Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Victorian Drama
School	Eng, Drama, & Creative Studies
Department	Drama and Theatre Arts
Module Code	09 25042
Module Lead	Dr Caroline Radcliffe
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module focuses on nineteenth century British drama and includes a range of plays and adaptations by authors such as Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Braddon, Bernard Shaw, the Black actor, Ira Aldridge, and women’s rights campaigner and actor, Elizabeth Robins. We also study the ‘Neo-‘ or ‘New-Victorian’ on the stage, including contemporary versions of burlesque and anti-colonialist performances as well as recent plays representing the Victorian stage. As well as reading established authors, the module looks at drama’s relationship with other art forms, including adaptations from popular novels, the periodical press and famous works of art. We look at how Victorian theatre presented a multi-media experience for the audience through its use of spectacular stagecraft and at methods of nineteenth century acting. We examine dramatic genres such as the Industrial, the Melodramatic, the Gothic, the Fallen Woman and include critical studies in race and gender. The module is supported by a structured week by week programme of reading and audio-visual materials.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate an ability to engage in critical reading and viewing, and subsequent discussion of issues that arise from specific historical, cultural and theoretical study of Victorian Drama. Participate in seminar discussions exploring aspects of Victorian Drama, Demonstrate an understanding of the main characteristics of the genres of Victorian Drama; Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of Victorian Drama as a performance genre across different media; Demonstrate an ability to plan and deliver a small group presentation and to frame this with appropriate critical reflection. Demonstrate an ability to undertake independent research.
Assessment	25042-01 : Essay 4000 words : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 3000 word essay (75%) Group presentation in class (25%), approx. 5 minutes per student Reassessment: Failed component only Group or solo presentation (approx. 5 mins per student depending on group size), which may be submitted as a recording 25% 3,000 word essay (75%)
Other
Reading List