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126 awesome drama topics to inspire you.

November 10, 2021

As students of literature, you’re already aware drama portrays fictional and nonfictional events. It does this through the performance of written conversations or scripts of prose or poetry.

drama topics

Drama can either be staged or performed as a film; it can even be broadcast on radios. These are all categorized as plays, and those who write them are called playwrights or dramatists, while those who perform on stage are referred to as thespians.

There are a series of drama topics since the drama was first performed in the days of Aristotle. Being long-standing, you may need creative and comprehensive dramatic topics for your research.

Good Drama Essay Guideline

Writing a top grade drama essay or writing assignment can become difficult. You should try your best and not leave it to the last minute, and dedicate enough time for editing. Here’s a brief guideline on the process of writing a good drama writing assignment:

  • Choose topic. Always try your best to choose a topic in which you have at least some interest in. If you choose a topic that is boring you will not have the energy and motivation to put in the work required to write a good essay. Also make sure your topic is not too general, but also not to narrow.
  • Research. After you have the topic, it is time to research and get some information and context on your topic. Begin by using the internet to find general information. Then begin to look into specific, credible sources which you can cite in your paper. Try your best to have varied types of sources (videos, articles, studies, books etc.).
  • Outline: Once you feel like you did enough research and are comfortable to begin, start with an outline. An outline is a very quick layout of your essay structure. This is where you put everything on your mind on paper, and then begin to organize and forming your paper. A good paper will always be well structure.
  • Writing: This is the main part. Once you have an outline you now must take some time and actually write everything out in draft. If you have a substantial outline and good research this part shouldn’t take very long.
  • Editing and proofreading: Finally, once you have written a first draft it is time to reread and edit. For the first draft, you shouldn’t strive to make it perfect, so there should be quite a lot of editing to do. It is important to leave a good amount of time for editing, because it is as important as actually writing. A high quality essay should go through a number of drafts before it is acceptable.

Drama is a very interesting topic. Drama is most times built on people’s tensions as it is used to keep them wondering what will happen next. For your theatre topics for research, you can consider these different informative, fun-filled and original research topics .

Theatre Research Paper Topics

As a university student, you may need to develop an awesome drama paper for your certificate. These are papers that talk about the basic features of theatre and its significance in society.

You may need to trace the history of theatre itself, as well as the trend of theatrical performances. You may also need to consider an in depth assessment of how theatre topics shaped the present. You can use these custom topics for your research:

  • Examine the role of women in medieval theater.
  • Examine the complexities in the history of European theatre.
  • Give a historical overview of the evolution of theatre from ancient Greece to the Mid 19th century.
  • Examine the influence of Aristotle on the drama of his time and after his time.
  • Account for the evolution of American drama.
  • Examine any three recorded theatrical performances of the 19th century of your choice and state the unifying factors.
  • Give a detailed overview of what ancient Greek theatre is all about.
  • Give a detailed review of how ancient Greek theater seems to be replicated today.
  • Examine the influence of Greek tragedy on the works of Shakespeare and his contemporary.
  • Redefine drama and theatre.
  • What distinguishes modern drama and pre-medieval drama?
  • Examine the significance of Antigone in Sophocles drama.
  • Examine the role of Canadian drama in the world.
  • Analyze the role of Bertold Brecht in drama.
  • Examine how the stylistics of Shakespeare negates that of Brecht.
  • Examine the differences between drama from the United Kingdom to that of Germany during the period of 14 to 18 centuries.
  • How has the medieval period Influenced Elizabethan drama?
  • What is the significance of Henrik Ibsen in Contemporary drama?
  • Examine the Differences between the stylistics of Bertold Brecht, Shakespeare, and Henrik Ibsen.
  • Examine what Greek comedy entails in comparison to the comedy of today.

Theatre History Research Topics

You may also require theatre essay topics for long research. These are historical topics that call for in depth research. As students, you can study the past to read more meanings to the present. In this section, you’ll find relevant topics to juxtapose the past and the present and how all these have influenced drama today. Consider:

  • Give a detailed analysis of the contemporary influences of The Wizard of Oz.
  • Examine the evolution and trends in horror movies.
  • Examine the evolution and trends of witchcraft movies.
  • How are emotions evoked in the drama of William Shakespeare?
  • Examine the subject of homosexual characters in a drama.
  • Examine the Influence of Greek drama in creating a symbol and perception of Jesus Christ.
  • Examine the stigma which Elizabethan actors were faced with
  • Account for the activities of William Blake.
  • What are the influences of George Orwell in the American drama Industry?
  • Compare and Contrast American drama and British drama.
  • Examine the role of symbols in Greek drama.
  • Analyze the significance of learning about the history and trend of drama.
  • Rationalize the role of Aristotle’s treatise on today’s drama.
  • Compare and contrast the Bollywood and Hollywood Industries.
  • Document the role of drama in the spread of racism before the end of slavery in America.
  • Examine the role of slaves in circus performances.
  • Examine any circus performance company of your choice and carefully detail their exploits.
  • Examine the evolution of tragic-comedy in drama.
  • Examine how the church has stopped drama before the 10th century.
  • Give an in depth overview of the complications in stage drama in a world dominated by films.

Theatre Essay Topics

As a college or university student, you may also need to create theatre essay topics for your classroom work. You may even need it for an assignment. Creating a good topic is essential to writing one of the best essays. You can consider any of these drama ideas for your essay:

  • Examine the life and times of Caryl Churchill.
  • What are the experiences of theatre houses with strict censorship?
  • Discuss the effects of the closing and reopening of American theatre houses throughout the centuries.
  • Account for the role of tragedy in Shakespeare’s books.
  • Account for the essence of “Squid Game” in the polarized world.
  • Account for the essence of “Squid Game” in demeaning humanity.
  • What are your reflections on the subject of realism?
  • Examine two plays of your choice and analyze them.
  • What do you think took Shakespeare’s plays to the global stage?
  • What is the influence of Spanish theatre on Latin American drama?
  • Examine the effects of globalization on theatre.
  • Examine the emergence of black actors on white-dominated stages.
  • What are the symbols in French theatre?
  • What are the reputable symbols of Italian theatre?
  • How has the Elizabethan theatre shaped drama today?
  • Criticize any performance of your choice.
  • Praise any performance of your choice.
  • Compare two or more performances of Macbeth by different themes: focus on their diction and costume.
  • Examine what a drama portfolio means.
  • Examine the distinguishing factors of modern theatres and Greek theatre.

Interesting Theatre History Topics

Interesting theatre history topics are topics that consider the fun and lighter part of the past in drama. These are topics that could border on present issues and how they relate to the last and past issues. For your comprehensive theatre historical research topics, you can consider the following:

  • How have social issues been challenged or discussed through drama?
  • Examine the significance of Dionysus on the history of drama.
  • Examine the myths in stage performances.
  • Examine the personages in Greek drama.
  • How does television drama share family virtues as expected in the UK?
  • What are the essential performance skills for a circus act?
  • What do you know about the adaptation of s cinematic performance to the screen?
  • Compare and contrast the relationship between acting and expression.
  • Examine the symbols in Chinese tragedy.
  • Critically examine the role of the depiction of disobedience in three Theban plays.
  • What is the usual pop culture which is frequent on television?
  • Examine the negro movement and its role in the drama.
  • How has theatre survived the restoration period?
  • Examine the role of drama in musical performances.
  • Evaluate the function of identity crisis in drama and acting.
  • Evaluate the metaphors and what they mean Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
  • Examine how Shakespeare’s plays exhibited chivalry.
  • Examine how Shakespeare’s plays exhibited the priority in royalty.
  • What are the philosophies of theatre that have shaped it today?
  • Examine the evolution of drama and its changing significance in society.

Musical Theatre Research Topics

As students of theater, you may also need drama ideas relating to musical theatre research topics. These are topics that talk about the musical performance of plays. There were many of these centuries ago. One of the most important is opera. You can examine the following traditions and genres for your theatre class homework or essay:

  • Examine the purpose and significance of comic opera.
  • Compare and contrast farsa and fasta teatrale operatic performances.
  • Comment on the use of lights in opera performances.
  • Comment on the use of curtains in opera performances.
  • Examine the technical skills required for. effective opera performances
  • Identify the role of pop culture in opera.
  • Comment on the life and times of any two sopranos of choir choice.
  • Examine what operetta means.
  • How does ballet fit into musical performances, and what is its essence?
  • Evaluate the significance of musical performances in enjoying the drama.

Drama Topics for School Students

You may also need drama topics for teenagers for your drama class. If you have enrolled in a drama class as a student, you can try out some of these scenes. These could be graphic and romantic scenes. Depending on the event in your school, you can secure your spot in the national drama team by acting any of the following:

  • Tennessee Williams and Lucy Bailey’s Baby Doll.
  • Act any scene of romance in Shakespeare’s plays.
  • Act any three scenes of compassion in Henrik Ibsen’s play.
  • Act any three scenes of valor in Shakespeare’s plays.
  • Build on a comedy scene in Shakespeare’s play and make it funnier in the contemporary understanding of fun.
  • Play the role of divorce couples arguing over the children and exhibit the mental stress on the children.
  • Act the roles of violence in settling Political scores.
  • Read any historical horror story and act three scenes on stage.
  • Make entertainment with Halloween masks.
  • Play a role where you manipulate people into your perverted desires.
  • Play a role of a president refusing to leave power.
  • Take any three scenes in “Lights Over Tesco Park” by Jack Bradfield and Poltergeist Theatre and perform them to the best of your ability.
  • Perform any German drama of your choice.
  • Engage in a musical performance.
  • Perform without saying words, only gestures.
  • Perform No Quarter by Polly Stenham.
  • Perform scenes about the consequences of drugs.
  • Perform scenes about the cruelty of sexual violence.
  • Perform scenes about the need for religion for social order.
  • Perform scenes about the Russian revolution.

Drama Thesis Topics

As students of drama, you may likewise need drama thesis topics for your project or paperwork. You can even need them for your essays. You can consider these awesome topics to create one of the most relevant pieces in the theory of drama. You can choose any of these custom and available topics:

  • Interrogate the growth of Latin American dramatic culture in the UK.
  • Discuss the growth of Hollywood in the world.
  • Discuss the growth and evolution of Bollywood in the world.
  • Examine the role of pornography in the industry.
  • Discuss the role of Canadian musical performances in the international space.
  • Examine how the standards in the industry have changed if any.
  • Elucidate how drama is used to advance feminist ideas.
  • Comment on science fiction and its falsity to reality.
  • Briefly examine any Hollywood thriller of your choice.
  • Examine the issues of sexual exploitation in Hollywood.
  • How was drama used as propaganda in the Soviet Union?
  • Examine how China used drama during the cultural revolution.
  • Examine the role of subtitles in helping non-language speakers relate to drama from any culture.
  • Examine how modern drama brings back terror and trauma through collective pain.
  • How has black lives matter influenced drama?
  • Comment on any two theatre or circus groups of your choice and why they haven’t stopped.

Running Late On Your Drama Writing?

With all these custom topics online, you can carefully carry out precise research for your drama paperwork or essay. You can also use these to create the best submission ever in your school.

However, you may be too busy to write your drama paperwork or essay. We are a reliable writing company with experts that offer all kinds of research paper help . We have reliable professors and teachers amongst our writers, and they are willing to offer their creativity every time.

With a click of your fingers, you can hire the best writing service available online at this moment for your work. Our customer support team is available 24/7 to help you through any challenge. With us, you can get a comprehensive essay at a cheap price for a fast turnaround time to secure your grades.

modern drama term paper topics

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200 Term Paper Topics in Different Fields

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  • Writing Metier

Welcome to a treasure trove of term paper topics thoughtfully crafted by the expert team of term paper writers  at Writing Metier. 

As a co-founder of this dynamic company, I’ve witnessed the struggles many students face when choosing the right topic for their term paper. That’s why we’ve rolled up our sleeves to provide you with an arsenal of ideas that are not only academically enriching but also incredibly engaging.

In this article, you’ll find a rich array of topics to start with while writing your term paper , handpicked to ignite your curiosity and fuel your academic pursuits. 

From the persuasive depth required in argumentative papers to the innovative angles needed for experimental research, our collection is a kaleidoscope of possibilities. 

Whether you’re in search of easy term paper topics to get you over the line or you’re hunting for something more challenging to showcase your analytical prowess, this list is your starting point on the path to academic success.

I’ll break our term paper topic suggestions list into such types:

  • Argumentative Papers – c ommon in many disciplines, they develop critical thinking and persuasion skills.
  • Analytical Papers –  widely assigned, these papers help students develop analytical and interpretive skills.
  • Compare and Contrast Papers –  regularly used across subjects, they teach students to identify similarities and differences in concepts, theories, or works.
  • Cause and Effect Papers –  often found in social sciences, they help students understand the relationship between different events or phenomena.
  • Definition Papers –  useful in explaining complex concepts or terms, especially in technical or specialized fields.
  • Interpretive Papers –  common in literature, history, and arts, these papers require a deep understanding of the material and the ability to interpret underlying meanings.
  • Reports –  these are fundamental in many scientific and technical courses, focusing on clear, structured presentation of information.
  • Survey Research Papers –  particularly common in social sciences, they involve data collection and analysis skills.
  • Experimental Research Papers –  a staple in natural and applied sciences, these papers are crucial for understanding scientific methodologies and processes.
  • Review Papers –  often found in graduate studies, they require a comprehensive understanding of existing research in a particular field.

Term Paper Topic and Question Ideas

examples of term paper topics

Let’s begin with what you all have been waiting for – topic suggestions!

