Course coordinator
Dr Bernadette Cochrane
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
Through examining some of the key directors, dramaturgs, designers, playwrights, and visual artists who redefined audiences' understanding of theatre and performance in the twentieth century, we see the impact of the past on the theatre-making of the present.
Who were the most radical, shocking, or inspiring theatrical experimenters of the last century, and what effects did they have? DRAM2030 explores a range of key figures - playwrights, designers, directors, visual artists, and dramaturgs - who redefined audiences’ understanding of theatre and performance, and influenced theatre and performance-makers across the twentieth century. Covering the period from the 1890s to the 1990s, DRAM2030 introduces students to both Modernism and its relationship to the Historical Avant-Garde. Here, we consider the emergence of Realism and Naturalism, Symbolism, Expressionism, and radical counter-cultural challenges to the status quo. The shift to the second half of the twentieth century pays particular attention to Epic Theatre; Absurdism; British New Realism and physical theatre/s. This course goes beyond a basic history of twentieth-century dramatic literature and theatre theory, considering not only plays, but also theatre’s relationships with a range of aesthetic, scientific, ideological, social and political discourses.
While structured in a broadly chronological manner, the course traces multiple genealogies in theatre and performance, considering how various catalysts influenced numerous practitioners and movements in different ways, and examining the connections between them. ﾠConsequently, it will be possible to navigate a number of routes through the course to develop a more sophisticated understanding of twentieth-century theatre practice.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are expected to have completed DRAM1010 or DRAM1100 as prerequisite courses.ﾠSome introductory material covered in thoseﾠcourses will be assumed as background knowledge.
Incoming Exchange Studies students are exempt from the requirement to have successfully completed DRAM1010 or DRAM1100.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
DRAM1010 or DRAM1100
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Bernadette Cochrane
Tutor
Miss Hannah Mason
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course is designed to help you:
- Identify differences and connections between the chief artistic movements of the twentieth century;ﾠ
- Understand ways in which theatre responded to and shaped its social and political environment during periods of immense political upheaval and social change;ﾠ
- Understand developments in theatrical theory and practice and how they relate to wider aesthetic, philosophical, social and political debates; and
- Enhance your understanding of the connections and relationships between theatrical performances, significant practitioners and where appropriateﾠwritten texts.
- Understand the relationship between twentieth-century theatre and the development of twenty-first century theatre.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate a sound familiarity with a range of international art movements, practitioners, staging techniques, and dramatic texts from the 20th century, taking into account the specific relationships, legacies and lineages in order to better understand the zeitgeist of the century in a performative context.
LO2.
Evaluate opinions, make decisions and reflect critically upon developments and philosophies in twentieth-century theatre practice and their relationships to broader cultural contexts.
LO3.
Communicate effectively in written, oral and dramatic forms with an enriched understanding of dramatic histories and ho they relate to broader social, political, ethical, and interdisciplinary discourses.
LO4.
Collaborate with others to produce a group performance that combines intellectual argument with theatrical form.
LO5.
Comprehend the impact of twentieth-century theatrical movements on twenty-first century performance-making.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Tutorial Participation
|
20% |
5/03/2025 - 14/05/2025
This is an in-person assessment completed during normal tutorial hours. |
| Essay/ Critique | Research Essay | 40% 2000 words |
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard |
| Performance |
Group Performance Research Project
|
40% 10 minute performance |
21/05/2025
Presentation due in tutorial |
Assessment details
Tutorial Participation
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
5/03/2025 - 14/05/2025
This is an in-person assessment completed during normal tutorial hours.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This assignment is designed to allow you to demonstrate your engagement with the pre-set readings, the lecture content, and the tutorial activities that underpin your learning. This assignment scaffolds both your individual research essay and your Performed Research Project.
You are graded on participation in classes for this course; attendance itself is not sufficient to constitute participation. Participation means willing involvement, active engagement with the text and the tasks at hand, asking questions, working well in groups, and demonstrating evidence of having attended/listened to the lecture and having engaged with the set readings. Acting ability is not assessed.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your attendance has been recorded.
