Trojan Women, Antigone, Electra, The Bacchae. Tutorial discussions and work will focus on how these texts have spoken to audiences at different historical moments and the cultural function they perform.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Understand and discuss the form and structure of Greek tragedy and the conventions of ancient theatre
Analyse, evaluate and compare the tragic visions of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides
Research and structure critical analysis of Greek tragedy
Explain significance of the social, cultural and political context of performance in ancient Greek theatre
Participate in seminar discussions/activities, contributing to peer learning environment
Creatively interpret and adapt Greek tragic materials through a range of media such as designed object, devised piece and/or multimedia show, demonstrating ability to adapt, recontextualise or reinvigorate interpretation
Module Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies include performance evalution in terms of contribution, analysis of texts and cultural context(s) through creative projects, critical analysis & research in individual essay and a final exam
Indicative Syllabus
1. Introduction to Greek Tragedy
- 5th centruy Athens and historical context
- The festival Dionysia
- The sociology of Athenian tragedy
- Performing the Other
2. Myth and the Trojan War Cycle
- Myth and the shaping of tragic plots
- Myth and intertextuality
- Trojan War materials in Athenian theatre
3. Greek Tragedy: Form and Conventions
- parados, episodes, stasima, exodus
- chorus
- masks
- dance
4. Aeschylus
- The Oresteia
- Justice
- Epic materials
- Imagery and structure
5. Sophocles
- Antigone/ Electra/ Prometheus
- Sophocles' tragic vision
- fate and human choice or freedom
Euripides
- Medea, The Bacchae, Iphigenia at Aulis
- greek tragedy and pscychological complexity
- the other
- social critique or reinforcement of dominant ideologies?
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Project Creative interpretations | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | OnGoing | 1,2,4,5,6 |
2 | Essay researched and documented crticial analysis | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 30 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4,5 |
3 | Performance Evaluation contribution to seminars and peer learning | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 10 % | OnGoing | 1,2,4,5,6 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Open Book Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 30 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Lecture/seminar | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Student directed learning. practical | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Module Resources
Csapo, E. and W. Slater.The Context of Ancient Drama (1995)
Easterling, P.E., ed. The Cambridge Companion to Greek Tragedy (1997)
Foley, H. Female Acts in Greek Tragedy (2001)
Goldhill, S. Reading Greek Tragedy (1986)
Gregory, J. ed., A Companion to Greek Tragedy (2006)
Henderson, J. "Women and the Athenian Dramatic Festivals" TAPA 121 (1991) 133-47
Silk, M., ed. Tragedy and the Tragic (1996)
Wiles, D. Tragedy in Athens (1997)
Winkler, J. and F. Zeitlin, eds. Nothing to do with Dionysos? (1990)
Zeitlin, F, Playing the Other (1996)