CL2324 Roman Comedy
This module is about creative imitation and comic imagination. We study the works of the Latin dramatists Plautus and Terence, who adapted Greek New Comedy for a Roman audience. These texts are the only examples of early Latin poetry surviving in complete form and have greatly influenced the development of European comic theatre. We examine the typical themes and techniques of the genre, explore its textual and performative aspects, and compare it with contemporary forms of comedy.
- Module Organiser:
- Prof Anna Chahoud
- Duration:
- One term (Jan-Apr)
- Contact Hours:
- 19 (16 lectures twice weekly and 3 seminars)
- Weighting:
- 5 ECTS
- Assessment:
- 100% coursework (one written assignment, one other exercise)
Primary Readings
- Plautus, Four Comedies: The Braggart Soldier; The Brothers Menaechmus; The Haunted House; The Pot of Gold, ed. E. Segal (Oxford World’s Classics 2008)
- Plautus, Four Plays: Casina, Amphitryon, Captivi, Pseudolus, ed. D. M. Christenson (Focus Library 2008)
- Terence, The Comedies, ed. P. Brown (Oxford World’s Classics 2009).
Learning Outcomes
On successful conclusion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate:
- Familiarity with the plays of Plautus and Terence (plots, characters, themes)
- Ability to recognise and analyse the characteristic techniques and features of Roman comedy
- Ability to analyse the texts in their literary and historical contexts
- Ability to engage critically with scholarly literature
- Ability to relate the extant plays to key conditions and conventions of performance, both ancient and modern
- Critical thinking and ability to present a coherent argument in oral presentations and written assignments