Drama in Society

About this course

The course examines Awake and Sing!, A Streetcar Named Desire and The Deep Blue Sea as literary works and theatrical performances. Discussion considers dramatic form, major themes and the social and historical contexts reflected in each play, including post-war change, gender and mental health. Teaching combines tutor-led lectures with presentations, small- and large-group discussion, and filmed extracts where available. Learners are expected to read each play before the relevant class and undertake preparation outside the course.

What you'll learn

• Analyse play texts closely to interpret their meaning
• Identify features of dramatic form
• Explain significant themes in the selected plays
• Relate the plays to their social and historical contexts
• Examine how the plays reflect the societies in which they were written
• Consider the texts as both literary works and performances

Is this course right for you?

Listed as suitable for all levels, the course is intended for learners who are willing to read plays, prepare outside class and discuss their interpretations in both smaller and larger groups. It also involves listening to other participants’ responses and developing analytical skills through sustained engagement with the texts.

• Requires reading each play before its relevant class
• Includes discussion in small and large groups
• Involves preparation and reading outside class

Before you go

• Learners need copies of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams and The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan.
• A copy of Awake and Sing! by Clifford Odets will be provided by the lecturer.
• Relevant additional materials will be provided by the lecturer.