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Playwriting and Text - TFT00107M

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  • Department: Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module is a research based module that engages with the critical analysis of texts and performance contexts of key theatrical trends, genres and practitioners. It will examine how playwrights have contributed to theatre-making in different times and contexts. Seminars will provide opportunities to engage with a variety of texts from a range of writers and theatre-artists, with a focus on critical analysis. This module will also provide a grounding in research methodologies and post-graduate skills in the study of plays and playwriting.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

The aims of the module are:

  • to deepen your understanding and knowledge of writing for theatre and key theatre practitioners across a range of genres and a variety of socio-political contexts

  • to expose you to a range of texts from a diverse collection of significant and contemporary playwrights

  • to develop your ability to reflect critically on performance texts and their contexts

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module you will be expected:

  • to have deepened your understanding of a range of key theatrical trends, genres and practitioners

  • to have developed skills in research methodologies and critical analysis

  • to have defined your own research enquiry and presented your findings in a critical analysis essay

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Formative: Reflective / Critical Analysis essay (1500 words)

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

Reading lists will vary on an annual basis according to the research areas of staff but may include:

Alex Sierz, (2001) In-yer-face theatre : British drama today, London : Faber and Faber.
Michael Billington, (2007) State of the nation : British theatre since 1945, London : Faber.
Lucy Kerbel, (2013) 100 great plays for women, London : Nick Hern Books.
David Olusoga, (2017) Black and British : a forgotten history, London : Pan Books.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.