Argumentative Term Paper Topics

When it comes to crafting a compelling argumentative term paper, the choice of topic is crucial. In this section, we present some of the best topics for term papers that challenge you to take a stand, defend your viewpoint, and persuade your audience. 

These topics are not just good term paper topics; they are gateways to exploring contemporary issues with depth and clarity.

  • Social Media Influence : Does social media do more harm than good in shaping young people’s worldviews?
  • Climate Change Policies : Should governments enforce stricter regulations to combat climate change?
  • Artificial Intelligence Ethics : Is the rapid development of AI technology a threat to human employment?
  • Vaccination Mandates : Should vaccinations be mandatory for public health safety?
  • Online Education vs Traditional : Is online education as effective as traditional classroom learning?
  • Animal Testing in Research : Should animal testing be banned in scientific research?
  • Genetic Engineering : Are the benefits of genetic engineering worth the ethical concerns?
  • Privacy in the Digital Age : Is government surveillance a necessary tool for national security or an invasion of privacy?
  • Renewable Energy : Should governments invest more in renewable energy sources over fossil fuels?
  • Minimum Wage Increase : Does increasing the minimum wage help or hurt the economy?
  • Gun Control Laws : Do stricter gun control laws reduce gun violence?
  • Legalization of Marijuana : Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use?
  • Death Penalty : Is the death penalty an effective deterrent for major crimes?
  • School Uniforms : Do school uniforms contribute to a better learning environment?
  • Universal Basic Income : Can a universal basic income solve economic inequality?
  • Space Exploration Funding : Should space exploration be prioritized over addressing Earth’s issues?
  • Plastic Ban : Would a global ban on single-use plastics be environmentally beneficial?
  • Affirmative Action in Education : Is affirmative action still necessary in education admissions?
  • Euthanasia : Should euthanasia be legalized to allow people with terminal illnesses to die with dignity?
  • Censorship in Media : Is censorship necessary to protect society, or does it infringe on freedom of expression?

While argumentative papers test your persuasive skills, the realm of analytical papers requires a different approach. Let’s shift our focus to topics that demand a detailed examination and critical analysis .

Analytical Term Paper Topics

If dissecting complex topics and examining them from multiple angles excites you, our list of analytical term paper topics is tailor-made for you. 

Ranging from easy term paper topics to more intricate ones, these themes allow you to showcase your analytical prowess and turn a critical eye on a variety of subjects.

  • Impact of COVID-19 on Global Economy : Analyze the long-term economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic globally.
  • Social Impacts of Remote Work : Examine how remote work has changed social interactions and workplace dynamics.
  • Cryptocurrency’s Role in Finance : Analyze the potential impacts of cryptocurrency on traditional banking systems.
  • Psychological Effects of Social Media : Evaluate how social media platforms impact mental health and self-esteem.
  • Climate Change and Migration : Investigate the relationship between climate change and patterns of human migration.
  • Rise of Streaming Services : Analyze the impact of streaming services on the traditional television and movie industries.
  • Gender Pay Gap : Examine the factors contributing to the gender pay gap in different industries.
  • Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare : Analyze the benefits and challenges of implementing AI in healthcare systems.
  • Cybersecurity in the Digital Age : Evaluate the effectiveness of current cybersecurity measures in protecting data privacy.
  • Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Auto Industry : Investigate how electric vehicles are reshaping the future of the automotive industry.
  • Effects of Urbanization on Environment : Analyze the environmental consequences of rapid urbanization.
  • Mental Health in the Workplace : Examine the role of workplace culture in employee mental health and wellbeing.
  • Renewable Energy’s Economic Feasibility : Analyze the economic sustainability of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
  • Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior : Evaluate how advertising strategies affect consumer choices and spending habits.
  • Gentrification and Community Displacement : Investigate the social and economic impacts of gentrification on local communities.
  • Sustainable Fashion Industry : Analyze the challenges and opportunities in making the fashion industry more sustainable.
  • Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures : Examine how globalization affects the preservation and evolution of local cultural identities.
  • E-Sports and Gaming Culture : Analyze the rise of e-sports and its impact on mainstream sports and entertainment.
  • Food Security and Climate Change : Investigate the relationship between climate change and global food security challenges.
  • Technology and Education Reform : Analyze how technological advancements are shaping modern education methods and accessibility.

From the precision of analysis, we now move to the art of comparison and contrast, where you will juxtapose differing views or phenomena to shed new light on your subject.

Compare and Contrast Term Paper Topics

Finding the perfect balance between two subjects is at the heart of a great compare and contrast term paper . 

This section offers a range of topics that serve as excellent examples of term paper topics, inviting you to explore and contrast diverse ideas, theories, or events, enriching your understanding of both.

  • Online Learning vs. Traditional Classroom : Compare and contrast the effectiveness of online learning with traditional classroom settings.
  • Capitalism vs. Socialism : Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of capitalism compared to socialism.
  • Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels : Compare the environmental impacts and sustainability of renewable energy sources versus fossil fuels.
  • Modern Art vs. Classical Art : Contrast the themes and techniques of modern art with those of classical art.
  • Public Healthcare vs. Private Healthcare : Compare the efficiency and quality of public healthcare systems to private healthcare systems.
  • E-books vs. Printed Books : Analyze the differences in user experience and environmental impact between e-books and traditional printed books.
  • Western Diet vs. Mediterranean Diet : Contrast the health impacts of a typical Western diet with the Mediterranean diet.
  • Android vs. iOS : Compare the functionality, user interface, and customization options of Android and iOS platforms.
  • Traditional Marketing vs. Digital Marketing : Analyze the effectiveness and reach of traditional marketing methods compared to digital marketing strategies.
  • Democracy vs. Authoritarianism : Contrast the political, social, and economic outcomes in democratic versus authoritarian regimes.
  • Organic Farming vs. Conventional Farming : Compare the environmental impact and productivity of organic farming methods to conventional farming practices.
  • Freudian Psychoanalysis vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy : Analyze the methodologies and effectiveness of Freudian psychoanalysis compared to cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Remote Work vs. Office Work : Contrast the impacts on productivity and work-life balance between remote work and traditional office settings.
  • Vegetarian Diet vs. Meat-Inclusive Diet : Compare the health benefits and environmental impacts of a vegetarian diet versus a diet that includes meat.
  • Classical Music vs. Pop Music : Analyze the differences in structure, audience, and cultural impact between classical music and contemporary pop music.
  • Electric Cars vs. Gasoline Cars : Contrast the environmental impact, cost, and performance of electric cars with traditional gasoline cars.
  • Public Schools vs. Private Schools : Compare the educational outcomes and resources available in public schools versus private schools.
  • Social Networking vs. Traditional Networking : Analyze the effectiveness and depth of connections made through social networking sites compared to traditional networking methods.
  • Modern Architecture vs. Gothic Architecture : Contrast the design principles, materials, and cultural significance of modern architecture with that of Gothic architecture.
  • Globalization vs. Nationalism : Compare the economic, cultural, and political impacts of globalization against the principles of nationalism.

As we transition from the balance of comparison to the cause and effect dynamics, prepare to delve into topics that explore the relationship between various factors and their consequences.

Cause and Effect Term Paper Topics

Understanding the intricate relationship between cause and effect is essential for any academic exploration. 

This list provides a range of interesting term paper topics that will help you unravel the connections between causes and their subsequent effects, offering a fascinating journey into the why and how of various phenomena.

  • Technology Advancements and Job Market : Analyze the effect of technological advancements on the job market and employment trends.
  • Global Warming and Weather Patterns : Examine the causal relationship between global warming and extreme weather patterns.
  • Social Media and Youth Mental Health : Investigate the effects of social media usage on the mental health of young people.
  • Economic Recession and Small Businesses : Analyze the impact of economic recessions on the survival and growth of small businesses.
  • Urbanization and Wildlife Habitats : Explore the effects of urbanization on local wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
  • Education System Reforms and Student Performance : Examine how recent reforms in the education system have impacted student performance and learning outcomes.
  • Parenting Styles and Child Development : Investigate the effect of different parenting styles on the emotional and psychological development of children.
  • Air Pollution and Respiratory Health : Analyze the causal relationship between air pollution levels and respiratory health issues in urban areas.
  • Diet and Physical Health : Examine the effects of different dietary habits on physical health and wellness.
  • Political Policies and Economic Growth : Investigate the impact of various political policies on a country’s economic growth and stability.
  • Stress and Workplace Productivity : Analyze the effects of workplace stress on employee productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Deforestation and Climate Change : Explore the causal relationship between deforestation and climate change.
  • Exercise and Mental Wellbeing : Examine the effect of regular physical exercise on mental health and mood stability.
  • Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies : Investigate how marketing strategies cause shifts in consumer buying behavior.
  • Immigration Policies and Labor Markets : Analyze the impact of immigration policies on the labor market and workforce demographics.
  • Mobile Technology and Social Interaction : Examine the effects of mobile technology on face-to-face social interactions and communication.
  • Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance : Investigate the causal relationship between sleep patterns and academic performance in students.
  • Cultural Globalization and National Identities : Analyze the effect of cultural globalization on the preservation of national identities and traditions.
  • Government Regulations and Entrepreneurship : Examine the impact of government regulations on entrepreneurship and business innovation.
  • Online Retail and Brick-and-Mortar Stores : Explore the effects of the rise of online retail on traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Moving from the causality of events, let’s turn our attention to the essence of specific concepts and ideas, where definition term papers allow you to articulate and explore in-depth.

Definition Term Paper Topics

The art of defining a concept or a term goes beyond mere description. 

In this section, you’ll find term paper topics for students that revolve around defining and explicating complex ideas or phenomena, challenging you to crystallize your understanding into clear, concise language.

  • Defining Artificial Intelligence : Explore the various dimensions and implications of artificial intelligence in the modern world.
  • Understanding Blockchain Technology : Provide a comprehensive definition and examine the potential impacts of blockchain technology.
  • Concept of Sustainability : Define sustainability in the context of environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
  • Defining Modern Feminism : Explore the evolution and current meaning of feminism in contemporary society.
  • Understanding Cultural Appropriation : Define cultural appropriation and discuss its implications in arts, fashion, and media.
  • The Gig Economy : Provide a detailed definition and explore the rise and impact of the gig economy on traditional work structures.
  • Defining Cybersecurity : Examine the scope and importance of cybersecurity in the digital age.
  • Understanding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) : Define GMOs and discuss their role and controversy in food production.
  • Concept of Globalization : Offer a comprehensive definition and explore the multifaceted impacts of globalization.
  • Mental Health Awareness : Define mental health and discuss the importance of awareness and de-stigmatization in society.
  • Defining Renewable Energy : Explore the concept of renewable energy and its role in combating climate change.
  • The Digital Divide : Define the digital divide and examine its implications in various socio-economic contexts.
  • Understanding Euthanasia : Provide a comprehensive definition and discuss the ethical implications of euthanasia.
  • Concept of Social Justice : Define social justice and explore its significance in modern societal structures.
  • Understanding Quantum Computing : Define quantum computing and discuss its potential impacts on the future of technology.
  • Defining Urbanization : Explore the process of urbanization and its impacts on societies and environments.
  • Concept of Virtual Reality : Provide a comprehensive definition and explore the applications and implications of virtual reality.
  • Understanding Nutrigenomics : Define nutrigenomics and discuss its role in personalized nutrition and health.
  • Defining Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) : Examine the concept of CSR and its importance in the modern business world.
  • Understanding Telemedicine : Define telemedicine and discuss its growing role in the healthcare system.

With definitions well in hand, we now venture into the territory of interpretive term papers, where your insight and personal perspective bring unique interpretations to the forefront.

Interpretive Term Paper Topics

Interpretive term papers provide a canvas for your thoughts and analyses, allowing you to delve into texts, artworks, or phenomena with a subjective lens. 

Here, we offer term paper topics easy for engagement yet rich in potential for deep, personal interpretation, perfect for those looking to add their unique voice to academic discourse .

  • Interpreting Shakespeare’s Hamlet : Explore the themes of madness, revenge, and morality in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”.
  • The Great Gatsby and the American Dream : Interpret F. Scott Fitzgerald’s representation of the American Dream in “The Great Gatsby”.
  • Picasso’s Guernica : Analyze the symbolism and political commentary in Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica”.
  • Orwell’s 1984 and Modern Surveillance : Interpret the relevance of George Orwell’s “1984” in the context of today’s digital surveillance society.
  • Symbolism in Dante’s Inferno : Explore the use of symbolism in Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno” and its representation of sin and redemption.
  • Jane Austen’s Critique of Social Class : Interpret the social class critique in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”.
  • Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Emotional Expression : Analyze the expression of emotion and meaning in Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night”.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird and Racial Injustice : Interpret Harper Lee’s depiction of racial injustice and moral growth in “To Kill a Mockingbird”.
  • Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Its Historical Context : Analyze the historical context and musical innovation of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
  • Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and Alienation : Explore themes of alienation and identity in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”.
  • The Symbolism in Salvador Dali’s Surrealist Art : Interpret the symbolism and psychological depth in Salvador Dali’s surrealist paintings.
  • Homer’s Odyssey and the Hero’s Journey : Analyze the elements of the hero’s journey in Homer’s “Odyssey”.
  • Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portraits and Personal Struggle : Interpret the expression of personal struggle and identity in Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits.
  • Mark Twain’s Satire in Huckleberry Finn : Analyze Mark Twain’s use of satire in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” to critique society.
  • The Tragic Hero in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex : Interpret the concept of the tragic hero in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”.
  • Joyce’s Ulysses and Stream of Consciousness : Explore the use of stream of consciousness in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”.
  • Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and Mythology : Analyze J.R.R. Tolkien’s use of mythology and folklore in “The Lord of the Rings”.
  • Michelangelo’s David and Renaissance Ideals : Interpret the representation of Renaissance ideals in Michelangelo’s statue of David.
  • Emily Dickinson’s Poetry and Themes of Death : Explore the recurring themes of death and immortality in Emily Dickinson’s poetry.
  • The Matrix and Philosophical Symbolism : Analyze the philosophical themes and symbolism in the film “The Matrix”.

