Cirrus@Austlit

The unit introduces the student to the methods involved in analysis and interpretation of the text involved in the presentation of drama.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

• show an understanding of standard theatre terminology;
• research and increase language skills via texts and videos;
• show an understanding of the basic elements of text analysis such as research, scene action and intention, structure, writing/playing styles (naturalistic and non-naturalistic) and symbolism; and
• show an ability to make a general analysis of full-length plays and make judgements as to their continuing effectiveness.

UNIT CONTENT

SEMESTER ONE - A general introduction to the terminology and language of theatre and its application in written and spoken forms:

"Overview" study of full-length plays:- research (the author, date of writing, date of the play's setting, historic and social backgrounds, art and literature reviews and essays); themes and conclusions; action and intention; structure; contribution of the characters; the style of the writing (naturalism, non-naturalism); and symbolism. A range of plays will be looked at, including Australian realism, non-realism and absurdism, et al.

SEMESTER TWO - Continued study of a range of plays as well as detailed scene analysis.