CL3MT-Modern Tragedy

Module Provider: Classics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Barbara Goff
Email: b.e.goff@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

From the middle of the twentieth century, writers and practitioners have turned to Greek tragedy both to reinterpret the ancient texts and to use them as springboards for investigations into contemporary society’s pressing issues.Ìý In this module we shall read modern rewritings that deploy ancient tragedy to discuss war, colonialism, feminism, and queer identities.Ìý The module will also provide an introduction to ‘classical reception’ as a whole.

Aims:

• To read critically modern texts that work with ancient tragedies


• To develop a grasp of scholarship on classical reception


• To write on selected texts both in an academic context and for varied audiences


• To develop skills of discussion, including of challenging topics

Assessable learning outcomes:

• To read critically and comment on modern rewritings on ancient tragedy


• To research and use appropriately pertinent secondary literatureÌý


• To communicate some significant elements of the modern rewritings to varied audiences

Additional outcomes:

• Students will develop skills in respectful and considerate discussion


• Students will develop skills in reflection

Outline content:

After an introduction to the topic, class sessions will be devoted to discussion of, and occasional lectures on, relevant plays.Ìý Students may be required to give unassessed group presentations.

Global context:

The module may include plays from a variety of cultures including Ireland, Spain, USA, Nigeria and South Africa.Ìý

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures; seminar discussion; presentations; skills sessions on writing.