Elements Of Drama
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 143 pages
- 18 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of drama, exploring its definition, origin, and functions. It covers essential dramatic techniques such as characterization, plot construction, and dialogue. The course also examines various dramatic genres, including tragedy, comedy, and melodrama, using textual analysis of plays like Oedipus Rex and Hamlet to enhance understanding and appreciation of dramatic literature.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG162, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG162 · UNIT 1: DRAMA AS GENRE OF LITERATURE
Most people associate funny action or other forms of entertainment as drama. An action could be dramatic yet it will not be classified as drama.
What you should be able to do
- Identify and explain the key elements of drama.
- Analyze and interpret dramatic texts from various genres.
- Apply dramatic techniques in evaluating plays.
- Understand the historical and cultural contexts of dramatic works.
- Compare and contrast different dramatic genres.
- Critically assess the effectiveness of dramatic devices.
What it prepares you for
- Playwright
- Dramaturge
- Literary Critic
- Teacher
- Content Writer
- Theatre
- Film
- Television
- Education
- Publishing
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 4: Textual Analysis
Unit 3: Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Complex language and symbolism require careful attention to detail and interpretation.
- Module 5: Textual Analysis
Unit 4: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
The play employs expressionistic techniques and requires understanding of the American Dream concept.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 1: Drama as a Genre of Literature · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Drama as a Genre of Literature. Define drama and differentiate it from other literary genres. Identify the basic elements of drama.
- Week 2Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 2: Origin and Functions of Drama · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Origin and Functions of Drama. Trace the origin of drama and its functions. Distinguish between drama and theatre.
- Week 3Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 3: Elements of Drama: Imitation · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Elements of Drama: Imitation. Explain imitation as a key element of drama. Differentiate between imitation, impersonation, and re-enactment.
- Week 4Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 4: Elements of Drama: Plot · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Elements of Drama: Plot. Define plot and its structure. Identify different types of plots.
- Week 5Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 5: Elements of Drama: Action · 2 hours
Read Unit 5: Elements of Drama: Action. Explain dramatic action and its importance. Appreciate the motivation behind characters' actions.
- Week 6Module 1: Concepts and Definition
Unit 6: Elements of Drama: Dialogue · 2 hours
Read Unit 6: Elements of Drama: Dialogue. Explain dialogue and its significance in drama. State the importance of dialogue in drama.
- Week 7Module 2: Conventions and Techniques
Unit 1: Dramatic Technique: Characterization · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Dramatic Technique: Characterization. Distinguish between characterization and character analysis. List and explain the major types of characters in drama.
- Week 8Module 2: Conventions and Techniques
Unit 2: Other Dramatic Techniques · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Other Dramatic Techniques. Identify and explain other dramatic techniques. Explain their functions in plays.
- Week 9Module 2: Conventions and Techniques
Unit 3: Dramatic Conventions · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Dramatic Conventions. Understand dramatic conventions. Identify them in plays.
- Week 10Module 3: Dramatic Genres
Unit 1: Forms/Types of Drama: Tragedy, Comedy, Tragi-Comedy, Melodrama · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Forms/Types of Drama: Tragedy, Comedy, Tragi-Comedy, Melodrama. Know and explain the dramatic genres. Distinguish the characteristics of different dramatic genres.
- Week 11Module 4: Textual Analysis
Unit 1: Analysis of Texts · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Analysis of Texts. Learn how to analyze plays and appreciate their effectiveness as dramatic texts. State and explain the major dramatic techniques and how to apply them in the texts.
- Week 12Module 4: Textual Analysis
Unit 2: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles · 2 hours
Read Unit 2: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Identify the elements of tragedy in the play. Determine what makes Oedipus a tragic hero.
Unit 3: Hamlet by William Shakespeare · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Hamlet by William Shakespeare. Interpret Shakespeare's Hamlet as a literary work. Discuss the play in terms of content and form.
- Week 13Module 5: Textual Analysis
Unit 4: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller · 2 hours
Read Unit 4: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Identify the characteristics of the tragedy of the common man. State what makes Willy Loman a tragic hero.
Unit 1: Song of a Goat by J. P. Clark · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Song of a Goat by J. P. Clark. Identify why Song of a Goat could be regarded as a classical tragedy. Discuss the major themes of Song of a Goat.
Preparing for the exam
- Review definitions of key dramatic terms (plot, character, theme, etc.) from Units 1-3.
- Create character maps for main characters in Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Death of a Salesman, and Song of a Goat.
- Practice analyzing sample passages from plays, identifying dramatic devices and their effects.
- Outline the plot structures of each play, noting exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.
- Compare and contrast the themes and styles of different dramatic genres (tragedy, comedy, melodrama).
- Focus on understanding the historical and cultural contexts of each play.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG162 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of drama, exploring its definition, origin, and functions. It covers essential dramatic techniques such as characterization, plot construction, and dialogue. The course also examines various dramatic genres, including tragedy, comedy, and melodrama, using textual analysis of plays like Oedipus Rex and Hamlet to enhance understanding and appreciation of dramatic literature.
How many units does ENG162 have?
ENG162, Elements Of Drama, has 18 units across 5 modules, over 143 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG162?
ENG162 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is ENG162 hard?
ENG162 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ENG162 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 18 units.
How is ENG162 assessed?
ENG162 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with ENG162?
Playwright, Dramaturge, Literary Critic, Teacher and Content Writer.