Program Requirements
The Drama and Theatre option tries to place its subject in as broad a social and philosophical context as possible. The Drama and Theatre program is not designed to provide professional theatre training. The aim is rather to encourage students to explore the subject as a liberal arts discipline.
For the most up-to-date information on Department requirements and detailed course descriptions, please see the English Department Handbook at .
Required Courses (6 credits)
6 credits to be taken in the first two terms of the program
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ENGL 230 Introduction to Theatre Studies (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An introduction to dramatic literature, text analysis, textual and performance theory, and theatre history.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Zien, Katherine; Pearce, Molly (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
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ENGL 355 The Poetics of Performance (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : This course, normally taken in tandem with ENGL 230, examines and tests theories of acting, directing, and design through scene work and practical exercises.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Carney, Sean (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in the English Major Concentration, Drama and Theatre Option
Complementary Courses (30 credits)
30 credits selected as described below.
3 credits from the following practice-based courses:
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ENGL 269 Introduction to Performance (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : The focus of this course is on the actor as communicator, and on those things (material, physical, and textual) which are inescapably central to the theatrical performance.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Johnson, Amber Rose (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Restriction: Restricted to Drama and Theatre Majors
Open to Drama and Theatre Majors
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ENGL 365 Costuming for the Theatre 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Introduction to costume-making for the theatre, covering fabrics, textiles and costume decoration.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bradley, Catherine A (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 368
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ENGL 368 Stage Scenery and Lighting 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An introduction to the technical aspects of stage settings and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 365
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ENGL 372 Stage Scenery and Lighting 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Aspects of stage scenery and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 377.
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ENGL 377 Costuming for the Theatre 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced topics in costume-making for the theatre, including millinery, dyeing, costume breakdown, and silk painting techniques.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Bradley, Catherine A (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 372.
Performance-Oriented Courses
3 credits from the list of Performance-Oriented Courses:
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ENGL 365 Costuming for the Theatre 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Introduction to costume-making for the theatre, covering fabrics, textiles and costume decoration.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Bradley, Catherine A (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 368
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ENGL 367 Acting 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : The actor as analyzer of scripts and characters; textual analysis, practice in character development through improvisations, mask work and physical training.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Carney, Sean (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Prerequisite: ENGL 269 and permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken 110-469D
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ENGL 368 Stage Scenery and Lighting 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An introduction to the technical aspects of stage settings and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Permission of instructor required.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 365
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ENGL 372 Stage Scenery and Lighting 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Aspects of stage scenery and theatrical lighting.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 377.
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ENGL 376 Scene Study (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Scene study for the theatre.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Schantz, Edward (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
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ENGL 377 Costuming for the Theatre 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced topics in costume-making for the theatre, including millinery, dyeing, costume breakdown, and silk painting techniques.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Bradley, Catherine A (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students enrolled in ENGL 372.
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ENGL 396 Theatre Practicum 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Training in acting and other on-stage roles in theatrical performance.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students enrol by permission of the instructor (the director of the play) after they have been cast.
Occasionally, students in non-acting roles (such as choreographer or assistant director) may enrol in the course.
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ENGL 397 Theatre Practicum 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Training in acting and other on-stage roles in theatrical performance.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Students enrol by permission of the instructor (the director of the play) after they have been cast.
Occasionally, students in non-acting roles (such as choreographer or assistant director) may enrol in the course.
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ENGL 465D1 Theatre Laboratory (4.5 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Workshop in theatre practice and drama interpretation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Prerequisites: ENGL 230, ENGL 269 and ENGL 367 or sufficient relevant experience in related drama courses or permission of the instructor.
Students must register for both ENGL 465D1 and ENGL 465D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 465D1 and ENGL 465D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ENGL 465D2 Theatre Laboratory (4.5 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Workshop in theatre practice and drama interpretation.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Prerequisite: ENGL 465D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 465D1 and ENGL 465D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
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ENGL 466D1 Directing for the Theatre (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : The direction of a theatrical performance: preparation, casting, rehearsal, and performance are the areas of concentration.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall and Winter
Prerequisites: ENGL 230, ENGL 269 and permission of instructor.
Students must register for both ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2.
