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Drama Courses

Key to Course Descriptions.

For Distribution Requirement purposes, all DRM courses are classified as HUMANITIES courses.

| Course Winter Timetable |


DRM100Y1
Drama: Form and Style        78L

An introduction to the study of dramatic literature, with particular reference to the realization of plays upon the stage. Plays from a variety of periods and countries are studied in terms of the use of theatrical space, plot and generic structure, characterization, theme, and language.
Exclusion: ENG222Y1


DRM200Y1
Introduction to Performance        104P

Emphasis is initially on ensemble, non-verbal, and improvisational work. Students proceed to the application of their acquired skills to scripted material.
Pre- or co-requisite:DRM100Y1 or DRM230Y1
Co-requisite: DRM201Y1


DRM201Y1
Voice/Movement for the Actor I (formerly DRM 201H1)       91P

A voice and movement component, taken in conjunction with DRM200Y1: Introduction to Performance. Work consists of both theory and practice of voice and movement as they relate to the development of the actor.
Prerequisite: Permission of University College Drama Program Committee
Co-requisite: DRM200Y1


DRM230Y1
Concepts of Twentieth-Century Theatre
       78L

The work of selected theorists and practitioners of the 20th century and their contrasting ideas on the kind of expression and communication possible through the medium of the theatre. A study of how the interrelationship between director, actor, playwright and text influences the style of performance and the nature of audience response.
Prerequisite:DRM100Y1


DRM254Y1
Production        56L,100P

A detailed analysis of the production element of theatre: the conceptual and practical problems of design, production personnel and organization, production facilities, business management, publicity, sound and lighting equipment.
Prerequisite:DRM100Y1
Co-requisite: DRM230Y1


DRM260H1
History of the Greek and Roman Theatre       39L

The physical structures of the Greek and Roman theatre and the major conventions of production and staging, based on the evidence of art, archaeology, and the texts of the plays themselves, from the origins and development of the drama at Athens in the 6th century B.C. to the decline of stage drama in Rome in the 1st century B.C. (Offered in alternate years)


DRM262H1
Experimentation and Innovation: A Comparative History of World Theatre from Ancient Times Until the Present        39L

An intercultural and comparative analysis of innovative processes within world theatre. Focusing on selected periods, the course explores the cultural backgrounds of key events or turning points in pre-modern and modern theatre and their indications for post-modern theatre developments in a globalized world.
Recommended Preparation: DRM364


DRM266H1
History of Theatre from 1800        39L

The principal figures and movements in the development of European and North American theatre and theatre in selected non-western regions and countries including their cultural context. Changing styles and modes of acting, staging, costuming, and theatre architecture, and their relation to audiences, critics, and popular tastes. (Offered in alternate years)


DRM268H1
Canadian Theatre History        39L

A survey from the origins to the present, including performance rituals of native people; theatrical performances during the colonial period; the development of National and Regional forms of theatre; Festival and alternative theatres; trends in Canadian playwriting and their relationship to theatre history. (Offered every three years)


DRM281H1
Latin American Theatre of Social Criticism 52L

The course aims to give students a panoramic view of the theatre of social criticism in Latin America. Students will read representative work written or staged from 1950-70, seen through the lens of Pedro Bravo-Elizondo, a critic of poverty and abuse in Latin America.
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: DRM230Y1


DRM299Y1
Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See page 45 for details.


DRM300Y1
Performance I        156P

Continuation of DRM200Y1, concentrating upon scene study. Scenes are developed through analysis of text and sub-text, the establishing of scene objectives, improvisation, and physical action.
Prerequisite: DRM200Y1, permission of University College Drama Program Committee
Co-requisite: DRM230Y1 (or full course from Group A if DRM230 already completed),


DRM301Y1
Voice/Movement for the Actor II (formerly DRM 301H1)
       91P

A voice and movement component, taken in conjunction with DRM300Y1: Performance I. Work consists of both theory and practice of voice and movement as they relate to the development of the actor.
Prerequisite: DRM200Y1, DRM201Y1, permission of University College Drama Program Committee
Co-requisite: DRM300Y1


DRM310H1
Contemporary American Drama        39L

American dramas of the last 50 years. Structural, historical, and thematic approaches to self-consciously theatrical works and to the idea of America itself. Authors include Miller, Williams, Albee, Baraka, Kennedy, Hansberry, Shepard, Fornes, Mamet, Kushner, and performance artists such as Karen Finley and Laurie Anderson.


