107-231 Greek Tragedy and Roman Farce

This subject may be included in a major in English, or theatre studies.

This subject explores the nature and social significance of the theatre in ancient Greece and Rome through the surviving work of ancient dramatists: the tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Seneca; and the comedies of Aristophanes, Plautus and Terence. On completion of the subject, students should be familiar with a wide range of ancient dramatic genres and a number of surviving Greek and Roman plays (both as written texts and as live performances), and possess an understanding of the significance and function of the theatre in the Greek and Roman worlds.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.

A written essay 1500 words, 40% (due mid-semester); a written essay 2500 words, 50% (due during the examination period); participation in tutorials 10% (throughout the semester). Hurdle requirement: students must attend at least 75% of tutorials and submit both essays in order to be eligible for final assessment.

A subject reader will be available.

• Seneca, Medea. F Ahl (trans).