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 together are equivalent to ENGL 466
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ENGL 466D2 Directing for the Theatre (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : See ENGL 466D1 for course description.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Prerequisite: ENGL 466D1
No credit will be given for this course unless both ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms
ENGL 466D1 and ENGL 466D2 together are equivalent to ENGL 466
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ENGL 469 Acting 3 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced training in acting involving study of some of the major European and North American acting theories and practices.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Hawson, Kirsten (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Prerequisite: ENGL 269 and permission of instructor.
Restriction: Not open to students who have taken 110-469D.
Drama and/or Theatre Courses with a Canadian Component
3 credits from the list of Drama and/or Theatre courses with a Canadian component:
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ENGL 313 Canadian Drama and Theatre (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Dramatic forms and theatrical practices in Canada from beginnings to the present day.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hurley, Erin Jane (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 413 Special Topics in Canadian Drama and Theatre (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced study focused on a period or issue in Canadian drama and/or theatre history.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Prerequisite: Students not registered in English programs require permission of instructor.
Theory or Criticism Courses
3 credits from the list of Theory or Criticism courses:
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ENGL 317 Theory of English Studies 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Philosophical approaches.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Yachnin, Paul (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs
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ENGL 318 Theory of English Studies 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Socio-Historical approaches.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hensley, David C (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs
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ENGL 319 Theory of English Studies 3 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Cultural theory now.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: So, Richard (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs
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ENGL 322 Theories of the Text (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A course focusing on textuality (as opposed to, say, intentionality and interpretation) and on how specific effects are made - how texts work and produce meaning, including rhetoric and form.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Hickman, Miranda Brun (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs.
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ENGL 346 Materiality and Sociology of Text (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Writing, printing, distribution, marketing, and placement within canon-making institutions; the influence of material forms of production and transmission on the creation and reception of literature, film, and theatre.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs.
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ENGL 352 Theories of Difference (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Introduction to a selection of theories that have influenced thinking about difference across the humanities and social sciences, including gender, sexuality, race, class and hierarchical structures, language, religion, ethnicity, and personal identity.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
Restriction: Limited to students in English Major and Honours Programs.
Theatre History Courses
3 credits from the list of Theatre History courses:
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ENGL 306 Theatre History: Medieval and Early Modern (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of works of Mediaeval and Tudor drama.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ritchie, Fiona (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
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ENGL 310 Restoration and 18th Century Drama (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of works of Restoration and 18th century drama.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 312 Victorian and Edwardian Drama 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts)
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
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ENGL 370 Theatre History: The Long Eighteenth Century (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A survey of dramatic forms and genres and theatrical practices from the Restoration through the 18th century to the Romantic period.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ritchie, Fiona (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
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ENGL 371 Theatre History: 19th to 21st Centuries (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : History of predominantly Western theatre practices from circa 1830 to the present.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Zien, Katherine (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 467 Advanced Studies in Theatre History (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Advanced study focused on a period or issue in Theatre history.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Yachnin, Paul (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Prerequisite: Students not registered in English programs require permission of instructor
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ENGL 486 Special Topics in Theatre History
(3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A research seminar on selected topics in theatre history and theatre historiography.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: Students not registered in English programs require permission of instructor
For the most detailed and up-to-date topics of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Topics vary year to year.
Drama and Theatre Before 1900 Courses
3 credits from the list of courses in Drama and Theatre before 1900:
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ENGL 306 Theatre History: Medieval and Early Modern (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of works of Mediaeval and Tudor drama.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ritchie, Fiona (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
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ENGL 308 English Renaissance Drama 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : An overview of some major authors and issues in English Renaissance Drama.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Folkerth, Wes (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 310 Restoration and 18th Century Drama (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of works of Restoration and 18th century drama.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 312 Victorian and Edwardian Drama 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts)
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
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ENGL 315 Shakespeare (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of the major works of Shakespeare.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Folkerth, Wes (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
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ENGL 370 Theatre History: The Long Eighteenth Century (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A survey of dramatic forms and genres and theatrical practices from the Restoration through the 18th century to the Romantic period.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Ritchie, Fiona (Fall)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
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ENGL 416 Studies in Shakespeare (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of the works of Shakespeare.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
Drama and Theatre Option's Offerings - Additional Courses
12 additional credits from the option's offerings.
This category includes all the courses listed above except required courses, as well as the courses listed below.
Note: Any English course not on the lists specifically for the Drama and Theatre option—such as unlisted courses in Cultural Studies—may not count toward the Drama and Theatre program. Please consult a departmental adviser for guidance on course choices.