DRM328H1
The Art and Craft of Playwriting        39L

A hands-on study of the craft of dramatic writing. The class examines the basic elements of playwriting such as plot, structure, theme, character, dialogue, setting, with an emphasis on storymaking. Attention is given to the development of students’ own work through written assignments and in-class exercises.
Prerequisite: DRM230Y1, permission of the instructor


DRM354Y1
Stage and Costume Design I        52L, 26P

A detailed exploration of theatrical stage and costume design, historical and contemporary, theatrical and practical.
Prerequisite: Permission of University College Drama Program Committee


DRM364H1
History of Western Theatre from the Renaissance to 1900 (formerly DRM 264H1)       39L

Modes of theatre in selected periods and cultures in Early Modern Europe from the Renaissance to the end of the 18th century. Constitution of the audience and of acting companies; the relationship between the plays, the players, and the audience. The development of theatre theory, criticism and dramaturgy in their historical and cultural context. (Offered in alternate years)

Exclusion: DRM264H1


DRM385Y1/386H1
Topics in Drama        TBA

An in-depth examination of selected issues in the Theatre. Content may vary depending on instructor. See Undergraduate Handbook or the UC Drama Program website for more details.


DRM390Y1/391H1
Independent Studies in Drama        TBA

A topic chosen by the individual student. The student must work out details with a member of faculty who is willing to act as supervisor. A written proposal, signed by both student and instructor, must then be submitted for approval to the Drama Program Committee prior to registration and normally by May 31 of the preceding academic year. Open to advanced Specialist and Major students in the program.
Prerequisite: Permission of University College Drama Program Committee


DRM400Y1
Performance II        247P

Continuation of DRM300Y1, concentrating on advanced performance techniques.
Prerequisite: DRM300Y1, permission of University College Drama Program Committee
Co-requisite: DRM401H1


JIA400H1
Interdisciplinary Practice for the Arts 156P

This course will examine different versions of Salome to explore the interconnectedness of the arts. Between sessions, students will be required to meet and develop projects connected to their study that will involve a range of media, including theatre, film, music and visual art (installation).
Prerequisite: open to fourth-year students only
This is a Humanities course.


JDC400H1
Dramatic Text and Theatrical Communication       52S

This course tests Brecht’s idea of theatrical two-way communication by addressing three topics: what did Brecht mean; how can theatre communicate; how far did Brecht, Robert Wilson and Robert LePage move in their direction.
Prerequisite: DRM230Y1; permission of instructor. Limited to fourth-year students.


DRM401H1
Voice and Movement III        91P

A voice and movement component to be taken with DRM400Y1: Performance II. Work consists of both theory and practice of voice and movement as they relate to the development of the actor.
Co-requisite: DRM400Y1


DRM402Y1
Seminar in Directing        156P

Techniques of rehearsal process; staging. The role of the director in its varying relationships to text, actor and audience.
Prerequisite: DRM200Y1, DRM230Y1, DRM254Y1, two of DRM260H1, DRM266H1, DRM268H1, DRM364H1 and permission of the University College Drama Program Committee
Co-requisite: DRM431Y1


DRM403Y1
Performance III (formerly DRM401Y1)
       208P

An in-depth study on a theoretical and practical level of a specific play which is presented to the public. This involves an intensive exploration of character in rehearsal and its discovery in performance.
Prerequisite: Permission of University College Drama Program Committee
Co-requisite: DRM431Y1
Pre- or co-requisite: DRM400Y1
Exclusion: DRM401Y1


JDC410H1
New Approaches to Theatre History        52S

An upper level seminar in Theatre History. Topics vary from year to year.
Prerequisite: DRM230Y1


DRM430H1
The Francesca Story in Nineteenth-Century Drama       39L

The 19th century produced some 60 dramatic versions of the Francesca story, first told by Dante. This course explores how four playwrights (Pellico, Boker, Crawford and D’Annunzio) reshaped and transformed the basic story according to their dramatic aims, sensitivity to characterization, and concern for practical staging.


DRM431Y1
Studies in Performance History, Dramaturgy       78L

A play is chosen from a specific period. A textual analysis of the selected play is followed by a study of the most significant productions of the work in terms of differing text interpretations, use of theatrical conventions, set and costume designs, and acting style. Students are introduced to various aspects of dramaturgical work.
Prerequisite: DRM230Y1, permission of University College Drama Program Committee


DRM485Y1/486H1
Topics in Drama TBA

An in-depth examination of selected issues in the Theatre. Content may vary depending on instructor. See Undergraduate Handbook or the UC Drama Program website for more details.


DRM486H1
A Short History of Violence        TBA

A half-credit practical course in staged violence for the theatre, resulting in a Basic Level certification with Fight Directors Canada in: unarmed combat, single sword and quarter staff (students will have the choice to take the certification exam).
Prerequisite: DRM100Y1, DRM200Y1, DRM201Y1 and permission of department.


DRM490Y1/491H1
Independent Studies in Drama        TBA

A scholarly project chosen by the individual student. The student must work out details with a member of faculty who is willing to act as supervisor. A written proposal, signed by both student and instructor, must then be submitted for approval to the Drama Program Committee before registration and normally by May 31 of the preceding academic year. Open to advanced Specialist and Major students in the program.