Course Name: Elements and Scope of Drama

Course Code: LIT 2103

Credit Unit: 3

Course Description

This course aims to introduce students to the various elements of drama, their salient features and how these elements work together to produce a dramatic experience in plays. It is also intended to acquaint students with the various shades and types of drama, and examine their different characteristics.

Course Objectives

(i)  To expose to a critical understanding of the basic elements of drama

(ii)  To acquaint the learners with the scope of drama.

Detailed Course Curriculum

·  Introduction to Drama

·  Plotting

·  Characterization

·  Thought

·  Diction

·  Spectacle

·  Special Effects

·  Audience

·  Tragedy

o  Oedipus the King – Sophocles

o  Dr. Fautus – C. Marlowe

o  Death and the King’s Horseman – Wole Soyinka

·  Comedy

o  Twelfth Night – William Shakespeare

o  The Miser – Moliere

o  The Marriage of Anansewa – E. Sutherland

·  Farce and Melodrama

o  Lysistrata – Aristophanes

o  Proposal – Anton Chekov

o  The Devil’s Disciple – Bernard Shaw

·  Absurdism

o  Waiting for Godot – Samuel Beckett

·  Mixed Form

o  Juno and the Paycock – Sean O’Casey

Expected Outcome

By the end of the course the learner should:

(i)  be able to identify the various elements of drama and demonstrate how they work together in a play to produce a dramatic effect

(ii)  be able to demonstrate an understanding of the nature and characteristics of the various forms of drama

Mode of Delivery

·  Lectures

·  Group discussions

·  Tutorials

Mode of Assessment

·  Course work and oral presentations will constitute 30%

·  Final Examination will constitute 70%

References

  1. Annas, Pamela J. 2000, Literature and Society, Poetry and Drama, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
  2. Barnet, Sylvan, 2003, Literature for Composition: Essays, Fiction, Poetry and Drama, London: Brown College Devon.

3.  Di Yanni, Robert, 2000, Drama: an Introduction, Boston: McGraw-Hill.

  1. Dorsch, T. S. 1988, Classical Literary Criticism. London: Penguin.
  2. Styan, J. L. 1960, The Elements of Drama, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.