Course content

This course gives a practical-theoretical introduction to the history and development of theatre in a global perspective. Different theatre forms and traditions are approached from historical, aesthetic and social perspectives, through theoretical and practical teaching methods and archival research on historical sources.

The course looks for example at the development of European/Western theatre, its forms and functions; and further on Norwegian theatre history from the Renaissance until today, with an emphasis on the development of Norwegian theatre institutions. The course also looks at a selection of non-Western theatre traditions and offers critical perspectives through readings of decolonial and feminist historiography.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have knowledge:

• about forms of drama and theatre in western and non-western contexts.
• about the historical development and function of theatre.
• about typical theatrical genres and ways of communicating in different epochs.
• of basic academic terminology and historiographical research methods.

Skills

Upon successful completion of this course, students will know how to:

• Present an overview of the diversity of the field of drama and theatre.
• Use academic terminology to describe and analyse phenomena in the field of theatre.
• Find, apply and critically assess different sources of historical information.

Learning methods and activities

The instruction in this course consists of lectures, seminars, group work, oral presentations and practice sessions/workshops.

Students are required to keep updated on messages from the department or the lecturer at Blackboard.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved attendance and participation of at least 80% of instruction
• Group work with submission of powerpoint slides in blackboard and oral presentation
• Oral presentation of a self-chosen topic

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

Approx. 1200 pages of set texts, included plays and individually chosen literature.

Credit reductions