University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Availability restrictions: Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable: TBC

The former French slave colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) boasted the most vibrant theatrical tradition of the Caribbean region. Hundreds of plays, ballets and operas were performed in different towns before mixed but segregated audiences between 1764 and 1791. This module will introduce students to both the cruelty and division of contemporary Saint-Dominguan society and to the rich and varied culture of public theatre that existed there. Seeking to adopt a post-colonial approach to a colonial era, we shall explore the role of theatre in the colony as a means of enforcing, and occasionally challenging, social division between enslaved people, free people of colour, white Creoles and colonials. We shall examine local adaptations of French theatrical repertoire, the creation of local francophone works, and even of Creole-language works, before concluding with an examination of the impact on theatre of the French and Haitian revolutions.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Honours entry into French

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 hour lecture (6 weeks), 1 hour seminar (10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 26

Guided independent study hours: 126

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor J T Prest
Module teaching staff: Dr Julia Prest
Module coordinator email jtp22@st-andrews.ac.uk