This course aims to guide the student towards a critical awareness of the multiple relationships between theatre and society, both historically and in contemporary practices

2 lectures per week (M, W, 4-5pm); plus one 1.5 hour seminar per week for 10 weeks at times to be arranged. No lectures on: M and W of week 5 or 6 (reading week); No seminars in week 5 or 6 (reading week).

None

None

Essay (2000 words) - 50%

Group Presentation (Approx. 20 mins depending on group size) - 30%

Seminar Participation - 20%

This course aims to:

Guide the student towards a critical awareness of the multiple relationships between theatre and society, both historically and in contemporary practices;

■ Encourage an understanding of some of the social, political and economic issues affecting theatre practice in Scotland and in Britain whilst also providing appropriate comparators from other countries and backgrounds.

■ Open up some of the major cultural debates in contemporary theatre.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Recognise some of the cultural, political, institutional, and economic factors underlying the operation of different types of theatrical presentation, both in contemporary society and historically

■ Demonstrate an appreciation the meaning and significance of theatre in different societies and be able to engage critically with cultural debates related to theatre

■ Read the subject and contextualising literature critically, and be able to identify problems clearly for discussion in seminars

■ Use seminars with confidence as a way of clarifying and evaluating ideas, and as a means to exploring theoretical issues through practical application

■ Present ideas critically, clearly and coherently in academic essays, developing well-structured arguments, and observing the disciplines of referencing, footnoting and bibliography

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.