116-028 European Spectacle

This subject is taught in English and is available to all second and third year arts students.

A team-taught study of postwar European cinema and theatre during a period of intense political and social change. Students who complete this subject should be familiar with some of the major developments in cinematic and dramatic representation in Germany, France, Italy and Spain during the period under study and be able to relate the films and plays studied to their broader and historical context.

• develop particular generic skills. Research: through frequent and systematic use of the library and other information sources, the definition of areas of inquiry and familiarisation with research methods; Critical thinking and analysis: through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the strength of arguments; Thinking in theoretical and analytical terms: through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences; Understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness/openness to the world: through the contextualisation of judgements and knowledge, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and new aspects of French and Italian culture, and by formulating arguments; Communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically: through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations; Written communication: through essay and assignment preparation and writing; Public speaking and confidence in self-expression: through tutorial participation and class presentations; Attention to detail: through close reading and textual analysis, essay preparation and writing, and examination revision; Time management and planning: through managing and organizing workloads for required and recommended reading, essay and assignment completion and revision for examinations.

A 1000 word classpaper subsequently written up 35%, a 2000 word essay for 2nd year students and a 2500 word essay for 3rd year students 50% and class participation 15%.

• F Dürrenmatt, The visit: A tragi-comedy. Grove Press 1983.