Not currently offered
Course code

ENGL2021

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of English Renaissance theatre and its representations of desire and death on stage. Through studying five plays central to the period, students will learn about genres such as revenge tragedy and tragicomedy, understandings of sexuality and gender, and death and mourning. There will also be a focus on London's theatres and publishing industry. Students will be introduced to major theoretical and methodological approaches to the field and will be encouraged to undertake advanced research in the topic area.


Availability

Not currently offered.

This Course was last offered in Semester 1 - 2024.


Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Interpret Renaissance literary works at advanced undergraduate level;

2. Analyse critical and theoretical debates surrounding Renaissance Literature;

3. Demonstrate an understanding of Renaissance modes of cultural production such as performance and print, different literary genres, and themes;

4. Develop written communication skills by reflecting on the cultural impact of Renaissance literature;

5. Develop understanding of Renaissance concepts of genre and gender.


Content

The course will focus on five plays central to the early modern theatres:

Thomas Kyd, The Spanish Tragedy

Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher, The Maid's Tragedy

Elizabeth Cary, The Tragedy of Mariam

John Webster, The Duchess of Malfi

John Ford, 'Tis Pity She's a Whore

This course also provides the opportunity for students to undertake advanced study and research on a topic of their choice inspired by the plays on the course. Focusing on a particular form, theme or approach, the course will allow students to develop specialised skills in literary analysis, contextual research, and informed scholarly critique. Students will receive training in the methodologies most pertinent to the topic area, which might include basic bibliography, theatre history, the history of the book, rhetorical tropes and figures, archival research, and the use of scholarly databases. The course offers a unique opportunity for students to engage wih cutting edge developments in Renaissance Literature and undertake a research project preparing them for Honours in English.


Requisite

Students cannot enrol in this course if they have previously successfully completed ENGL3021.


Assumed knowledge

20 units of English


Assessment items

Written Assignment: Short Essay

Essay: Essay

Journal: Reflective Task

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.