L.008.32390 Language and Power in British Drama after 2000

Lehrende: Prof. Dr. Merle Tönnies

Veranstaltungsart: Oberseminar

Orga-Einheit: Anglistik/Amerikanistik

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Semesterwochenstunden: 2

Unterrichtssprache: Englisch

Min. | Max. Teilnehmerzahl: - | 30

Voraussetzungen und Empfehlungen:
Introduction to Literary Studies
One completed 'Hauptseminar' in literary studies (for Lehramt students)

Literatur:
There are three set texts:
Alistair Beaton, Feelgood, London: Methuen, 2001.
Caryl Churchill, Far Away, London: Nick Hern Books, 2003 (first edition 2000).
Joe Penhall, Blue/Orange, London: Methuen, 2000.
Time permitting, further primary literature will be selected together with the participants

Kommentar:
This seminar for M.A., Ph.D. and advanced Lehramt students examines the ways in which the power relations inscribed in language and the possibilities of using language to manipulate others in order to exert power are represented on British stages from the year 2000 onwards. The plays present a variety of approaches from political satire to a relatively recent genre that may be termed 'absurdist dystopia'. The theoretical approaches of Louis Althusser (ideology) and Antonio Gramsci (hegemony) will form the background for our analyses, although the focus will be on the detailed study of the primary texts.
It is essential for the success of the seminar that participants read the plays under discussion. If necessary, this knowledge will be tested in the course of the seminar. Moreover, active participation is required, and students will be encouraged to select and/or present texts for analysis themselves. Some familiarity with and interest in drama and/or theatre is a necessary basis.

The first play (Feelgood) should be read until the beginning of the semester.

3 LP: oral presentation with written documentation or short paper
6 LP: oral presentation with written documentation or short paper; Hausarbeit

Wichtige Hinweise:
As this is an MA seminar/'Oberseminar', Lehramt students need to have already completed at least part of their literature Hauptseminare. If in doubt, please contact me by email or in my office hours.