Course Resources Archive

This module introduces students to the theatre and drama of the English Restoration (1660) to the late nineteenth century (1890s). Focusing on the idea of drama as a representation of social conflict, texts are chosen with a view to illustrating continuities and innovations in Western theatre, with due regard for staging and theatrical effect.

The purpose of the module is for students to have the opportunity to explore theatre as a vibrant space which energetically discusses the sensitive political and social issues of the cultural moment. This module enables students to analyse key developments within theatre history from c1660 to c1890. Emphasis will be placed on the theatrical experience as a whole; so you will not only explore texts from a literary point of view but consider the performance and staging of plays, together with issues such as the phenomena of the actress, the role of the theatrical impresario, the impact of women playwrights, and the representation of social conflict and change on the stage.

William Wycherley, The Country Wife

Aphra Behn, The Rover

Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops To Conquer

John Gay, The Beggars Opera

Shelley, The Cenci

Melodrama  The Factory Lad

Ibsen, A Doll’s House

George Bernard Shaw, Mrs Warren’s Profession

Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest

A student passing this module should be able to:

1.demonstrate a detailed working knowledge of a wide range of dramatic texts from the Restoration period through to the nineteenth century and to analyse their key themes and issues;

2.critically explore these plays with an informed understanding of their political, social and cultural contexts;

3.show a nuanced understanding of the continuities and innovations of theatre history during this period;

4.develop your critical vocabulary as appropriate for the advanced study of dramatic texts at Level 5;

5.communicate confidently and lucidly in both written and oral forms;

6.productively organize and manage your own learning experience including independent research in an academic library to meet assessment requirements.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.