Understanding Absurdist Drama

Week 1: Introduction to Absurdist DramaPurpose:The purpose of Week 1 is to introduce students to the concept and origins of Absurdist drama, providing a foundational understanding of its characteristics and the historical and cultural context in which it emerged. This week will cover the post-World War II backdrop that gave rise to the Absurdist movement and highlight key figures and works within the genre.By the end of this week, students should have a clear grasp of what defines Absurdist drama and its significance in the literary world.
Content Overview:

• Definition and characteristics of Absurdist drama.
• Historical and cultural backdrop of the mid20th century.
• Key figures and works in the Absurdist movement.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the defining characteristics of Absurdist drama.
• Grasp the historical and philosophical underpinnings of themovement.
• Recognize key Absurdist playwrights and their contributions.

Week 2:Historical and Philosophical ContextsPurpose:The purpose of Week 2 is to delve deeper into the philosophicalroots of Absurdist drama, particularly the influence of existentialist philosophers such as Albert Camus and JeanPaul Sartre. Students will study the relationship between existentialism and Absurdist drama, with a focus on Camus’essay The Myth of Sisyphus and its relevance. The purpose of this week is to equip students with a thorough understanding of the philosophical questions that underpin Absurdist works,enhancing their appreciation of the genre's intellectual depth.
Content Overview:

• Introduction to existentialist philosophy.
• Relationship between existentialism and Absurdist drama.
• Analysis of Camus’ essay The Myth of Sisyphus and its relevance to Absurdist drama.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the philosophical questions posed by Absurdist playwrights.
• Discuss the concept of the absurd as articulated by Camus.
• Relate existential philosophy to the themes in Absurdist plays.

Week 3:Samuel Beckett and the Theatre of the AbsurdPurpose:In Week 3, the focus is on Samuel Beckett's significant influence on Absurdist drama. Students will study Beckett’s biography, major works, and the recurring themes of existentialism, absurdity, and the human condition. Through a detailed analysis of selected excerpts from Waiting for Godot and Endgame, students will explore Beckett’s unique use of language, silence, and repetition. This week aims to deepen the understanding of Beckett’s contributions and techniques that define his place in Absurdist drama.
Content Overview:

• Beckett’s biography and major works
• Themes of existentialism, absurdity, and human condition.
• Analysis of key scenes from Waiting for Godot and Endgame.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand Beckett's themes of existentialism and absurdity.
• Discuss the use of language, silence, and repetition in his works.
• Explore Beckett’s minimalistic stage directions and their impact.

Week 4:Eugène Ionesco and the Absurdity of ExistencePurpose:The purpose of Week 4 is to examine Eugène Ionesco's contributions to Absurdist drama, focusing on themes of alienation and communication breakdown. Through an analysis of excerpts from The Bald Soprano and The Chairs, students will explore Ionesco’s use of nonsensical dialogue and surreal scenarios. This week aims to provide insight into Ionesco's approach to Absurdist drama and how his works reflect the complexities of human existence.
Content Overview:

• Ionesco’s biography and major works.
• Themes of alienation and communication breakdown.
• Analysis of key scenes from The Bald Soprano and The Chairs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Grasp Ionesco's themes of alienation and the breakdown of communication.
• Discuss his use of nonsensical dialogue and surreal scenarios.
• Explore the sociopolitical commentary in his works.

Week 5:Harold Pinter and the Comedy of MenacePurpose:The purpose of Week 5 is to study Harold Pinter's blend of absurdity and psychological tension, often referred to as the Comedy of Menace. Through an analysis of excerpts from The Birthday Party and The Homecoming, students will explore Pinter’s themes of power, communication, and existential anxiety. This week aims to provide an understanding of Pinter's unique contribution to the Absurdist genre and the techniques he employs to create tension and unease.
Content Overview:

• Pinter’s biography and major works.
• Themes of power, communication, and existential anxiety.
• Analysis of key scenes from The Birthday Party and The Homecoming.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand Pinter's use of dialogue, pauses, and silence.
• Discuss the themes of power, communication, and existential anxiety.
• Explore Pinter's unique contribution to the Absurdist genre.

Week 6:Jean Genet and the Theatre of TransgressionPurpose:Week 6 examines Jean Genet's exploration of identity, power, and societal norms through his works. Students will analyze excerpts from The Balcony and The Maids, focusing on themes of role-playing and transgression. The purpose of this week is to understand Genet's subversive and provocative approach to Absurdist drama, highlighting his use of ritualistic and symbolic elements to challenge conventional ideas.
Content Overview:

• Genet’s biography and major works.
• Themes of roleplaying and transgression.
• Analysis of key scenes from The Balcony and The Maids.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand Genet's themes of roleplaying and transgression.
• Discuss his use of ritualistic and symbolic elements.
• Explore the subversive and provocative nature of his works.

Week 7:Tom Stoppard and the Metatheatrical AbsurdPurpose:The purpose of Week 7 is to study Tom Stoppard's contribution to Absurdist drama through his metatheatrical plays. Students will analyze excerpts from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and The Real Inspector Hound, exploring themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality. This week aims to provide insight into Stoppard's use of metatheatre and intertextuality, and how his works blend comedy with philosophical exploration.
Content Overview:

• Stoppard’s biography and major works.
• Themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality.
• Analysis of key scenes from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and The Real Inspector Hound.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand Stoppard's use of metatheatre and intertextuality.
• Discuss themes of fate, free will, and the nature of reality.
• Explore the comedic and philosophical aspects of his works.

Week 8:Absurdist Themes, Techniques and InnovationsPurpose:Week 8 focuses on investigating common themes in Absurdist drama, such as the meaning of life, the inevitability of death, and the search for purpose. Students will identify and analyze these recurring themes, discussing how they reflect the human condition and existential concerns. The purpose of this week is to deepen students' understanding of the thematic richness of Absurdist drama and how different playwrights explore these profound questions. Moreover, The purpose of Week 5 is to examine the unique dramatic techniques employed in Absurdist plays, including non-linear narratives, fragmented plots, and surreal imagery. Students will analyze examples of these techniques and discuss how they contribute to the overall impact of Absurdist drama. This week aims to highlight the innovative aspects of Absurdist theatre and how breaking traditional conventions enhances the thematic depth and audience engagement.
Content Overview:

• Identification of recurring themes in Absurdist drama.
• Examine the unique dramatic techniques employed in Absurdist plays.
• Analyze the use of nonlinear narratives, fragmented plots, and surreal imagery.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify recurring themes in Absurdist drama.
• Discuss how these themes reflect the human condition.
• Analyze how different playwrights approach these themes.
• Identify and understand the dramatic techniques used in Absurdist drama.
• Explore the purpose and effect of breaking traditional theatrical conventions.

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