From the subjective nuances of interpretation, we shift gears to the objective and structured world of report papers, focusing on presenting information in a clear, organized manner.

Report Term Paper Topics

Report term papers demand precision, structure, and clarity in presenting information and analysis. 

This section provides you with a range of term paper research topics that are ideal for crafting detailed and informative reports, covering a spectrum of subjects that are both current and engaging.

  • COVID-19’s Impact on Global Health Systems : Report on how different health systems worldwide have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Renewable Energy Progress Report : Analyze the current state and future prospects of renewable energy technologies globally.
  • Urbanization and Its Environmental Impact : Report on the environmental consequences of rapid urbanization in major cities.
  • Technological Advancements in Education : Explore the integration and impact of technology in modern educational systems.
  • Climate Change and Agricultural Practices : Analyze how climate change is affecting agricultural practices and food production.
  • Mental Health Services Accessibility : Report on the accessibility and quality of mental health services in various countries.
  • Consumer Trends in E-commerce : Analyze the evolving consumer behavior trends in the e-commerce industry.
  • Public Transportation Systems Comparison : Compare and evaluate public transportation systems across major global cities.
  • Plastic Pollution and Marine Life : Report on the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Digital Divide and Internet Access : Explore the current state of the digital divide and its impact on internet access globally.
  • Advancements in Cancer Research : Report on the latest developments and challenges in cancer research and treatment.
  • Impact of Social Media on Politics : Analyze how social media platforms are influencing political discourse and elections.
  • Sustainable Tourism Practices : Report on the adoption and effectiveness of sustainable practices in the tourism industry.
  • Artificial Intelligence in Business : Explore the use and impact of AI technologies in various business sectors.
  • Effects of Urban Green Spaces : Analyze the social and environmental effects of green spaces in urban areas.
  • Childhood Obesity Trends and Policies : Report on the trends and public health policies addressing childhood obesity.
  • Gender Equality in the Workforce : Analyze the progress and challenges of achieving gender equality in the workplace.
  • Impact of GMOs on Agriculture and Environment : Report on the benefits and risks associated with the use of GMOs in agriculture.
  • Cybersecurity Threats and Prevention Measures : Explore current cybersecurity threats and the effectiveness of various prevention strategies.
  • Affordable Housing Crisis Analysis : Report on the state of the affordable housing crisis and the effectiveness of measures taken to address it.

As we move from structured reports to the dynamic world of survey research, prepare to engage with topics that require you to gather and analyze data from real-world sources.

Survey Research Term Paper Topics

Survey research term papers are your gateway to exploring the opinions, behaviors, and trends that shape our world. 

This list of term paper topics help you design, conduct, and analyze surveys, providing valuable insights into various aspects of human behavior and societal trends.

  • Student Perceptions of Online Learning : Conduct a survey to understand student experiences and perceptions of online learning environments.
  • Consumer Attitudes Towards Green Products : Survey consumer attitudes and purchasing behaviors regarding environmentally friendly products.
  • Impact of Work-from-Home on Productivity : Survey employees across different sectors to analyze the impact of remote work on productivity.
  • Social Media’s Role in Mental Health : Conduct a survey to explore the relationship between social media use and mental health among adolescents.
  • Public Opinion on Climate Change Policies : Survey public opinion on various climate change policies and their perceived effectiveness.
  • Healthcare Accessibility and Satisfaction : Conduct a survey to assess public satisfaction with healthcare services and accessibility.
  • Attitudes Toward Vaccination in Different Communities : Survey different communities to understand attitudes towards vaccinations and their reasons.
  • Consumer Behavior in the Fashion Industry : Conduct a survey to analyze consumer buying patterns and trends in the fashion industry.
  • Employee Satisfaction and Workplace Culture : Survey employees in various organizations to assess the impact of workplace culture on job satisfaction.
  • Dietary Habits and Health Outcomes : Conduct a survey to explore the relationship between dietary habits and health outcomes.
  • Public Perception of Police and Law Enforcement : Survey the public’s perception and trust in police and law enforcement agencies.
  • Influence of Influencer Marketing on Purchasing Decisions : Survey consumers to analyze the impact of influencer marketing on their purchasing decisions.
  • Attitudes Towards Renewable Energy Adoption : Conduct a survey to understand public attitudes and barriers to adopting renewable energy sources.
  • Effects of Music on Concentration and Productivity : Survey a group of individuals to assess how different genres of music affect their concentration and productivity.
  • Cultural Participation and Its Social Impact : Conduct a survey to explore the impact of cultural participation on social cohesion and community engagement.
  • Perceptions of Online Privacy and Data Security : Survey internet users to understand their concerns and perceptions about online privacy and data security.
  • Trends in Fitness and Exercise Habits : Conduct a survey to analyze current trends and attitudes towards fitness and exercise routines.
  • Reading Habits and Preferences : Survey a demographic to understand their reading habits and preferences in the digital age.
  • Public Attitudes Towards Space Exploration : Conduct a survey to gauge public interest and opinions on space exploration and its funding.
  • Consumer Attitudes Towards Sustainable Packaging : Survey consumer opinions and behaviors related to sustainable packaging and its importance.

From the practical applications of survey research, we now dive into the experimental realm, where hypotheses and scientific methods lead the way.

Experimental Research Term Paper Topics

For those fascinated by the scientific method, this collection of experimental research term paper topics offers a playground of inquiry and discovery. 

These topics encourage you to design experiments, test hypotheses, and explore the intricacies of scientific phenomena, making them some of the best topics for term paper in English for aspiring scientists.

  • Effect of Light on Plant Growth : Conduct an experiment to determine how different light conditions affect the growth rate of plants.
  • Memory Recall in Different Environments : Investigate how environmental factors influence memory recall in individuals.
  • Water Quality and Plant Health : Experiment to analyze the effects of various water qualities on the health of a specific plant species.
  • Caffeine’s Effect on Cognitive Performance : Conduct a study to assess how caffeine consumption impacts cognitive tasks and reaction times.
  • Behavioral Changes in Animals Due to Environmental Stimuli : Observe and record behavioral changes in animals in response to different environmental stimuli.
  • Impact of Diet on Athletic Performance : Experiment to evaluate how different diets affect the physical performance of athletes.
  • Air Pollution’s Effect on Respiratory Health : Conduct an experiment to explore the impacts of air pollution on respiratory health indicators.
  • Sound Frequencies and Plant Growth : Investigate the effect of different sound frequencies on the growth rate of plants.
  • Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance : Study the correlation between varying sleep patterns and academic performance in students.
  • Effectiveness of Natural vs. Chemical Fertilizers : Experiment to compare the effectiveness of natural and chemical fertilizers on plant growth.
  • Temperature Effects on Battery Performance : Assess how different temperatures affect the performance and efficiency of various types of batteries.
  • Social Media Use and Attention Span : Conduct a study to explore the relationship between social media usage and attention span in individuals.
  • Impact of Exercise on Mental Health : Experiment to analyze the effects of regular physical exercise on mental health and stress levels.
  • Plastic Degradation in Different Environments : Investigate the rate of plastic degradation in various environmental conditions.
  • Influence of Music on Cognitive Task Performance : Study how listening to different genres of music affects performance on cognitive tasks.
  • Effects of Urban Noise on Bird Behavior : Observe and record changes in bird behavior and communication in urban environments with high noise levels.
  • Antibacterial Properties of Natural Substances : Experiment to evaluate the antibacterial properties of various natural substances.
  • Color Psychology and Consumer Behavior : Study how different colors influence consumer behavior and decision-making in marketing.
  • Effect of Video Games on Reflexes and Decision Making : Assess the impact of playing video games on the reflexes and decision-making skills of individuals.
  • Microplastics’ Impact on Marine Life : Conduct an experiment to observe the effects of microplastics on the health and behavior of marine organisms.

Finally, we arrive at review papers, where synthesizing and critiquing existing literature becomes your path to academic exploration.

Review Term Paper Topics

Review term papers are an opportunity to engage with and reflect upon existing literature in a meaningful way. 

This list offers a variety of term paper title ideas, inviting you to synthesize, critique, and discuss existing research and literature, placing you at the heart of the academic conversation.

  • Literature Review on Climate Change Mitigation Strategies : Review and synthesize current research on various strategies to mitigate climate change.
  • Technological Advancements in Renewable Energy : A review of the latest technological innovations in renewable energy and their potential impacts.
  • Review of Mental Health Interventions in Schools : Evaluate the effectiveness of different mental health interventions implemented in educational settings.
  • Impact of Social Media on Society : A comprehensive review of research examining the social, psychological, and cultural impacts of social media.
  • Economic Consequences of Global Pandemics : Review the economic impacts of global pandemics, with a focus on COVID-19.
  • Advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Ethics : Analyze current literature on the advancements in AI and the surrounding ethical considerations.
  • Sustainable Urban Planning Practices : Review of sustainable urban planning strategies and their effectiveness in various global cities.
  • Trends in Global Obesity and Public Health Strategies : Synthesize research on the trends in global obesity and evaluate public health strategies.
  • Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats and Defenses : A review of how cybersecurity threats have evolved over time and the responses developed.
  • Nutritional Science and Chronic Disease Prevention : Review current research on the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases.
  • The Psychology of Advertising : Analyze literature on how advertising tactics psychologically influence consumer behavior.
  • Innovations in Water Purification Technology : Review recent advancements in water purification technologies and their global implications.
  • Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Transportation : Evaluate research on the potential impacts of autonomous vehicles on transportation systems.
  • The Role of Microfinance in Poverty Reduction : Review the effectiveness of microfinance initiatives in reducing poverty in various regions.
  • Developments in Cancer Treatment : Synthesize recent developments in cancer treatment, including breakthrough therapies and drugs.
  • The Effectiveness of Renewable Energy Subsidies : Review the economic and environmental impacts of subsidies for renewable energy sources.
  • Mental Health Effects of Climate Change : Analyze literature on the psychological effects of climate change on different populations.
  • Blockchain Technology and Financial Services : Review the implications of blockchain technology in reshaping financial services.
  • Genetic Engineering in Agriculture : Evaluate the benefits and risks associated with the use of genetic engineering in agriculture.
  • Telemedicine and Healthcare Accessibility : Review the impact of telemedicine on improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

As you reach the end of this list, remember that choosing the right topic is the first step in the dance of academic writing. Each topic here is a window into a new world of ideas and discoveries, waiting for you to open it. 

Your term paper is an opportunity to not just meet academic expectations, but to express your thoughts, analyze critically , and contribute to a broader conversation in your field. 

If you need assistance with more specific topic suggestions from our experts, you can fill out our “Free topic suggestions” form. Moreover, our term paper writers are at your service if you need writing or editing assistance.

modern drama term paper topics

So, pick a topic that resonates with you, let your curiosity guide your research, and create a term paper that stands out. At Writing Metier , we’re excited to see where your choice will take you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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modern drama term paper topics

Drama and Theater Research Resources

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Drama and Theater Basics

The history of western drama, theater and the stage , from script to stage , dramatic works, actors, and playwrights , how to read and analyze dramatic works, resources for teaching drama and theater.

Dramatic literature and the performances that bring it to life have captivated the human imagination for centuries. People have gathered everywhere from the open-air theaters of ancient Athens to modern day high school auditoriums to encounter these works of art. The resources compiled here will help you bring those experiences into the home and classroom. Through this guide, you'll learn about the history of drama and theater, find links to archives of dramatic works, and read introductions on everything from stage terminology to early English playbooks.

The resources below will help you understand what drama and theater are, and explain why studying them is an important aspect of any arts education. In addition to dictionary and encyclopedia entries, you'll find resources that distinguish between different dramatic genres and introduce you to each one.

What is Drama and Why is it Unique?

Drama is the only form of literature that is written to be performed, typically by actors on a stage. The resources below will help you understand how "drama" is defined, and how it is different from other works of prose and poetry. 

"Drama" (Wikipedia)  

Wikipedia's entry includes a general definition of drama, as well as sections on dramatic history, genres of drama, and links to many additional external resources. 

"Theater" (Wikipedia)

Wikipedia's entry on theater provides an introduction to the concept, as well as an explanation of the various types of theater. Reading this entry will help clarify what distinguishes drama from theater.

"Dramatic Literature" ( Encyclopedia Britannica ) 

This encyclopedia entry delves more deeply into the difference between drama and literature and how the two forms work together. What constitutes a play, and how does the text of a play differ from its performance? 

"What is Drama?" (Victoria and Albert Museum) 

The Victoria and Albert theater archive provides online access to numerous resources about the history of drama and performance, plus a large collection of data related to the topic. 

"What's the Difference between Drama and Theater?" ( The Guardian )

This post from  T he Guardian 's theater blog explores the difference between drama on the page and theater on the stage. It also introduces a third term: the "post-dramatic theater."

Genres of Drama and Theater  

"List of Genres" (Drama Online)  

Drama Online offers resources on many aspects of drama and theater, including a comprehensive and detailed list of dramatic genres. Each genre includes an explanation, as well as examples of works within that specific genre. 

"Theater Practitioners and Genres" (The British Library)

The British Library's online collection includes resources on a number of different theatrical styles, including the "theater of cruelty" and the "theater of the absurd." It also includes links to interviews, clips, excerpts, and more. 

