Unit outline_

ENGL6109: Modern and Contemporary Drama

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This course develops a critical evaluation of modern drama from its roots in the nineteenth century and its legacy in a selection of contemporary play texts. The course situates developments in dramatic theory and practice alongside dominant social and intellectual trends of the past century (political tyranny/liberation, class structure, womens emancipation, censorship, technological change, the rise of global capital). Students will critically evaluate dramatic texts and performance using a variety of theoretical frameworks.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit English and Writing
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Mark Byron, mark.byron@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Critical essay
Written critical essay
100% Week 13
Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Jun 2025
6000wd
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

Oral seminar presentation

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

The following table provides general guidelines on marking criteria within English.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • The work demonstrates a deep and intelligent understanding of, and individual engagement with material;
  • presents a very close analysis of focal texts or issues;
  • addresses a specific issue and develops an independent critical or theoretical argument successfully;
  • indicates awareness of complexities and qualifications in argumentation;
  • demonstrates careful thought about the critical, historical and/or theoretical context of the texts or issues;
  • provides evidence of wide-ranging reading;
  • is properly referenced and well-presented. The writing is characterized by creativity, clarity, and independent insight.

A High Distinction is distinguished from a Distinction by the work’s demonstration of awareness of subtleties, nuances, qualifications and a possible other case. Work which is awarded a mark of over 90% in Senior level units of study will often contain some publishable or potentially publishable elements. 

Distinction

75 - 84

  • The work demonstrates an intelligent understanding of, and individual engagement with material;
  • analyzes focal texts or issues appositely;
  • addresses an issue and presents a well-argued, coherent case;
  • demonstrates careful thought about the critical, historical and/or theoretical context of the texts or issues;
  • provides evidence of reading beyond what is strictly required for the task;
  • is properly referenced and well presented. The writing is characterized by individuality, clarity, and independent insight.

A Distinction is distinguished from a High Credit chiefly by the quality of theoretical understanding and the range of intellectual enquiry it demonstrates.

Credit

65 - 74

High Credit

  • The work provides evidence of independent reading and thinking about focal texts or issues and their contexts;
  • shows some clear understanding of relevant critical and theoretical considerations and of the conceptual issues raised by a unit of study;
  • uses close critical analysis;
  • avoids summary;
  • indicates an intelligent attempt at a critical or theoretical argument;
  • is clearly and effectively written;
  • is well-referenced.

A High Credit is distinguished from a Low Credit chiefly by the extent of independent discussion of focal texts or issues, and by some obvious attempt to interpret the outcome of close analysis. 

Low Credit

  • The work shows some understanding of relevant critical and theoretical considerations and of the conceptual issues raised by a unit of study;
  • demonstrates some independent reading and thinking about focal texts or issues and their contexts;
  • uses close critical analysis;
  • avoids summary;
  • attempts a critical or theoretical argument;
  • is clearly and effectively written;
  • is adequately referenced.

A Low Credit is distinguished from a High Pass by the extent of independent discussion of focal texts or issues, the clarity of the writing and the extent to which it attempts a more general critical and/or theoretical argument. 

Pass

50 - 64

High Pass

  • The work gives some evidence of ability to attempt an independent argument and to structure material coherently;
  • demonstrates a genuine attempt at independent reading and thinking about focal texts or issues though the essay may contain some oversimplification or superficiality;
  • generally avoids summary, paraphrase or unsubstantiated assertion;
  • may sometimes present quotation for illustrative purposes merely, but does also present the outcome of some critical analysis;
  • is adequately expressed;
  • is adequately referenced.

Pass

  • The work provides clear evidence of having read and thought about focal texts or issues;
  • attempts a coherent argument though there may be ellipses in argumentation;
  • uses some close critical analysis;
  • may paraphrase fairly extensively;
  • tends to use quotation for illustrative purposes only;
  • may tend towards generality in answering a question;
  • may present simplistic comment or unsubstantiated assertions;
  • is adequately expressed though there may be some weaknesses in this area;
  • may contain some referencing errors. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Work may fail for any of the following reasons:

  • no evidence of having read the prescribed material closely;
  • sloppy, inconsistent presentation;
  • preponderance of paraphrase, mere plot summary or listing of superficial characteristics;
  • excessive use of quotation for illustrative purposes only, without any attempt at analysis;
  • excessive level of generality in answering a question;
  • inappropriate or obscure expression;
  • incoherent general structure;
  • inadequate referencing;
  • late submission of work without extension

 

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction & Büchner, Woyzeck (1837) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Strindberg, Miss Julie (1888) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Ibsen, Hedda Gabler (1891) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Chekhov, The Cherry Orchard (1904) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Pirandello, Six Characters in Search of an Author (1921) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Brecht, Life of Galileo (1938) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Beckett, Waiting for Godot (1952) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Handke, Kaspar (1967) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Cesaire, A Tempest (1969) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Churchill, Top Girls (1982) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Jelinek,  Sports Play (1998) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Albee, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? (2000) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Graham, The Angry Brigade (2014) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

A 90% attendance requirement is encoded in the Faculty resolutions:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/arts/governance/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Most readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas. The following texts will need to be acquired by students to read and bring to class for the relevant weeks:

  1. Büchner, Woyzeck (1837)
  2. Strindberg, Miss Julie (1888)
  3. Ibsen, Hedda Gabler (1891)
  4. Chekhov, The Cherry Orchard (1904)
  5. Pirandello, Six Characters in Search of an Author (1921)
  6. Brecht, Life of Galileo (1938)
  7. Beckett, Waiting for Godot (1952)
  8. Handke, Kaspar (1967)
  9. Cesaire, A Tempest (1969)
  10. Churchill, Top Girls (1982)
  11. Jelinek,  Sports Play (1998)
  12. Albee, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? (2000)
  13. Graham, The Angry Brigade (2014)

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate knowledge of modern and contemporary drama and associated theory and opportunity to conduct independent, rigorous and original research displaying analytical and creative skills
  • LO2. Source, evaluate and deploy primary and secondary information relevant to modern and contemporary drama studies
  • LO3. Work independently, sustainably and be self-motivated in the pursuit of new ideas and ways of thinking within the field of modern and contemporary drama studies
  • LO4. Function as a literary scholar possessing appropriate ethical standards in the conduct of your research and relations with your peers, teachers and the broader scholarly community
  • LO5. Demonstrate communication skills and methods appropriate to the study of modern and contemporary drama and transferable to other fields related to English literature

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The syllabus has been updated and the assessment scheduled has been modified.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.