Introduction

Do you want to get more out of drama? This course is designed to develop the analytical skills you need for a more in-depth study of literary plays. You will learn about dialogue, stage directions, blank verse, dramatic structure and conventions and aspects of performance. It's not necessary for you to have previously read any of the plays mentioned in the course before embarking on it, but to get the most from it you may like to obtain texts of the following:

• Churchill, Caryl (1994) Top Girls, with commentary and notes by Bill Naismith, Meuthen.
• Ibsen, Henrik (1992) A Doll's House, Dover Thrift Publications.
• Shakespeare, William (2005) As You Like It, edited by H. J. Oliver, Penguin.
• Shakespeare, William (1996) Henry V, edited by A. R. Humphries, Penguin.
• Shakespeare, William (1996) Othello, edited by Kenneth Muir, Penguin.

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Understand the basic technical terms associated with plays
• Make the most out of the text of a play.