"Types of Dramatic Literature" (Quizlet)

Quizlet's helpful study set contains dozens of flashcards on the main types of dramatic literature, including melodrama, farce, and satire.

In Our Time : "Tragedy" (BBC)  

This podcast from the BBC focuses exclusively on the popular genre of tragedy, exploring its origins and its place within modern society. 

Drama has been an important part of western culture since the early Greek and Roman empires. Over the centuries and across countless different societies and cultures, the purpose and prominence of dramatic literature has changed significantly. The resources in this section will help you understand those changes by focusing on particular periods in the history of drama.

Greek and Roman Drama

In ancient Greece and Rome, dramatic spectacle was often used to convey political views. Ancient Greek tragedy is also tied to the Aristotelian idea of "catharsis"—the purgation of powerful emotion through pity and fear. Many comedies and tragedies from this era, including those of Sophocles and Aeschylus, remain popular today. The resources below will help you understand classical theater.

"Theater of Ancient Rome" (Wikipedia)  

The Wikipedia entry on the theater of Ancient Rome provides an overview of the characteristics of Roman tragedy and comedy, describes the physical spaces of the Roman theaters, and offers links for further exploration. 

"Theater of Ancient Greece" (Wikipedia)  

The Wikipedia entry on the theater of Ancient Greece is a good starting point for exploring the importance of drama and theater in Greek society. It includes a section on the masks worn in classical Greek theater.

Articles on Greek and Roman Drama (Theatrehistory.com) 

Here, you'll find a collection of articles pertaining to both Greek and Roman drama, most of which are excerpted from Alfred Bates's 1906 book The Drama: Its History, Literature and Influence on Civilization.  

The Drama: Its History, Literature and Influence on Civilization (Internet Archive)

You can download Alfred Bates's seminal book on drama in various formats courtesy of this Internet Archive page, including ePub, Kindle, and PDF.

"Greek and Roman Theater Glossary" (The Ancient Theatre Archive)   

Here, you'll find a sampling of definitions pertaining to Greek and Roman drama. Clicking on each term will bring you to a page with more information and helpful images. 

"Virtual Tour of Greek and Roman Theater" (The Ancient Theatre Archive)  

Check out this "virtual reality" tour of various ancient Greek and Roman theaters. It includes information on the modern-day locations of the ruins, seating capacity, reconstructed floor plans, and a detailed history with external resources. 

"Dr. J's Illustrated Greek Theater" ( Dr. J's Illustrated Guide to the Classical World )  

This illustrated guide, part of a larger guide compiled by Dr. Janice Siegel, outlines the setup and layout of a typical theater in Ancient Greece. 

Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama 

This research project aims to study ancient Greek and Roman texts in performance in a wide variety of different media. The online database contains a broad range of information on dramatic performance.  

Early Modern Drama

Few eras are better known for the quality of their dramatic art than Renaissance England. The theater flourished during the 16th– and 17th–century rules of Queen Elizabeth and King James VI, with plays by Ben Jonson, Christopher Marlowe, and William Shakespeare drawing crowds by the hundreds. The resources below will introduce you to the period and its many masterpieces.

"English Renaissance Theater" (Wikipedia)   

The Wikipedia entry on English Renaissance theater provides basic information on the period's theaters and playhouses, playwrights, actors, and performances.  

Early Modern Drama Database  

A vast tabular record of every recorded early modern English play performed in London between 1573 and 1642, this database includes each work's date, author, genre, company, and the theater where it was first performed. 

"Elizabethan Theater" (Victoria and Albert Museum)   

This informational article on theater during the Elizabethan era from the Victoria and Albert Museum includes a helpful, introductory section on William Shakespeare. 

"Database of Early English Playbooks" (Univ. of Pennsylvania)   

This database, maintained by the University of Pennsylvania, allows you to search for any early modern English dramatic work and access a wide range of information on each text.  

"Why Should We Study Elizabethan Theater?" (Oxford Univ.)   

In this podcast, Professor Tiffany Stern of Oxford University discusses why Elizabethan theater is still important and relevant in the world today.

Modern and Postmodern Drama

Twentieth-century and postmodern drama deviate from earlier theatrical eras in numerous ways. Below, you'll find resources that delve into the difficult-to-define aspects of postmodernism, and that introduce you to the most famous and experimental texts of the period. 

"A History of British Theater" (BBC)  

This timeline from the BBC details the progression of British theater from 1350 to 2015. Although it's limited in that in only discusses British theater, it is a helpful outline of how drama has changed from the early modern to contemporary periods. 

"A to Z of Modern Drama" ( The Guardian ) 

Michael Billington, theater critic for The Guardian , has a collection of articles about "what makes modern theatre tick," from "absurdism" to the comedic performers he dubs "zanies."

"Postmodern Theater" (Wikipedia)   

This Wikipedia entry covers the basic groundwork of what might constitute the "postmodern" work, which is rooted in mid-20th century European postmodern philosophy.

Examples of Postmodern Dramatic Works (Drama Online Library)   

This collection includes detailed descriptions of many postmodern dramatic texts, including what exactly makes them "postmodern." Each explores contemporary issues in non-normative ways. 

Forced Entertainment Theater Company

Forced Entertainment, based in Sheffield in England, is one of the most well-known experimental theater companies in the world. Through their performances, they push theater to its limits and question what it can express about contemporary society. 

In order to understand how a performance comes together, you must understand the venue in which it is performed. There are many different components of any theater, all of which contribute to and impact the performance itself. In this section, you'll find resources describing these different elements, along with examples of well-known theatrical spaces around the world. 

Types of Stages 

"Stage (Theatre)" (Wikipedia)

Wikipedia's entry on the stage includes a definition of the term, a section on types of staging, and another section on stage terminology. You'll also find links to further resources. 

"What the Types of Theatre Stages and Auditoria?" (Theatre Trust)   

The U.K.'s national advisory public body for theaters offers a list of the most common types of stage arrangements, including some photos and images for reference. 

"What Spaces Make Up a Theatre?" (Theatre Trust) 

This page from Theatre Trust details the most common elements of a theater complex, and includes high-quality photos for reference. 

"Creating and Staging a Devised Performance" (BBC)  

This guide from the BBC's study support resource Bitesize  offers staging diagrams and lists the pros and cons of each stage type. 

Stage Terminology

There are many terms and phrases used in relation to the theater. Did you know that "stage left" refers to the left side of the stage from the performer's point of view, rather than the audience's vantage point? Use the resources below to familiarize yourself with many other theater-related words.

Glossary of Technical Theater Terms (Theatrecrafts.com) 

This beginner's guide, from a website devoted to entertainment technology resources and history, focuses on the fundamentals of technical theater. 

"60+ Theater Terms Every Actor Should Know" (Backstage) 

This list is intended for actors, but it's informative for anyone hoping to learn about theater productions. It includes sections on architecture, tech, the actors, and the crew. 

"The Theater Dictionary" (Theatre Development Fund) 

This dictionary from the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) defines a wide variety of theater-related terms, and each term includes both a written definition and a video explication.

"Drama Vocabulary" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This resource pack from the popular website Teachers Pay Teachers includes a worksheet with 27 different dramatic terms, as well as an accompanying quiz to test the vocabulary.                                                          

Famous Theaters Around the World

Below, you can find links to the official websites of many well-known theatrical venues. We've directed you to the theater's "About Us" pages, but we invite you to explore each website further. Of course, this is just a small selection of a vast network, so we have also included a list and database to consult for further examples. 

Shakespeare's Globe 

The reconstructed Globe Theatre, located on the south bank of the river Thames in London, is one of the most well-known theaters in the world. Built only a few feet from the site of the original Globe of Shakespeare's day, this theater is renowned for its original practice productions, which aim to mimic the conditions of early modern theater. The theater also puts on more experimental productions. 

The Public Theater 

The Public Theater in Greenwich Village, New York, was designed to provide accessible theater to everyone. The theater group is known for their Shakespeare in the Park performances, they also put on a wide variety of plays and musicals. 

The Old Vic 

Located in South London, the Old Vic is an independent, not-for-profit theater that opened in 1818. To this day, it hosts many of the greatest stage actors in the world. 

"17 Amazing Theater Cities That Aren't London or New York" (Mic)   

This article lists a number of locations that aren't immediately recognized as "theater cities," but that boast thriving theater scenes to rival New York and London. 

"Theaters Database" (Theatre Trust)   

Theatre Trust offers a searchable database of U.K. theaters from the early modern period to the current day. Enter a search term, or click "Browse A - Z." 

Hours upon hours of work precede any successful opening night. In order to mount a production, a director must be chosen and a tech crew brought on board, auditions are needed to select the cast, and an often lengthy rehearsal schedule follows. Below are resources that allow you to explore various approaches to the production process.

Rehearsal and the Cast

The rehearsal process is what brings an entire performance together; from read-throughs to blocking and direction, every aspect of a performance must be rehearsed in order to prepare it for an audience. Everyone's rehearsal experience is different, but the resources below explore some common components. 

"What Really Goes On in the Rehearsal Room?" ( The Guardian )   

This blog post from The Guardian 's theater blog discusses the rehearsal process. It considers the secretive and private nature of the rehearsal room. 

"Can You Ever Have Too Much Rehearsal?" ( The Guardian ) 

This post, also from The Guardian 's theater blog, questions how much rehearsal should precede a performance, and asks whether too much rehearsal can hurt rather than help a production. 

"First Day of Rehearsals" (Royal Shakespeare Company) 

Byron Mondahl, an actor in the Royal Shakespeare Company's recent production of Hamlet,  details his experience of the first day of rehearsal. 

"Rehearsal Process for 'Much Ado About Nothing'" (YouTube) 

In this video, a director and actors from the National Theatre in London discuss the rehearsal process. They speak to the importance of reading classic play texts, understanding why the character say what they do, and translating that into performance. 

Technical Theater Roles

While actors may be the face of a performance, those who work backstage are just as integral to the production. Those in technical theater roles ensure that everything runs smoothly. The links below will help you understand this aspect of the theatrical world.  

"Technical Theatre" (Wikibooks)  

This entry from Wikibooks offers a brief and basic overview of the various roles involved in technical theater, from the costume designer to the master electrician. 

Technical Theater Subreddit (Reddit)   

This subreddit is dedicated to people involved or interested in technical theater, providing a place to ask questions or seek advice on anything regarding the topic. 

"Glossary of Technical Theatre Terms—Jobs" (Theatrecrafts.com)   

Theatrecrafts.com provides another helpful glossary of terms, this one dedicated specifically to the various jobs that occur backstage. 

"Who Works in a Theater?" (Theatre Trust) 

Theatre Trust provides a slightly more in-depth and detailed glossary of different roles in technical theater, and describes all the ways they contribute to making a performance possible. 

Theatrical Performance

If you're acting in a production, you'll need guidance on preparing for the performance and understanding your audience. Here, you'll find resources to help you understand the unique challenges posed by performing live.  

"Exercise Class: Preparing for Performance" ( The Guardian )   

This advice from a RADA graduate gives some suggestions for how to prepare, physically and mentally, before a performance. The exercises are intended for actors to relieve stress and nerves.

"Stage vs. Screen: What the Big Difference" (New York Film Academy)   

This short but informative piece highlights the differences between watching a film and a live theater performance. It is important for any performer to understand these differences, particularly the expectations of a live theater audience.  

Should Stage Actors be Movie Stars? ( Slate )   

This piece also delves into the differences between performing on stage and on screen, questioning whether movie stars should be stage stars and vice versa. 

"What Makes a Great Theatre Actor?" (BBC)   

This guide from the BBC describes what, in the author's opinion, makes great theater actors. It highlights the difficult nature of live performance. 

Now that you understand the basic principles of drama and theater, it's time to delve into some celebrated dramatic works and learn about the people who wrote and performed them.  Below, you'll find links to texts and resources on some of the most familiar figures in the world of drama and theater. 

Famous Playwrights

Provided below are links to the Goodreads pages of some of the most celebrated playwrights of all time. These pages include a helpful biography, complete list of works, as well as quotes and forums. Although this is a very small selection, it is a good starting point to learn about some of the most often-performed and discussed dramatic works. 

  • William Shakespeare 
  • Anton Chekhov
  • Henrik Ibsen
  • Oscar Wilde
  • Tennessee Williams 
  • Luigi Pirandello
  • Lorraine Hansberry
  • Samuel Beckett
  • George Bernard Shaw
  • Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • Arthur Miller

Famous Dramatic Works

Don't know what plays to read first? Start here. You'll find different authors' lists of the greatest or most popular plays of all time, along with databases that host hundreds of dramatic texts.

"50 Best Plays of All Time" (Time Out)  

Here is one author's list of the 50 best plays ever written, from A Raisin in the Sun to Our Town . While every list is of course subjective, this list will introduce you to well-loved plays that have stood the test of time .

101 Greatest Plays ( The Guardian )  

Michael Billington, a theater critic for The Guardian , wrote a book on his picks for "101 greatest plays." The article above comments on his choices, and considers some of the "greats" he left off the list. 

"50 Classic Plays Every Student Should Read" (Online College Courses)

This list of classic plays from an online learning center contains a brief description of each play and why you should read it, along with a link to Amazon for each one.

"The Most Popular High School Plays and Musicals" (NPR)

This article from NPR discusses the most popularly performed plays and musicals among high school students since the 1940s. 

"Plays" (Drama Online)

Drama Online provides links to over 2,000 plays and accompanying resources. You can listen to a full-cast performance of Arthur Miller's  The Crucible,  or read and interpret Shakespeare's  Macbeth  with the help of the "Play Tools" tab. (Note: while some of the site's content is free, other resources require a subscription that your school or library may have purchased.)