A detailed assignment brief is available via Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 2000 words
- Due date
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The research essay is designed to enable you to demonstrate your acquired knowledge and research skills by writing on a specific aspect of twentieth century drama in relation to one of the key concepts, movements, texts or figures arising from weeks two to six inclusive. This task will assess your ability to:
- produce a relevant and compelling research question
- provide an analytic approach to the topic and its relevant issues
- construct a strong argument
- provide evidence from the text (where appropriate) and/or secondary material to support this argument.
The referencing style used for Drama assignments is MLA 9th Edition.
A detailed assignment brief is available via Blackboard.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Group Performance Research Project
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Performance
- Weight
- 40% 10 minute performance
- Due date
21/05/2025
Presentation due in tutorial
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In groups, you will deliver a 10-minute presentation to the class on any topic arising from weeks six to twelve of the course. This assignment asks you to present an argument in a performative mode.
All group performance projects will be presented in lieu of week 12 tutorials.
A detailed assignment brief is available via Blackboard.
All Performance Research Projects will be recorded via Zoom, or equivalent for the purposes of moderation or re-marks.
Recording of Oral and Practical Assessment
- All presentations will be recorded for marking purposes via recording facilities available where the assessment takes place (eg. ECHO360, Zoom, camera device).
- Recordings will be retained by the School of Communication and Arts for at least 12 months from the release of the final grade for the course.
- Recordings will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed by authorised school staff for the purposes of:
- Moderation of marking;
- Provision of feedback to the student(s) recorded; and/or
- Re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
- Written or email permission will be sought should a recording be sought to be used as an exemplar for future years.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Please note: This is a class assessment item and students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Please see the online reading list for further reading suggestions, and in Learning Resources on UQ Learn there are additional readings available for each module.ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 - Introduction: 20th Century Collisions This introductory lecture will contextualise the course framework and assessment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 1 - No Tutorial. |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 - Realism and Naturalism |
Tutorial |
Week 2 - Realism and Naturalism This tutorial will explore scenes and concepts related to realism and naturalism, with reference to George Bernard Shaw's Mrs Warren's Profession. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 - The Historical Avant-Garde Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 - The Historical Avant-Garde This tutorial will explore two contrasting experiments: Symbolism with reference to Alfred Jarry's Ubu Roi and the emergence of contemporary dance with an emphasis on technology. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 - Radical Counter-culture |
Tutorial |
Week 4 - Radical Counter-culture This tutorial will explore the emergence of Black theatre in the twentieth century with reference to C.L.R. James's Toussaint Louverture: The Story of the Only Successful Slave Revolt in History; writing a research essay Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 - Expressionism |
Tutorial |
Week 5 - Expressionism This tutorial will explore the emergence of Expressionism in the twentieth century with reference to George Kaiser's From Morning to Midnight. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 - The emergence of the director |
Tutorial |
Week 6 - The emergence of the director This tutorial will explore the emergence of the contemporary director in the twentieth century with reference to Susan Glaspell's The Verge. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 - Modernism and Metatheatre |
Tutorial |
Week 7 - Modernism and Metatheatre This tutorial will explore the emergence of metadrama and metatheatre in the twentieth century with reference to Luigi Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 - Epic Theatre |
Tutorial |
Week 8 - Epic Theatre This tutorial will explore the precursors and inheritors of Brecht and Epic Theatre in the twentieth century with reference to Joan Littlewood and the Theatre Workshop's Oh What a Lovely War. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Tutorial |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK: NO CLASS |
Lecture |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK: NO CLASS |
|
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 - Theatre of the Absurd |
Tutorial |
Week 9 - Theatre of the Absurd This tutorial will focus on the evolution of Theatre of the Absurd in the twentieth century with reference to some of the short plays by Samuel Beckett; start work on Performed Research Project. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 - British New Realism |
Tutorial |
Week 10 - British New Realism This tutorial will focus on Shelagh Delaney's A Taste of Honey; Work on Group Performance Research Project. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 - Physical Theatre |
Tutorial |
Week 11 - Research Project Preparation This tutorial will be given over to working on the group performance Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Practical |
Week 12 - Rehearsal and technical time Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Practical |
Week 12 - Performance Research Project Assessment Group Performance Research Project Presentations. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13 - No Class |
Tutorial |
Week 13 - No Class |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.