Key facts

UNE unit code: THEA111

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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The theatre is a reflection of the views and perspectives of the world around us.

This introductory unit will provide an overview of the artistic, philosophical, and political ideas underpinning theatre practice in the western world from the late nineteenth century to the present day, with a focus on playwrights and directors.

You will learn how theatre-makers during this period undertook bold theatrical experiments in response to significant social, cultural and political upheavals. Through studying key plays and practitioners from this period, you will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the relationship between play text, director and performance, and have the opportunity to create your own piece of innovative theatre.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

There are no requisites for this unit.

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Richard Jordan
Richard JordanSenior Lecturer in Theatre and Digital Performance - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of different theatrical and narrative structures and genres in the work of selected playwrights;
  2. describe how theoretical approaches influence and stimulate ways of thinking about theatre in performance; and
  3. demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between playwright and director, text and performance.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Lecture QuizzesYes10%All offerings

Lecture Quizzes

No. Words: 200 (equivalent)

Performance/Dramaturgical Task with Viva Voce - Assurance Task 2Yes45%All offerings
Students may either: 
 
  • perform an excerpt from one of the set plays

OR

  • submit a design portfolio.

All students submit a written 700-word exegesis, AND attend a mandatory fifteen-minute Viva Voce (oral examination).

 
Students must pass both Assurance Task 1 and 2 in order to pass the unit and all other passing requirements of the unit. 
 
No. Words: 2600 (equivalent)
Reading Diary Oral Task - Assurance Task 1Yes15%All offerings

Viva Voce, fifteen-minutes (approx.)

Students must pass both Assurance Task 1 and 2 in order to pass the unit and all other passing requirements of the unit. 

No. Words: 700 (equivalent)

Reading Diary Written TasksYes30%All offerings

Two short essays 600-700 words each

Total No. Words: 1400

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

An Octoroon

ISBN: 9781848426412

Jacobs-Jenkins, B. , Nick Hern Books 2017

Note: E-book also available: ISBN 9781559368018

Text refers to: All offerings

THEA111 Collected Plays

Theatre Studies Staff (eds), School of HASS, UNE

Note: Available from UNE Life Campus Books and on Reading List.

Text refers to: All offerings

Mother Courage and her Children

ISBN: 9781408125755

Brecht, B. (translated by Kushner, T.), Methuen 2010

Text refers to: All offerings

Three Sisters

ISBN: 9780413771407

Chekhov, A. translated by Frayn, M., edited by Worrall, N., Methuen Student Edition 2003

Text refers to: All offerings

Cloud Nine

ISBN: 9781854590909

Caryl Churchill, Nick Hern Books New edition 1995

Note: Any edition or format is acceptable. Also available as an eBook from Dixson Library.

Text refers to: All offerings

More Life

ISBN: 9781839044236

Lauren Mooney and James Yeatman, Nick Hern Books 1st 2025

Note:  Also available as an eBook from Dixson Library.

Text refers to: All offerings

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

The Drama, Theatre and Performance Companion

ISBN: 9780230551657

Mangan, M., Palgrave MacMillan 2013

Note: This text is also recommended for THEA110.

Text refers to: All offerings

Theatre Histories: An Introduction

ISBN: 9781032027906

McConachie, B., Nellhaus, T., Sorgenfrei, C.F. and Underiner, T., Routledge 4th ed. 2024

Note: This text is also recommended for THEA110.

Text refers to: All offerings

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