Folger Digital Texts

Here, you'll find meticulously edited digital texts from the Folger Shakespeare Library. When you click the "Read" button on the right, you'll be directed to a page with links to each of Shakespeare's plays.

Famous Dramatic Actors 

Get to know the actors who have brought dramatic literature to life. Below, you'll find a few authors' lists of the greatest actors to point you toward further research, along with articles and books that delve more deeply into the careers of particular stars.

"Greatest Stage Actor Poll in Pictures" ( The Telegraph ) 

Dame Judi Dench was voted the greatest stage actor in a poll by The Stage . Here,  The Telegraph offers a photo and short blurb on each of the other actors who received the most votes. 

"Who is the Greatest Stage Actor Ever?" ( The Guardian )

In this article, The Guardian comments on the same poll by  Th e Stage.  It helpfully critiques it for omissions and an overwhelming focus on British performers, while offering its own suggestions for actors who should have made the list. 

"Thespis" (Wikipedia)

Meet the ancient Greek poet Thespis, who according to Aristotle was the first to appear onstage as a character. This Wikipedia article has sections on Thespis's "alleged works" and legacy.

"Theater Actor" (Biography.com)

Explore Biography.com's webpage on famous theater actors, from Edwin Booth to Ian McKellen. Click on an actor's name and photo, and you'll be redirected to their biography page.

Great Shakespeare Actors: Burbage to Branagh (Amazon)

This series of essays by Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells is aimed at a broad readership. Wells discusses the greatest performers of Shakespeare's works, from great tragedienne Sarah Siddons to the actor and director Kenneth Branagh.

It's often said that plays and dramatic works are meant to be seen on the stage, not read on the page. Still, there is much to be gained from reading the text of a play. You'll become more alert to the nuances of the language, and will gain a greater appreciation for the play's structure and thematic focus. Here, you'll find resources to help you read, interpret, and write about dramatic literature.

"How to Read a Play" (School Theatre)   

This illustrated guide offers 30 steps to better understand and analyze a play text, from paying close attention to the character's journey to analyzing scenic metaphor.

"Writing about Drama" (Univ. of North Carolina)   

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has created a guide to writing an essay on dramatic works that walks you through the important points of analysis to consider. 

"How to Read and Enjoy a Dramatic Play" (ThoughtCo)   

This blog post considers how reading a play-text can enhance understanding of the performance and how to get the most out of it. 

"Top Tip for Analysing Drama" (YouTube)

This short video from an English teacher offers strategies for analyzing drama, noting that different tools must be used to analyze plays and novels.

While many of the resources above may help teachers plan lessons, the links below are designed specifically for that purpose. You'll find suggestions for which plays to teach, websites dedicated to the art of teaching drama, classroom activities, and entire drama units. 

"Best Works of Shakespeare to Teach in High School" (ThoughtCo)

This post from a veteran secondary school educator suggests a list of eight Shakespeare texts that high school students find interesting and informative. 

Theatre Links 

This website by Justin Cash hosts over 5,000 links to resources from across the globe on drama practitioners, styles, scripts, and stagecraft. 

Drama Activities and Games (TPT)

This Teachers Pay Teachers resource for middle school and high school students offers "drama trunk" cards for warm ups, improvisation, storytelling, language activities, and more.

Introduction to Drama (TPT)

Another Teachers Pay Teachers resource, this drama unit for middle school and high school students is comprised of six, 50-minute lesson plans, homework tasks, extension activities, and more.

"Shakespeare Teacher Resources," LitCharts Complete Guide to Shakespeare Resources

For a large selection of resources specifically devoted to teaching Shakespeare, take a look at another guide in this series,  LitCharts Complete Guide to Shakespeare Resources.

  • PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
  • Downloads of 1900 LitCharts Lit Guides
  • Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
  • Explanations and citation info for 39,983 quotes across 1900 books
  • Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play

Need something? Request a new guide .

How can we improve? Share feedback .

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Browse Course Material

Course info.

  • Prof. Diana Henderson

Departments

As taught in.

  • Media Studies

Learning Resource Types

Modern drama.

Moving from drawing-room comedy to absurdism, from political protest to the theater of science, we will sample a wide range of the fascinating drama that has been composed during the past century. Many of these plays are now acknowledged “classics” of modern drama; the rest are prize-winning contemporary plays that have broken new ground. We will study them both as distinguished writing and as scripts for performance. During the first century of film, television, and computers, it seems that writers for the theater have been especially attuned to the relationships between past and present and to the changing role of their medium. Paying particular attention to the importance of nationalism, group categorization, and science in shaping modern life, much of their drama suggests that current events are inseparable from a larger cultural history. Several of these plays have been reconceived for the big or small screen. Within this multimedia and socio-historical context, we will consider what drama in particular has to offer now and in the future: this subject is therefore cross-listed by Literature and Comparative Media Studies, and can help satisfy the theater history requirement for the Theater Arts major.

This is also a HASS Communication-Intensive Course, in which we will work on improving your skills, awareness, and confidence as a writer and speaker. Knowing without sharing is insufficient. A variety of writing opportunities (including revision of the first essay), class reports, and performance work will aid us in realizing these goals.

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week 1.5 hours / session

The Film Office usually can provide copies of the films we screen, and you will want to avail yourself of this resource should you decide to write on a particular screen version. If you will not be able to attend a scheduled evening screening, however, please let me know well in advance, so that we can use the office staff’s time appropriately.

Requirements

You should come to class ready and eager to discuss the assigned play. That means having read it (at least once), thought about it, and taken sufficient care of yourself to be alert in mind and body.

Each person will take a leadership role in teaching one play. This will involve generating a list of questions and possibly other helpful handouts or presentation materials; initiating the discussion; and being prepared to provide some context and answer informational questions from your colleagues. You may think of creative, exciting ways to convey key insights and aspects of the play: you may want to consult with me in advance. I will guarantee you 20-30 minutes of the class time, after which I may lead the class in directions not yet addressed (if that seems helpful). Each person will also read an “outside play” from the appended list, and give a short oral presentation to the class based on that reading and accompanying research (15 minutes maximum): in addition to allowing each one of you to become the class expert on one play, this will familiarize the group with more modern drama than we could (reasonably) manage to read collectively. I ask that you turn in to me your written materials (report outline, discussion questions, supporting materials, bibliography) after your oral presentations. Everyone will write two short (5-7 pp.) essays, the first focusing on close scene analysis, the second on the topic most compelling to you. Revision of one of the two assignments above is required; revision of both, optional. Turn in your original drafts along with revisions . [Original grade and revision grade will be averaged to replace the original grade.]

In addition, you will choose between two options: (A) write two more short (5-7 pp.) essays, most likely drawing upon the material in each of your two oral presentations, or (B) write one longer (10-12 pp.) essay, which might well draw on that research as well, in a focused, comparative format. If you intend to count this class as a seminar for purposes of the Literature concentration, minor, or major, I will ask that you choose option (B). If you would like to write an essay eligible for the Kelly Writing Prize, I suggest you aim for 15 pages instead of 10-12. I am receptive to multimedia essays, or other topic ideas you may have for your later writing assignments.

Approximate Valuation for Grading Purposes

I reserve the right to alter this weighting somewhat in exceptional circumstances; often this works to your advantage.

This is a twelve-unit subject, which assumes that you will allot nine hours/week outside the classroom for reading, writing, rehearsing, and thinking deep thoughts about twentieth-century drama.

Please Note: Written work must be submitted by the due date. Except in cases of personal emergency, late work will not receive written response and will receive a lower grade. Unless you receive an individual extension for special reasons or petition to receive a grade of Incomplete in the course, no work can be accepted after the end of the semester.

I hope that the following statement is unnecessary: conscious plagiarism of any sort is completely unacceptable . Discussion of ideas and communal learning is a primary goal of this subject; stealing others’ ideas or words, (as distinct from citing or adapting them openly and honestly) undermines this goal. Please consult my stylesheet ( PDF ) and talk with me if you have any doubts whatsoever about proper citation of sources or about standards of intellectual honesty. Any act of plagiarism will be grounds for failure of this subject . The following is the Literature Section’s official policy statement:

Plagiarism-use of another’s intellectual work without acknowledgement-is a serious offense. It is the policy of the Literature Faculty that students who plagiarize will receive an F in the subject, and that the instructor will forward the case to the Committee on Discipline. Full acknowledgement for all information obtained from sources outside the classroom must be clearly stated in all written work submitted. All ideas, arguments, and direct phrasings taken from someone else’s work must be identified and properly footnoted. Quotations from other sources must be clearly marked as distinct from the student’s own work. For further guidance on the proper forms of attribution consult the style guides available in the Writing and Communication Center in Stata and the MIT Web Site on Plagiarism .

In addition to welcoming your participation in class, I encourage you to discuss your ideas and your writing with me during office hours, or at other times convenient for us both. I hope to meet with each of you individually during the first half of the semester.

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Drama Paper Topics

Drama can be defined as a play for television, radio, or theater. While the mediums of television and radio are more modern and contemporary in nature, theater has been present in the human experience for some time. Originating in ancient Athens, drama developed during the 6th Century BC as facilitated through performances that were conducted to honor the god Dionysus (Drama, 2015). Definitions that are more formal have been articulated as “a visual display of a composition or prose through a live performance of dialogue or narration” (Drama, 2015). Though its original roots were religious in nature, theater has evolved into a variety of representations. While it is not uncommon for drama to engage in social commentary, drama can also be for pure entertainment purposes. Though not necessary to be considered drama, there is also a cross section of the genre that includes music as a mechanism to set moods, increase meaning, deliver dialogue, or to tell the entire story. Drama can be minimal and improvisational or it can be full of spectacle and quite complex. As a subset of the humanities, drama is an important topical pursuit for understanding the human experience as a whole or at a given point in history.

The professional staff at PowerPapers.com has the necessary skills, experience, and background to tackle any drama paper topic. Helping students select suitable frames of inquiry for their drama projects from singular or interdisciplinary perspectives is well within our staff’s expertise. Whether or not your project is a short discussion post or a completed Doctoral thesis on a drama subject, PowerPapers.com has a proven track record of satisfied and returning clients. For your drama paper topic needs , PowerPapers.com’s staff members can be reached by email for questions regarding scopes of inquiry or for placing an order from our secure server.

Interesting Drama Paper Topics

Drama is multifaceted in that it can be used to tell stories, express artistic ideas, influence people, champion causes, express religiosity, entertain, advertise, and educate, among other things. As a result, there are a multitude of perspectives in which one can employ in selecting a drama paper topic and completing an academic project on the subject. Drama studies can include actual constructs for increasing ones acting skills or they can equally be employed in educational explorations for classroom use. In addition, drama can be tied into virtually any period of human history since its development during the 6th century. While drama majors may have to stick more with traditional explorations of the subject, those outside the major can find ways to incorporate drama into their field of study. A military historian, for example, could examine dramatic representations of human warfare as expressed through plays Julius Caesar and South Pacific. Similarly, a geography major may choose to explore the geographic characteristics of a region and apply this information to the development and expression of drama among those people.

Below is a list of some topics that would fall within the spectrum of drama paper topics. This list can be utilized as a literal selection tool for a research paper topic or it can be used to generate ideas related to a student’s original concepts. In either scenario, PowerPapers.com is ready to help with all phases of project completion from topic selection to editing as well as anything in between. The interdisciplinary nature of drama is such that it would not be an understatement to say that there is more than likely some area of inquiry that can satisfy even the most discriminate student.

  • The exploration of social issues in drama
  • The role of spectacle in contemporary theater
  • Revolutionizing contemporary musical theater: Rodgers and Hammerstein
  • Dionysus and the origins of theater
  • A brief history of drama
  • Drama and the Harlem renaissance
  • Classical mythology and tragedy
  • Shakespeare and his contribution to drama
  • Adaptations of theater to cinema
  • Drama on the stage and screen
  • Television dram and depictions of family values
  • Performance skills
  • Acting and expression
  • Music and theater
  • Shakespeare’s histories
  • To Kill a Mockingbird: Race and dramatics
  • South Pacific: Depictions of war in theater
  • Choreography and contemporary theater
  • Tennessee Williams and modern theater
  • Types of stages and drama productions
  • A history of Broadway
  • Chinese Drama
  • Greek Tragedy
  • The Interrogation of Nathan Hale: Minimalism and the forging of a nation
  • Role play in group therapy
  • European drama
  • Three Theban plays: Depictions of civil disobedience
  • The Diary of Anne Frank: Expressions of the Holocaust in art
  • Radio drama: Pre-television popular culture entertainment
  • Improvisation and expression
  • The Wizard of Oz: Contemporary influences
  • Contemporary theater influence in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange  
  • Operetta and emotion: An analysis of Sweeney Todd
  • Multiple intelligence: Howard Gardner and drama
  • Drama in elementary education: Developing thinking, feeling and moving skills
  • Drama and the development of imagination
  • The art of directing: Bringing stories to life
  • Homosexuality and theater
  • African American expression and Blacksploitation: The Wiz.
  • Social stigma and Elizabethan actors
  • Drama and the psychology of self-confidence
  • Creative dramatics
  • Set design and modern theater
  • Drama and team building
  • Drama and the facilitation of leadership

Click for more great research paper topics listed by discipline .

