The drama and theatre of the human condition. Vol. 1: From Aeschylus to Shakespeare.

general courses

An experimental and original lecture which uses drama and its implementation on stage as a reflection of the human condition. The lecture isn't focused on the history of the drama. Its main aim is to show significant changes in understanding life, relationship with nature, with god/gods, with oneself and with others as they are reflected in the development of the drama. The course shows drama as a source of fascinating research and thoughts of an interdisciplinary nature. It was prepared for a group of students with different backgrounds and interests. We wait for philologists, especially classical philologists, historians, art historians, psychologists, sociologists, students of cultural and religious studies, ethnographers, lawyers, biologists, medical students, priests, actors and directors, jugglers and circus artists, athletes, that is, all who seriously treat their search for answers to the most important and eternal questions of humanity.

An experimental and original lecture which uses drama and its implementation on stage as a reflection of the human condition. The lecture isn't focused on the history of the drama. Its main aim is to show significant changes in understanding life, relationship with nature, with god/gods, with oneself and with others as they are reflected in the development of the drama. The course shows drama as a source of fascinating research and thoughts of an interdisciplinary nature. It was prepared for a group of students with different backgrounds and interests. We wait for philologists, especially classical philologists, historians, art historians, psychologists, sociologists, students of cultural and religious studies, ethnographers, lawyers, biologists, medical students, priests, actors and directors, jugglers and circus artists, athletes, that is, all who seriously treat their search for answers to the most important and eternal questions of humanity.

Preparation for the classes includes reading a dramatic text every week (provided in the form of a pdf file) as well as "The Human Condition" by Hannah Arendt in the first semester and "Philosophy of drama" by Jozef Tischner in the second semester.

Classes are held weekly and last 135 minutes (three units). Their scenario is as follows:

1. A short 10-minute test checking the comprehension of this week's drama - the importance of this point should not be underestimated. Its aim is not to assess but to help in understanding the drama and prepare for the questions and discussion during the classes.

2. Lecture preceded by an introduction (timeline, dates, names, events, titles) and accompanied by rich iconographic material (60 minutes).

3. Discussion based on the lecture and the drama read by the students this week (30-65 minutes).

4. A special treat from time to time (e.g. a unique material not available on the Internet, a meeting with a guest or expert).

The discussion can last until late evening - only for those who wish to stay longer - in a small group setting.

As it results from the description above, this lecture is an interesting proposal for an ambitious, sensitive and open-minded student. It is an invitation for a profound and systematic research based on individual work and analysis of dramas. If you are looking for easy-to-get ECTS points obtained for simply attending lectures, this is not a good choice for you. If you are looking for an intellectual adventure and an original approach to dramas, feel free to enroll.

The course will follow the chronology of history and cover the drama from Aeschylus to Shakespeare. It will be continued in the following academic years (part II From Shakespeare to Norwid and part III From Norwid to Masłowska . Every year new students will be able to enroll for the course.

1. A. Nicoll, Dzieje dramatu (wiele wydań)

2. A. Nicoll, Dzieje teatru (wiele wydań)

3. H. Arendt, Kondycja ludzka

4. J. Tischner, Filozofia dramatu

According to the choice of the students, each text analysed will be accompanied by other readings, including one drama per week.

Student will be evaluated on the basis of:

- the presence and active participation in the classes,

- a test at the end of each semester (concerning "The Human Condition" by Hannah Arendt at the end of the first semester and "Philosophy of drama" by Jozef Tischner at the end of the second semester),

- a multiple choice test consisting of 100 questions at the end of the course (pass rate: 60%)

The grade obtained at the end of each semester does not depend on the results of the tests. They are simply a feedback for the students and the lecturer as they verify the progress made.

An optional oral exam has a form of a 30 - minute discussion on one of two topics independently chosen and prepared by the student and previously approved by the lecturer.