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The course offers an insight into 17th century society and literature and gives an overview of a cultural revolution which unfolded primarily in the form of a dramatic debate. It looks into the broader issues involved and compares the productions in France and in England. This is an opportunity to read samples of Early Modern essays and plays. Poslední úprava: Bouvier Sophie, DEA (25.09.2019)
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Aims of the course are: - General knowledge: an introduction to 17thcentury-culture, in France and in England - History of theatre: a wider and deeper understanding of the Early Modern reform of theatre. Students should show an interest in comparative and possibly interdisciplinary subjects. - Oral skills: work on delivering a lively and structured presentation. Interact with others on a prepared topic of debate. - Written skills: write a small essay on a chosen topic in English language. Poslední úprava: Bouvier Sophie, DEA (25.09.2019)
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Following the chronological progression of the debate, the course will be divided into three parts:
Part I: Dramatic reforms in context To grasp the full social and political relevance of a reform, we will look at the institutional and intellectual context on both sides of the channel and present the vibrant and unruly life in playhouses.
Part II: Dogmatic discourses written on an authoritarian basis We will review the general definitions of what is commonly referred to as ‘neoclassical’ dogma, in particular the rules on decorum, unities and verisimilitude. How do these rules relate to an abstract system of representation which is at the heart of the 17thcentury thought? Essays by Hédelin d’Aubignac and Thomas Rymer will be read alongside these author’s attempts to produce perfect plays.
Part III: Answers given by professional playwrights Unlike the ‘formalists’ focused on the moral value of a reform, professional playwrights concerned themselves with their own practice. We will present the compromises defended by Pierre Corneille in France and John Dryden in England. They are considered as the fathers of neoclassical dogma, but what was their true position regarding the rules?
The course will conclude with a reflection on the historical and general meaning of the notion of ‘classicism’. Poslední úprava: Bouvier Sophie, DEA (25.09.2019)
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Attendance: up to 3 absences are authorized Examination: one oral presentation Poslední úprava: Bouvier Sophie, DEA (25.09.2019)
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Scott Elledge and Donald Schier (eds.),The Continental Model: Selected French Critical Essays of the Seventeenth Century in English Translation (N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1970). Including: Jean Chapelain, Opinions Hédelin D’Aubignac, The Whole Art of the Stage Pierre Corneille, Three Discourses on the dramatic poem - Of the Three Unities
Susan J. Owen, A Companion to Restoration Drama(Oxford: Blackwell Companions to Literature and Culture, 2001). Including the following articles: - Still on the Criminal's Side, against the Innocent': Etherege, Wycherley and the Ironies of Wit, Robert Markley - 'Who Vices Dare Explode': Thomas Shadwell, Thomas Durfey and Didactic Drama of the Restoration, Christopher J. Wheatley - Images of Monarchy on the Restoration Stage, Jessica Munns - Restoration Drama and Politics: An Overview, Susan J. Owen - Restoration Drama and Social Class, Aparna Dharwadker - William Davenant and John Dryden, Richard Kroll - Restoration Dramatic Theory and Criticism, Paul D. Cannan - Theatrical The Post-1660 Theatres as Performance Spaces, Edward A. Langhans - Regulation during the Restoration Period, Matthew J. Kinservik
Robert Markley, “Introduction: History, Ideology And The Study Of Restoration Drama.” The Eighteenth Century, vol. 24, no. 2, 1983, pp. 91–102.
Walter Scott (ed),The Works of John Dryden, Vol. 14 of 18: Illustrated With Notes, Historical, Critical, and Explanatory, and a Life of the Author (London:Forgotten Books, 2018)
Plays: Pierre Corneille, The Cidtranslated by Joseph Rutter and John R. Pierce (London, 1637) J.Dryden and W.Davenant, The Tempest(1670)
Poslední úprava: Bouvier Sophie, DEA (25.09.2019)
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Oral presentations should last 20mn and will be supported by one of the chosen articles (which will be given week 1) Poslední úprava: Bouvier Sophie, DEA (25.09.2019)
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