Drama. (2015). Questia: Trusted Online Research. Retrieved from  https://www.questia.com/library/literature/drama

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  • Modern Drama

About this Journal

journal cover image

Modern Drama was founded in 1958 and is the most prominent journal in English to focus on dramatic literature. The terms, "modern" and "drama," are the subject of continuing and fruitful debate, but the journal has been distinguished by the excellence of its close readings of both canonical and lesser known dramatic texts through a range of methodological perspectives. The journal features refereed articles that enhance our understanding of plays in both formal and historical terms, largely treating literature of the past two centuries from diverse geo-political contexts, as well as an extensive book review section. Published quarterly.

University of Toronto Press

published by

Available issues, table of contents, volume 66, 2023.

  • Volume 66, Number 4, December 2023
  • Volume 66, Number 3, September 2023
  • Volume 66, Number 2, June 2023
  • Volume 66, Number 1, March 2023

Volume 65, 2022

  • Volume 65, Number 4, December 2022
  • Volume 65, Number 3, September 2022
  • Volume 65, Number 2, June 2022
  • Volume 65, Number 1, Spring 2022

Volume 64, 2021

  • Volume 64, Number 4, Winter 2021
  • Volume 64, Number 3, Fall 2021
  • Volume 64, Number 2, Summer 2021
  • Volume 64, Number 1, Spring 2021

Volume 63, 2020

  • Volume 63, Number 4, Winter 2020
  • Volume 63, Number 3, Fall 2020
  • Volume 63, Number 2, Summer 2020
  • Volume 63, Number 1, Spring 2020

Volume 62, 2019

  • Volume 62, Number 4, Winter 2019
  • Volume 62, Number 3, Fall 2019
  • Volume 62, Number 2, Summer 2019
  • Volume 62, Number 1, Spring 2019

Volume 61, 2018

  • Volume 61, Number 4, Winter 2018
  • Volume 61, Number 3, Fall 2018
  • Volume 61, Number 2, Summer 2018
  • Volume 61, Number 1, Spring 2018

Volume 60, 2017

  • Volume 60, Number 4, Winter 2017
  • Volume 60, Number 3, Fall 2017
  • Volume 60, Number 2, Summer 2017
  • Volume 60, Number 1, Spring 2017

Volume 59, 2016

  • Volume 59, Number 4, Winter 2016
  • Volume 59, Number 3, Fall 2016
  • Volume 59, Number 2, Summer 2016
  • Volume 59, Number 1, Spring 2016

Volume 58. 2015

  • Volume 58, Number 4, Winter 2015
  • Volume 58, Number 3, Fall 2015
  • Volume 58, Number 2, Summer 2015
  • Volume 58, Number 1, Spring 2015

Volume 57, 2014

  • Volume 57, Number 4, Winter 2014
  • Volume 57, Number 3, Fall 2014
  • Volume 57, Number 2, Summer 2014
  • Volume 57, Number 1, Spring 2014

Volume 56, 2013

  • Volume 56, Number 4, Winter 2013
  • Volume 56, Number 3, Fall 2013
  • Volume 56, Number 2, Summer 2013
  • Volume 56, Number 1, Spring 2013

Volume 55, 2012

  • Volume 55, Number 4, Winter 2012
  • Volume 55, Number 3, Fall 2012
  • Volume 55, Number 2, Summer 2012
  • Volume 55, Number 1, Spring 2012

Volume 54, 2011

  • Volume 54, Number 4, Winter 2011
  • Volume 54, Number 3, Fall 2011
  • Volume 54, Number 2, Summer 2011
  • Volume 54, Number 1, Spring 2011

Volume 53, 2010

  • Volume 53, Number 4, Winter 2010
  • Volume 53, Number 3, Fall 2010
  • Volume 53, Number 2, Summer 2010
  • Volume 53, Number 1, Spring 2010

Volume 52, 2009

  • Volume 52, Number 4, Winter 2009
  • Volume 52, Number 3, Fall 2009
  • Volume 52, Number 2, Summer 2009
  • Volume 52, Number 1, Spring 2009

Volume 51, 2008

  • Volume 51, Number 4, Winter 2008
  • Volume 51, Number 3, Fall 2008
  • Volume 51, Number 2, Summer 2008
  • Volume 51, Number 1, Spring 2008

Volume 50, 2007

  • Volume 50, Number 4, Winter 2007
  • Volume 50, Number 3, Fall 2007
  • Volume 50, Number 2, Summer 2007
  • Volume 50, Number 1, Spring 2007

Volume 49, 2006

  • Volume 49, Number 4, Winter 2006
  • Volume 49, Number 3, Fall 2006
  • Volume 49, Number 2, Summer 2006
  • Volume 49, Number 1, Spring 2006

Volume 48, 2005

  • Volume 48, Number 4, Winter 2005
  • Volume 48, Number 3, Fall 2005
  • Volume 48, Number 2, Summer 2005

Volume 47, 2004

  • Volume 47, Number 4, Winter 2004
  • Volume 47, Number 3, Fall 2004
  • Volume 47, Number 2, Summer 2004
  • Volume 47, Number 1, Spring 2004

Volume 46, 2003

  • Volume 46, Number 4, Winter 2003
  • Volume 46, Number 3, Fall 2003
  • Volume 46, Number 2, Summer 2003
  • Volume 46, Number 1, Spring 2003

Volume 45, 2002

  • Volume 45, Number 4, Winter 2002
  • Volume 45, Number 3, Fall 2002
  • Volume 45, Number 2, Summer 2002
  • Volume 45, Number 1, Spring 2002

Volume 44, 2001

  • Volume 44, Number 4, Winter 2001
  • Volume 44, Number 3, Fall 2001
  • Volume 44, Number 2, Summer 2001
  • Volume 44, Number 1, Spring 2001

Volume 43, 2000

  • Volume 43, Number 4, Winter 2000
  • Volume 43, Number 3, Fall 2000
  • Volume 43, Number 2, Summer 2000
  • Volume 43, Number 1, Spring 2000

Volume 42, 1999

  • Volume 42, Number 4, Winter 1999
  • Volume 42, Number 3, Fall 1999
  • Volume 42, Number 2, Summer 1999
  • Volume 42, Number 1, Spring 1999

Volume 41, 1998

  • Volume 41, Number 4, Winter 1998
  • Volume 41, Number 3, Fall 1998
  • Volume 41, Number 2, Summer 1998
  • Volume 41, Number 1, Spring 1998

Volume 40, 1997

  • Volume 40, Number 4, Winter 1997
  • Volume 40, Number 3, Fall 1997
  • Volume 40, Number 2, Summer 1997
  • Volume 40, Number 1, Spring 1997

Volume 39, 1996

  • Volume 39, Number 4, Winter 1996
  • Volume 39, Number 3, Fall 1996
  • Volume 39, Number 2, Summer 1996
  • Volume 39, Number 1, Spring 1996

Volume 38, 1995

  • Volume 38, Number 4, Winter 1995
  • Volume 38, Number 3, Fall 1995
  • Volume 38, Number 2, Summer 1995
  • Volume 38, Number 1, Spring 1995

Volume 37, 1994

  • Volume 37, Number 4, Winter 1994
  • Volume 37, Number 3, Fall 1994
  • Volume 37, Number 2, Summer 1994
  • Volume 37, Number 1, Spring 1994

Volume 36, 1993

  • Volume 36, Number 4, Winter 1993
  • Volume 36, Number 3, Fall 1993
  • Volume 36, Number 2, Summer 1993
  • Volume 36, Number 1, Spring 1993

Volume 35, 1992

  • Volume 35, Number 4, Winter 1992
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  • Volume 35, Number 2, Summer 1992
  • Volume 35, Number 1, Spring 1992

Volume 34, 1991

  • Volume 34, Number 4, Winter 1991
  • Volume 34, Number 3, Fall 1991
  • Volume 34, Number 2, Summer 1991
  • Volume 34, Number 1, Spring 1991

Volume 33, 1990

  • Volume 33, Number 4, Winter 1990
  • Volume 33, Number 3, Fall 1990
  • Volume 33, Number 2, Summer 1990
  • Volume 33, Number 1, Spring 1990

Volume 32, 1989

  • Volume 32, Number 4, Winter 1989
  • Volume 32, Number 3, Fall 1989
  • Volume 32, Number 2, Summer 1989
  • Volume 32, Number 1, March 1989

Volume 31, 1988

  • Volume 31, Number 4, Winter 1988
  • Volume 31, Number 3, Fall 1988
  • Volume 31, Number 2, Summer 1988
  • Volume 31, Number 1, Spring 1988

Volume 30, 1987

  • Volume 30, Number 4, Winter 1987
  • Volume 30, Number 3, Fall 1987
  • Volume 30, Number 2, Summer 1987
  • Volume 30, Number 1, Spring 1987

Volume 29, 1986

  • Volume 29, Number 4, Winter 1986
  • Volume 29, Number 3, Fall 1986
  • Volume 29, Number 2, Summer 1986
  • Volume 29, Number 1, Spring 1986

Volume 28, 1985

  • Volume 28, Number 4, Winter 1985
  • Volume 28, Number 3, Fall 1985
  • Volume 28, Number 2, Summer 1985
  • Volume 28, Number 1, Spring 1985

Volume 27, 1984

  • Volume 27, Number 4, Winter 1984
  • Volume 27, Number 3, Fall 1984
  • Volume 27, Number 2, Summer 1984
  • Volume 27, Number 1, Spring 1984

Volume 26, 1983

  • Volume 26, Number 4, Winter 1983
  • Volume 26, Number 3, Fall 1983
  • Volume 26, Number 2, Summer 1983
  • Volume 26, Number 1, Spring 1983

Volume 25, 1982

  • Volume 25, Number 4, Winter 1982
  • Volume 25, Number 3, Fall 1982
  • Volume 25, Number 2, Summer 1982
  • Volume 25, Number 1, Spring 1982

Volume 24, 1981

  • Volume 24, Number 4, Winter 1981
  • Volume 24, Number 3, Fall 1981
  • Volume 24, Number 2, Summer 1981
  • Volume 24, Number 1, Spring 1981

Volume 23, 1980

  • Volume 23, Number 4, Winter 1980
  • Volume 23, Number 3, Fall 1980
  • Volume 23, Number 2, Summer 1980
  • Volume 23, Number 1, Spring 1980

Volume 22, 1979

  • Volume 22, Number 4, Winter 1979
  • Volume 22, Number 3, Fall 1979
  • Volume 22, Number 2, Summer 1979
  • Volume 22, Number 1, Spring 1979

Volume 21, 1978

  • Volume 21, Number 4, Winter 1978
  • Volume 21, Number 3, Fall 1978
  • Volume 21, Number 2, Summer 1978
  • Volume 21, Number 1, Spring 1978

Volume 20, 1977

  • Volume 20, Number 4, Winter 1977
  • Volume 20, Number 3, Fall 1977
  • Volume 20, Number 2, Summer 1977
  • Volume 20, Number 1, Spring 1977

Volume 19, 1976

  • Volume 19, Number 4, Winter 1976
  • Volume 19, Number 3, Fall 1976
  • Volume 19, Number 2, Summer 1976
  • Volume 19, Number 1, Spring 1976

Volume 18, 1975

  • Volume 18, Number 4, Winter 1975
  • Volume 18, Number 3, Fall 1975
  • Volume 18, Number 2, Summer 1975
  • Volume 18, Number 1, Spring 1975

Volume 17, 1974

  • Volume 17, Number 4, Winter 1974
  • Volume 17, Number 3, Fall 1974
  • Volume 17, Number 2, Summer 1974
  • Volume 17, Number 1, Spring 1974

Volume 16, 1973

  • Volume 16, Number 3-4, Fall/Winter 1973
  • Volume 16, Number 2, Summer 1973
  • Volume 16, Number 1, Spring 1973

Volume 15, 1972

  • Volume 15, Number 4, Winter 1972
  • Volume 15, Number 3, Fall 1972
  • Volume 15, Number 2, Summer 1972
  • Volume 15, Number 1, Spring 1972

Volume 14, 1971

  • Volume 14, Number 4, Winter 1971
  • Volume 14, Number 3, Fall 1971
  • Volume 14, Number 2, Summer 1971
  • Volume 14, Number 1, Spring 1971

Volume 13, 1970

  • Volume 13, Number 4, Winter 1970
  • Volume 13, Number 3, Fall 1970
  • Volume 13, Number 2, Summer 1970
  • Volume 13, Number 1, Spring 1970

Volume 12, 1969

  • Volume 12, Number 4, Winter 1969
  • Volume 12, Number 3, Fall 1969
  • Volume 12, Number 2, Summer 1969
  • Volume 12, Number 1, Spring 1969

Volume 11, 1968

  • Volume 11, Number 4, Winter 1968
  • Volume 11, Number 3, Fall 1968
  • Volume 11, Number 2, Summer 1968
  • Volume 11, Number 1, Spring 1968

Volume 10, 1967

  • Volume 10, Number 4, Winter 1967
  • Volume 10, Number 3, Fall 1967
  • Volume 10, Number 2, September 1967
  • Volume 10, Number 1, Summer 1967

Volume 9, 1966

  • Volume 9, Number 4, February 1966
  • Volume 9, Number 3, December 1966
  • Volume 9, Number 2, September 1966
  • Volume 9, Number 1, May 1966

Volume 8, 1965

  • Volume 8, Number 4, Winter 1965
  • Volume 8, Number 3, Fall 1965
  • Volume 8, Number 2, Summer 1965
  • Volume 8, Number 1, Spring 1965

Volume 7, 1964

  • Volume 7, Number 4, February 1965
  • Volume 7, Number 3, Fall 1964
  • Volume 7, Number 2, Summer 1964
  • Volume 7, Number 1, Spring 1964

Volume 6, 1963

  • Volume 6, Number 4, Winter 1963
  • Volume 6, Number 3, Fall 1963
  • Volume 6, Number 2, Summer 1963
  • Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 1963

