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Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Sophister years
In the Junior and Senior Sophister (third and fourth) years,
the curriculum offers library-based courses in theatre and
performance history with more practical workshop-based
courses. There is a compulsory course entitled “Contemporary
Irish theatre in context” for all students. The remainder of
the curriculum is constructed by each student via selection
from a range of optional modules. TSM and single honor
students are treated equally in the Junior Sophister (third) year
(meaning there is no prioritisation), with TSM students taking
half the number of courses required of single honor students.
In the Senior Sophister (fourth) year, there is no difference in
curriculum between single honor students and TSM students
who major in Drama.
The range of courses allows you to favour study in historical
and theoretical fields or in practical aspects of theatre, although
some balance is required. The range of options is vast and
includes courses in the theatre history of Ireland, Europe, Asia,
and the USA, stage, costume and lighting design, devising,
directing, theatre management, film theory and history,
performance studies, acting, and performance and technology.
In your final year, in addition to course options, you will
undertake an individual research project guided by a member of
staff and culminating in submission of a dissertation.
Assessment
Assessment is by a combination of essays, journals, practical
assignments, class presentations, written and oral examination
and, in your final year, a dissertation.
Study abroad
You may apply to spend the Junior Sophister (third) year
at a European university as part of the Erasmus exchange
programme. Drama has exchange agreements with the
University of California, the University of Helsinki, the Université
de Paris-Nanterre (Paris X), the Freie Universität Berlin, the
National Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of
Glasgow, Goldsmith’s College (University of London) and Royal
Holloway College (University of London).
Did you know?
n
Since its establishment in 1592, Trinity College has
educated some of the greatest dramatists in world
theatre, from Congreve and Goldsmith to Synge and
Beckett.
n
Drama at Trinity College is housed in the purpose-
built Samuel Beckett Centre. Within the centre is
the Samuel Beckett Theatre, a 208-seat black box
performance space, the Players Theatre (the studio
theatre of Trinity College’s student drama society),
a dance studio/rehearsal space, seminar rooms and
offices.
n
Contemporary playwrights, directors, actors and
designers often visit Trinity College to discuss their
work and give workshops or courses. In recent
years, visitors have included Augusto Boal, Michael
Bogdanov, Gabriel Byrne, Sue-Ellen Case, Max
Stafford-Clark, Garry Hynes, Pamela Howard, Patrick
Mason, Harold Pinter, Fiona Shaw, Jim Sheridan,
Gunilla Palmstierna-Weiss, Yong Li Lan, and Phillip
Zarrilli.
Career opportunities
Most graduates of both the single honor and the TSM course
seek employment in theatre or related professions. Many opt
to take further training or apprenticeships in specialist areas
of theatre, film, or television (such as directing, acting, design,
writing, management, community drama and teaching). A
number of recent graduates have formed their own theatre
companies, have won awards, or have active careers in theatre,
film, or television. Others have chosen research careers
beginning with further study at postgraduate level.
Further information
Tel: +353 1 896 2266
Graduate Profile
Dominic West
Dominic played lead detective Jimmy McNulty in the
critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire. He graduated
from Trinity College with a B.A. in Drama studies and
English, having played lead roles in Drama department
productions. Like many other Drama students at Trinity
College, Dominic went on to train professionally as an
actor after graduation. As well as many film and television
roles he has also performed at the Royal National Theatre
and several West End theatres in London.
