School of English
Module manager: Dr Jane Rickard
Email: j.rickard@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
ENGL1286: Drama: Reading and Interpretation
This module is approved as a discovery module
This module invites you to think critically about drama as performance and a literary genre, drawing on a range of plays from different cultures, theatrical traditions, and historical periods. By approaching the plays thematically, you will explore how dramatic texts work on page and stage, developing skills in close reading and a basic understanding of theatre mechanics—the relationship between actor and audience, blocking and the layout of the stage, the use of lighting, costuming, props, movement, and gesture.
On completion of this module, students should be able to read plays as works of literature and as blueprints for performance, with an awareness of historical, cultural, and theatrical contexts. Students will have acquired the fundamental critical skills and vocabulary required to produce close readings of drama and demonstrate familiarity with a range of critical approaches to dramatic literature, complemented by introductory skills in dramaturgy and theatre practice.
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
1. Show familiarity with a range of interpretive strategies applicable to the study of drama;
2. Analyse dramatic texts as works of literature and performance; and
3. Approach dramatic performance both critically and creatively.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
4. Weigh up different arguments and perspectives, to use supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories, and ideas (Critical Thinking, Academic Skills);
5. Develop and acting on creative and purposeful ideas (Creativity, Enterprise Skills); and
6. Recognise and express knowledge and understanding as well as how they relate to experience, learning, and personal growth (Reflection, Academic Skills).
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 170 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Weekly discussion in seminars; scheduled discussion and tutor response to group collaboration in practical sessions and skills workshops; opportunity to meet tutors during consultation hours; opportunities to develop skills with writing mentors; written feedback on assessments.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | 1,000 words | 33 |
| Assignment | 2,000 words - option of either (a) a research essay or (b) a critical proposal for a theatrical production. | 67 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Assignment #1 is a scene-blocking exercise with a critical reflection. Assignment #2 gives students the option of either (a) a research essay or (b) a critical proposal for a theatrical production.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 10/2/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team