Volume 5, 1962

  • Volume 5, Number 4, Winter 1963
  • Volume 5, Number 3, Fall 1962
  • Volume 5, Number 2, Summer 1962
  • Volume 5, Number 1, Spring 1962

Volume 4, 1961

  • Volume 4, Number 4, Winter 1961
  • Volume 4, Number 3, Fall 1961
  • Volume 4, Number 2, Summer 1961
  • Volume 4, Number 1, Spring 1961

Volume 3, 1960

  • Volume 3, Number 4, Winter 1960
  • Volume 3, Number 3, Fall 1960
  • Volume 3, Number 2, Summer 1960
  • Volume 3, Number 1, Spring 1960

Volume 2, 1959

  • Volume 2, Number 4, Winter 1959
  • Volume 2, Number 3, Fall 1959
  • Volume 2, Number 2, Summer 1959
  • Volume 2, Number 1, Spring 1959

Volume 1, 1958

  • Volume 1, Number 4, Winter 1958
  • Volume 1, Number 3, Fall 1958
  • Volume 1, Number 2, September 1958
  • Volume 1, Number 1, May 1958

Additional Information

Additional materials.

external link

  • Indexing/Abstracting

Additional Issue Materials

external link

  • Editorial Board -- Volume 63, Number 2, Summer 2020
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 63, Number 1, Spring 2020
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 62, Number 4, Winter 2019
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 62, Number 3, Fall 2019
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 62, Number 2, Summer 2019
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 62, Number 1, Spring 2019
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 61, Number 4, Winter 2018
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 61, Number 3, Fall 2018
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 61, Number 2, Summer 2018
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 61, Number 1, Spring 2018
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 60, Number 4, Winter 2017
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 60, Number 3, Fall 2017
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 60, Number 2, Summer 2017
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 60, Number 1, Spring 2017
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 59, Number 4, Winter 2016
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 59, Number 3, Fall 2016
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 59, Number 2, Summer 2016
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 59, Number 1, Spring 2016
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 58, Number 4, Winter 2015
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 58, Number 3, Fall 2015
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 58, Number 2, Summer 2015
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 58, Number 1, Spring 2015
  • Editorial Board -- Volume 57, Number 4, Winter 2014
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modern drama term paper topics

  • Nov 27, 2022

Modern Drama 101: Modernism and Theatre

As a philosophical and art form, modernism arose as a result of upheavals in Western society during the late 19th- and 20th centuries. In the face of a rapidly changing, urbanised culture, artists strove to self-consciously break away from traditional forms of art and express themselves freely. From a theatrical perspective, modernism oversaw a theatrical shift that challenged the established representations of Romanticism, melodrama, and well-structured plays. Influenced by the findings of prominent psychologists, artists began to prioritise the inner workings of their characters and how to best represent them on the stage. This struggle for realism came to dominate British and American theatre in the 20th century and would foreground dramaturgy’s fidelity to real life. By mid-century, the violent disruption of society, brought about by the world wars, propelled a counter art movement that rejected realism and focused primarily on symbolism and existentialism. Although opposing in many ways, these two art movements both fall under the category of modernism and would simultaneously search for innovative artistic forms to exteriorise a changed world view.

Modern Drama 101 will be divided into seven chapters:

Modern Drama 101: Realism and Naturalism in Miss Julie

Modern Drama 101: Bernard Shaw and Satire

Modern Drama 101: Existentialism and the Absurd

Modern Drama 101: Mid-Century British Theatre

Modern Drama 101: American Theatre and Tennessee Williams

By the late 19th century, the modernist spirit was established as one of technical revolution, continuously searching for innovative techniques able to capture the ever-changing world. This spirit of experimentation in all forms of expression mirrored the newfound displacement and dissonance experienced as a result of a changing social landscape. Modernist writers began to defy the well-structured, formulaic composition of the preceding century.

Changing socio-economic conditions, from overcrowding in cities to the spread of communication, disrupted the social and personal circumstances of people’s lives and blurred the boundaries between private and public realms. Previous traditional moral authorities became inadequate to make sense of people’s subconscious and exterior worlds. David Krasner in his novel A History of Modern Drama , attributes this shifting ideology to the democratic egalitarianism popularised by the 1789 French Revolution, as well as the technological advancements of the 19th century Industrial revolution. They brought about a departure from both the Enlightenment’s Rationalism and Classical Formalism and ultimately "signified a turn from deities and moral certainty and towards self-conscious individualism and ambiguity in judgment, values, and interpersonal relations" (Krasner, 2011, p.3).

In terms of drama, this would manifest itself in a distancing from the declamatory speech of Classical drama in favour of nuanced inter-personal exchanges in a struggle for self-realization. Krasner Modern drama strove to explore the general public’s feelings of alienation and "feeling[s] of waiting for something inscrutable" (Krasner, 2011, p.1). Krasner assigns this sense of growing public alienation to the uncertainty fostered by the changing social environment, as people found themselves "jostling for social positions in flatter planes and more porous and uncertain relationships" (Krasner, 2011, p.7). People became simultaneously empowered by their autonomy, whilst also limited by their inadequacies. Modern drama attempted to capture the essence of this conflict, and classical hierarchies of theatrical subject matter—concerning the high tragic, the inoffensive domestic, and the low-brow comedy—were rejected in favour of a deeper social and aesthetic hybrid. Theatre followed modernism’s ethos that "the truest art surfaces from the margins" and stories began to focus on people who did not abide by the ethical status quo (Krasner, 2011, p.8).

modern drama term paper topics

The transition to modern drama from earlier traditional forms of theatre found its biggest advocate in Émile Zola, a French novelist and playwright. Zola argued, most explicitly in his 1880 essay Naturalism in The Theatre , that contemporary theatre failed to reflect the scientific and intellectual developments that had been made in the last century, nor did it address the fundamental problems that had come about as a result of urbanisation. In his chapter ‘Ibsen and the Theatre’ from The Cambridge Companion to Ibsen, Simon Williams refers to Zola’s 1880 essay as a "critical assault upon the theatre", whereby Zola accused French and, by association, European drama of being "mechanical, superficial, lacking in authentic characters, and perpetuating the outworn cliches of Romanticism" (Williams, 1994, p.165). Zola pushed for theatre that explored previously unforeseen topics and subject matters by eliminating the constraints of antiquated dramatic conventions.

The type of dramatic realism proposed by Zola, had the aim of duplicating the epistemology of scientific experiments by presenting characters that had explicit socio-psychological motives for their behaviour. Plays were to become accurate depictions of characters’ lives and should move away from the Romantic elements of the past. William B. Worthen in his novel Modern Drama and the Rhetoric of Theatre claims that this scientific influence would establish the "ideological neutrality" of plays and would enable the ‘construction of the spectator as a disinterested, “objective” observer" (Worthen, 1992, p.16). Worthen further explains that by ascribing "scientific transparency" to a play, it ultimately ascribes a similar scientific objectivity to the audience (Worthen, 1992, p.16). By claiming a realistic presentation on stage through the pictorial scene setting, modern drama is able to produce an objective audience who will subsequently treat the subject matter in an unbiased manner; "the aim of realism is to produce an audience, to legitimate its private acts of interpretation as objective" (Worthen, 1992, p.17).

modern drama term paper topics

Theatre would serve to become a forum to discuss the formative forces of modern life, amongst others class conflict and gender stereotypes, and this development was greatly advanced by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Ibsen’s introduction to Britain with his 1889 production of A Doll’s House at the Royal Theatre was received well by audiences and met with strong condemnation from critics. A Doll’s House endorsed key features of modern drama—inward processes and a rebuke of social obligations. Ibsen’s protagonist Nora disregards her familial obligations and prepares to leave behind her husband and three children for the reason that she is not up to the task of being a mother and wife. Nora abandons convention in favour of self-fulfilment, challenging the ideals of matrimony and motherhood. Krasner argues that "Ibsen’s protagonist defines the key feature of modern interiority. Social rules and obligations become mere external hand-me-down artifacts no longer applicable to the modern world" (Krasner, 2011, p.11). Ibsen utilises the theatre as a medium for social discourse and his critics believed that his play undermined the most sacred of Victorian institutions—that of marriage.

The contention behind Ibsen’s play was the fact that he was primarily concerned with revealing the interior motives of his characters and not with ideal models of behaviour. His radical approach to character also had an effect on the play’s production and performance. Actors spoke to each other interpersonally and no longer in a declamatorily classical style of direct address to the audience. The character and setting—and most importantly, the interaction between the two—took on a greater importance. Characters were no longer "a medium of theatrical exchange between actor and audience" as they had been, but instead became one part of a "dramatic ecology" that audiences can only observe (Worthen, 1992, p.18).

modern drama term paper topics

Ibsen’s plays were ultimately the antithesis of the formulaic conventions that had come to ground contemporary theatre. Williams explains in "Ibsen and the Theatre" that Ibsen’s recurring critiques give us the greatest insight into identifying the changes he implemented into his plays. His plays were often dismissed on the grounds that they "focused primarily on degrading aspects of human conduct" (Williams, 1994, p.167). They challenged the conventional rationale behind drama; "they confuted what was then conceived to be the fundamental purpose of art, namely to create only what is ideal and beautiful" (Williams, 1994, p.167).

Ibsen’s plays were conversely praised by audiences for their denial of theatricality and their ability to create an authentic illusion of everyday life. Through the varying receptions to Ibsen’s work, Williams asserts that "the conventions of an earlier generation were beginning to lose their credibility" (Williams, 1994, p.169). Ibsen was admired for his departure from the theatrical conventions that had come to define 19th century theatre and would influence many later modern playwrights.

modern drama term paper topics

Ibsen would come to be recognised as a playwright who had ushered authenticity back into the realm of theatre as he utilised the medium’s potential as a means to explore the changing social qualities of modern life. His works implemented and would inspire later works involving familiar contemporary indicators of modern drama, such as middle-class settings and protagonists and assessment of psychological motives and external pressures. Ibsen was pivotal in the advancement towards modern drama and had "a vitalizing effect on a stagnant repertoire’ as he stimulated new modes of both acting and staging" (Williams, 1994, p.165).

Bibliographical References

Innes, C. and Marker, F.J. (1998). Modernism in European Drama: Ibsen, Strindberg, Pirandello, Beckett: Essays from Modern Drama. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

Krasner, D. (2011). A History of Modern Drama, Volume 1. New York: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mc Farlane, J. (Ed.). (1994). The Cambridge Companion to Ibsen . Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CCOL0521411661.011

Worthen, W. (1992). Modern Drama and the Rhetoric of Theatre . Berkeley: University of California Press.

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Top 235 Theatre Research Paper Topics for Students

Mar 17, 2022 | 0 comments

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Mar 17, 2022 | Topics | 0 comments

The theater is always captivating because of the different genres and topics of study. The theater has roots that date back centuries and is a part of the entertainment scene worldwide. For people who love theater, writing about it for research papers must be enjoyable because they get to write more deeply on their favorite subject matter–theater. Theatre Research paper topics can center around anything imaginable but typically cover those with creative art in executing plays for radio, TTV or auditorium audiences. It could explore any aspect of life, from Shakespearean dramas detailing warring European monarchies to experimental modernist drama exploring sexuality issues between men and women. Teachers expect students to pick a good area for their theatre paper, but they can also provide them with ideas when they make that decision themselves. Writing research papers helps many different types of people in ways like improving literacy skills and helping you find new information. Some think research papers are too demanding because they require extensive time and detail. However, the advantages to writing a paper outweigh the negatives by far with things such as helping learners get better grades, expanding their knowledge base past what’s taught in school, impressing teachers/professors grading assignments, and knowing how long it is going to take them for future projects. You can approach theatre research paper topics from many different angles. One could write a history of theatre, tracing its origins to the Greeks and naming the various periods since then. In this context, you might study the works of playwrights such as William Shakespeare or Sam Shepard. Another approach that you could use for theatre research paper topics would be a study of the meaning or message being delivered by a particular play or scene. This topic would provide an opportunity to examine a given play’s theme and see its relevance in modern society if any. A third possible choice is a study on the influence of culture on theatre. Overall, an individual’s best interest would be covered when completing this assignment. Topics are the foundation for writing good, engaging theatre research papers. However, getting appropriate subject ideas can be difficult and often obscure to those trying to write a paper. Fortunately, you can easily get creative with your topic! Here are some theatre Research Paper Topics that will make you stand out from the rest:

Theatre Research Paper Examples

  • Artaud’s theatre influence
  • Costumes use by actors and actresses to exemplify history on the theatre stage.
  • Theater reserved for the irrational
  • O’Neill Eugene and Players from Provincetown
  • David Belasco, Producer of Theatre
  • Theatre in an era where home entertainment dominates
  • My preliminary Impression of Acting
  • Describe and explain science occasions in European theatre presentations
  • Influence of religion on theatre development
  • Theatre in a Shakespeare era
  • Piscator Erwin and scenery projection
  • The Music Function in Theatre
  • The theatre that lives
  • The 3D entry and how it has impacted the experience of going to theatre halls
  • Theatre is used as a tool to impact politics.
  • The differences and similarities between Chinese and American operas
  • The propagandist methods used to spread dictatorship
  • Where war plays a role in driving nationalism
  • The impact of the second world war on arts social development
  • When theatre grows into a blasphemous entity
  • Technology infusion in theatre
  • The role children play in European performances on the theatre stage
  • Theatre role as a lesson in philosophy
  • Community theatre commercialization
  • The elements that are the most influential in the Elizabethan theatre and culture era
  • European society’s gender bias
  • Puppetry influence on cartoons these days
  • Who was the most guilty for blame in the demise of Smith Eva?
  • Foreman Richard and the hysterical theatre/Ontological theatre
  • Wealth and morality in renowned European plays
  • Theatre’s position as the source of Europe’s liberalism
  • Theatre’s role as an emblem of nationalism. Theatre’s place in the history of European
  • Theatre’s role as a tool in social commentary
  • The melodramatic assembly in the shape of racism
  • Svoboda Josef, the scenographer master

Interesting Theatre Research Paper Ideas

  • How Has Theatre Changed Since the Turn of the Century?
  • What Was the First Play to Receive a Pulitzer Prize?
  • Who Is Your Favorite Stage Actor, and Why?
  • What Is the History of Experimental Theatre in New York City?
  • What Is the History of Theatre in Medieval Times?
  • What Are Some Common Themes of Shakespearean Plays?
  • What Are Some Common Themes of Greek Plays?
  • How Have dramatic Techniques Changed Throughout Time?
  • Who Are Some Famous Directors Today, and How Do They Compare to Those of the Past?
  • Greek Theatre in the 5th Century BC
  • The Roman Theatre and its Influence on Modern Theatre
  • Important women and Theatre in 17th and 18th Century England
  • The Shakespearean Globe Theatre
  • Commedia del’Arte
  • The Development of Realism in Nineteenth-Century European Drama
  • Brechtian Theory and Epic Theatre
  • The Development of Realism in American Drama from O’Neill to Williams
  • Antonin Artaud: The Development of the ‘Theatre of Cruelty
  • Stanislavski’s Method: A Case Study of a Modern Actor Training System
  • Which Is More Important: Acting or Directing? Why?