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ENGL 314 20th Century Drama (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of selected representative works in modern drama and theatre.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Carney, Sean (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 375 Interpretation Dramatic Text (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of the dramatic text as literature, and as a basis for theatre production. Emphasis on character and character development, on structure and motivational units, and on the visualization of the play in performance.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ENGL 430 Studies in Drama (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of a period or genre of drama. Topic varies by year.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Winter
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ENGL 431 Studies in Drama (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : A study of a period or genre of drama. Topic varies by year.
Terms: Winter 2025
Instructors: Zien, Katherine (Winter)
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall
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ENGL 434 Independent Theatre Project (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : Supervised independent work on an approved theatre project.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For the most detailed and up-to-date descriptions of course and seminar offerings please see the Department of English website at .
Fall and Winter
This course will allow students to undertake special projects, frequently involving background readings, performances, and essays. This course is normally open only to Major or Honours students in the Department. Permission must be obtained from the Department before registration
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ENGL 458 Theories of Text and Performance 1 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : This course provides an historical perspective on advanced theoretical problems affecting both dramatic texts and theatrical performance up to the 19th Century. The historical periods covered in this course may vary from year to year.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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ENGL 459 Theories of Text and Performance 2 (3 credits)
Overview
English (Arts) : This course provides an historical perspective on advanced theoretical problems affecting both dramatic texts and theatrical performance starting from the 19th Century to the present. The historical periods covered in this course may vary from year to year.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Drama and Theatre - Courses of Interest - Other Departments
Students are normally permitted to count 6 credits from other departments toward their English programs. In exceptional circumstances, an adviser, approached by a student with strong academic grounds for including a third such course, may grant permission, to a maximum of 9 extra-departmental credits, and must so indicate in advance by signing the departmental program audit sheet.
This list comprises courses in other departments that might be accepted by an adviser for credit toward the student's Drama and Theatre program. This list applies only to these courses as they are offered in the current academic year.
There might be other courses in the Faculty of Arts for which a student could receive Drama and Theatre program credit. A student who has identified a course not noted below, should show their program adviser the course syllabus in advance and, if he or she agrees, get the adviser's initialled approval of the course on their program audit sheet. The Department requires a complete signed audit sheet in the student's file in Arts 155 in order to process the file for graduation.
Included in the list are courses taught in languages other than English and courses that have prerequisites.
* Note: The courses in the list below with an asterisk ("*") have an historical dimension and may count toward this program requirement. Other courses could count toward the "option's offerings" component of the program.
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EAST 464 Image, Text, Performance (3 credits)
Overview
Asian Language & Literature : Drawing on theoretical approaches from a variety of cultural and media studies, including cinema, performance and performativity, and elsewhere, this course addresses cultural production in premodern and/or modern East Asia. Topics to be addressed range from calligraphy and writing, to theatre, and film.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Prerequisite: Any East Asian Studies course above the introductory level, or permission of the instructor
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MUAR 387 The Opera (3 credits) *
Overview
Music-Arts Faculty : A survey of opera from c.1600 to the present. Opera as ritual, opera as spectacle, opera as catharsis, opera as business, opera and its literary models. The continuing relevance of the operatic experience today.
Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2024-2025 academic year.
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PHIL 242 Introduction to Feminist Theory (3 credits)
Overview
Philosophy : An introduction to feminist theory as political theory. Emphasis is placed on the plurality of analyses and proposals that constitute contemporary feminist thought. Some of the following are considered: liberal feminism, marxist and socialist feminism, radical feminism, postmodern feminism, francophone feminism, and the contributions to feminist theory by women of colour and lesbians.
Terms: Fall 2024
Instructors: Deslauriers, Marguerite (Fall)
Note: Since this course is being taught abroad, the Victoria Day statutory holiday will not be taken into consideration. Therefore, students are expected to attend their lecture on Monday, May 19, 2014.
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PSYC 212 Perception (3 credits)
Overview
Psychology : Perception is the organization of sensory input into a representation of the environment. Topics include: survey of sensory coding mechanisms (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory), object recognition, spatial localization, perceptual constancies and higher level influences.
Terms: Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Instructors: Graham, M. Dean (Fall) Roy, Mathieu (Winter)
Fall 2 Lectures, 1 conference