Easy Theatre Topics for Students

  • What is the relationship between representation and reality in theatre?
  • In what ways are theatrical conventions used to construct and communicate meaning?
  • What is the role of the spectator in theatre?
  • What does it mean to say that theatre is a social process?
  • In what ways is the study of theatre important to understanding human experience?
  • How does theatre contribute to our understanding of history, culture, and society?
  • What is the relationship between live stage performances and technology?
  • Why study Theatre Studies?
  • How will theatre change as a result of the pandemic?
  •  What are some topics that would make great theatre essays?
  •  Why do most people prefer watching movies to watching plays in theatres?
  •  How can we encourage more people to watch plays rather than films?
  •  Do you prefer watching films or plays at the theatre, and why?
  •  Why do people like watching plays?
  •  What is the history of the theatre?
  •  How to write a play review?
  •  How do movies differ from theatres?
  •  What are the different roles in a theatre play?
  •  Why was the Greek Theatre built in the way it was?
  •  What is the purpose of a Theatre Review?
  •  Should Theatre be made more accessible for blind people?
  •  How does music affect theatre performance?
  •  What is theatre?
  •  What are the characteristics of Shakespeare’s plays?
  •  A topic on the dramatic play, “Othello.”
  •  In the play Hamlet, the character Polonius and his “famous” advice to Laertes.
  •  Movie adaptations of novels: How do they compare with the printed word?
  •  How does a play or novel you have studied change your understanding or appreciation of history?
  •  The life and works of famous playwrights, for example, Aristotle, Sophocles, William Shakespeare, Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, and Tennessee Williams.
  •  The lives of actors and actresses in ancient Greece, the Elizabethan era, or modern times
  •  What is tragic drama? Tragic heroes from Greek drama and modern plays
  •  The history of Greek theatre
  •  The changing role of women in theatre since the Elizabethan period
  •  The Importance of Theatre
  •  The Best Form of Entertainment
  •  A Brief History of Drama
  •  The Role of Women in the Theatre
  •  How to Write a Play
  •  The Role of Music in the Theatre
  •  The Evolution of the Art of Acting
  •  The Evolution of Theatre Design and Architecture
  •  How to Become an Actor or Actress
  •  Famous Actors and Actresses
  • How has the concept of the theatre changed over time?
  • How does theatre influence society?
  • What is the role of theatre in modern society?
  • What is the purpose of theatre?
  • What are the historical origins of theatre?
  • Who was the first playwright in history?
  • What is the impact of theatre on education?
  • Explain how drama can help develop children’s social skills and self-esteem.
  • What are some factors that contribute to the successful production of a play?
  • How can I choose a good play to perform with my students?
  • What are some strategies for teaching students about acting and stagecraft?

A-List Of Intriguing  Theatre thesis topics and Prompts

This list of Theatre thesis topics has been divided into Master’s thesis topics and Ph.D. thesis topics. The current thesis topics below are available for theatre studies students.

  • “The Clash Between Classical and Contemporary Music Theater: A Study in British Musicals from 1970 to 1980.”
  • “The Effects of Music on Audience Perception of Emotion in Musical Theater.”
  • “The Importance of the Musical Director in Modern Musical Theater Productions.”
  • “The Evolution of Race Relations in Tennessee Williams’s Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire.”
  • “Sam Shepard’s Use of Mythology in Buried Child and True West.”
  • “An Analysis of the Role of Women in William Shakespeare’s Comedies.”
  • The Future of Theatre Criticism: Implications of Social Media on the Profession.
  • The Relevance of Shakespeare in Contemporary Theatre.
  • The Performance and Impact of Greek Theatre Today.
  • The Influence of the Cultural Revolution on Modern Chinese Theatre.
  • The Influence of Milton’s Poetry on Modern Theatre.
  • Using Theatrical Symbols in Political Propaganda.
  • Nationalism, Globalization and Contemporary Theatre in Latin America.
  • Latin American Women’s Role in Contemporary Theatre.
  • I will write a thesis exploring the intersection of drama therapy and disability theatre. Working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness is an important part of my life. I became interested in this topic because it combines two things that are so meaningful to me.
  • My thesis concerns performance-making’s role in forming a cultural identity for diverse communities. The topic I am exploring is how theatre can be used as a tool for participatory development. Specifically, I am looking at how performance-making can be used as a tool for community engagement and dialogue and the pedagogical implications of this practice.
  • I want to write my thesis on the relationship between narrative structure and theater design: how we use stories to shape spaces and how spaces inform our stories. This is a question I’ve been thinking about since studying abroad, when I learned that all of the theaters in Italy were built before Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, despite being designed to accommodate his plays specifically.
  • My thesis falls into Theatre & Performance Studies (TPS) category. It’s about Shakespeare’s use of clowns in his plays, focusing on Falstaff in the Henry IV plays Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

List of possible term paper topics on Theatre

Theatre term paper topics range from Contemporary Theatre to Historical Theatre, Broadway Theatre to Theatre Design. I have listed a few topic suggestions below to help you get started on your theatre term paper. In addition, I have included a list of the most popular theatre research paper topics. The following is a suggested list of topics for your theatre term paper:

  • Brecht and Epic Theatre
  • The Golden Age of Broadway – 1920-1940
  • The Renaissance in England and France
  • The influence of Greek culture on American drama
  • Shakespeare’s Hamlet – a psychological study
  • Your favorite Shakespeare play
  • The styles and themes of Tennessee Williams’ plays
  • Anton Checkhov’s plays – an analysis of female characters
  • Chekhov as a modern dramatist
  • Bertolt Brecht’s use of alienation in Mother Courage and her Children
  •  The importance of theatre in the modern world
  •  Theatre as a lifestyle
  •  Theatre and politics
  •  How to attract more people to attend theatre shows?
  •  Reasons why people watch theatre today
  •  The history of theatre
  •  The place of theatre in the past and present world
  •  The reason why fashion is so important for theatres
  •  Differences between modern and old-school theatres
  •  How do politics influence the work of playwrights?
  • “The Lion King” and Social Responsibility
  • “A Raisin in the Sun”: Walter’s Dream
  • “A Raisin in the Sun”: The American Dream Deferred
  • A Doll’s House: The Decline of the Institution of Marriage
  • A Doll’s House: Nora Helmer Character Analysis
  • Antigone: The Role of Women in Antigone
  • Antigone: Creon or Antigone – Who is the Tragic Hero?
  • Antigone: Creon as a Tragic Figure in “Antigone”
  • Antigone: Power Corrupts, but Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
  • The Crucible: What Made “The Crucible” Such a Successful Play?
  • The Crucible: John Proctor Character Analysis
  • Death of a Salesman: A Research Paper on Arthur Miller’s American Dream
  • Death of a Salesman: Willy Loman’s Failing American Dream
  • Death of a Salesman: Willy Loman as Tragic Hero in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman

Theatre Research Paper Questions and Essay Prompts

✔ Choose one particular element of theatre and analyze its role in modern performance. For example, you may write about costume design, lighting, stage props, or the screen itself. ✔ Compare and contrast modern theater with the theater of the past – for example, popular theaters in Shakespeare’s time. How has theater changed? Are there any elements that have remained intact? ✔ Analyze a specific actor (or actress). You may compare their work to other actors of their time; also, you can compare their work to actors of today. In either case, provide examples from at least three performances by this actor. ✔ Write an essay on how the audience impacts a given performance. If a performance is well-received by an audience, does it necessarily mean it is good? Conversely, can a poor performance receive rave reviews from an audience? Make sure to support your thesis with examples from specific performances. ✔ Analyze how various theatrical traditions address social issues. For example, you may write about Chinese Peking Opera or Japanese Kabuki Theatre. Alternatively, you may address Theater of the Absurd and analyze its key elements as well as its functions within society as a whole

Interesting Drama Paper Topic Ideas

  • Drama and the facilitation of leadership
  • Types of stages and drama productions
  • Operetta and emotion: An analysis of Sweeney Todd
  • South Pacific: Depictions of war in theater
  • Adaptations of theater to cinema
  • The role of spectacle in contemporary theater
  • History of Broadway
  • A brief history of drama
  • Creative dramatics
  • Set design and modern theater
  • Drama and the development of imagination
  • Music and theater
  • Classical mythology and tragedy
  • To Kill a Mockingbird: Race and dramatics
  • European drama
  • Television drama and depictions of family values
  • Social stigma and Elizabethan actors
  • Radio drama: Pre-television popular culture entertainment
  • Dionysus and the origins of theater
  • Tennessee Williams and modern theater
  • Role play in group therapy
  • Greek Tragedy
  • Drama and the Harlem renaissance
  • Drama and the psychology of self-confidence
  • Acting and expression
  • African American expression and Blacksploitation: The Wiz.
  • Drama on the stage and screen
  • Shakespeare’s histories
  • Revolutionizing contemporary musical theater: Rodgers and Hammerstein
  • The art of directing: Bringing stories to life
  • Chinese Drama
  • The Wizard of Oz: Contemporary influences
  • Drama in elementary education: Developing thinking, feeling and moving skills
  • The exploration of social issues in drama
  • Shakespeare and his contribution to drama
  • The Diary of Anne Frank: Expressions of the Holocaust in art
  • Homosexuality and theater
  • The Interrogation of Nathan Hale: Minimalism and the forging of a nation
  • Contemporary theater influence in Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange
  • Performance skills
  • Choreography and contemporary theatre
  • Three Theban plays: Depictions of civil disobedience
  • Drama and team building
  • Multiple intelligence: Howard Gardner and drama
  • Improvisation and expression

Ideas for good topics for theatre research papers

  • Does a director or an actor define what the play will be like?
  • Drama as a universal language;
  • Does cinema kill theater?
  • The role of music in a certain play;
  • The place of improvisation in contemporary theatre;
  • History and origins of opera and ballet;
  • The roles of ‘personal’ and ‘collective’ in a play.
  • Shakespeare’s contribution to the development of theater;
  • The influence of ancient Greek tragedy on modern-day theater;
  • How does theater develop a viewer’s imagination?

An excellent theatre research paper starts with selecting a captivating and robust subject. It offers a good foundation that, coupled with other research guides, will provide a polished and exciting paper. So as a writer interested in writing about theatre, your choice of topic will define the rest of the document. The catalog of theater research paper topics provided will set you on a course to writing an excellent paper.

Get Help from the Experts with your Theatre Research Paper Topics Paper

We hope you’ve found this article useful. It may seem like there are many theatre research paper topics to choose from, but maybe not as many as before after reading this blog post! If none of these ideas sparks your interest, don’t worry – we have writers who can help with that too. Place an order today and start crafting your perfect essay or dissertation for school or work tomorrow morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a theatre research paper.

  • Define Your Thesis Statement
  • Do Research
  • Sketch an outline of your essay
  • Write Your Research Paper in a Structured Way: Introduction, body, and conclusion.

What are some drama topics?

  • Drama in elementary education: Developing thinking, feeling, and moving skills

What are some good ideas for a research paper?

Some common research paper topics include climate, birth control, health, abortion, change, technology, global warming, history, gun control, science, social media, AI, and child abuse.

What are the five acceptable research topics?

  • The Impact of U.N. Policies on the Environment
  • Bar Code Implants
  • The Impact of Globalization on Religion
  • Imposed Democracy
  • Marketing and Media Influence on Teens

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The story of modern drama is a tale of extremes, testing both audiences and actors to their limits through hostility and contrarianism. Spanning 1880 to the present, Modern Drama: A Very Short Introduction shows how truly international a phenomenon modern drama has become, and how vibrant and diverse in both text and performance. It explores the major developments of modern drama, covering two decades per chapter, from early modernist theatre through post-war developments to more recent and contemporary theatre. The emergence of new theories from the likes of Brecht and Beckett are tracked alongside groundbreaking productions to illuminate the fascinating evolution of modern drama.

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modern drama term paper topics

Term Paper Topics: 150 Ideas for Academic Excellence

modern drama term paper topics

Upon entering university, the multitude of responsibilities that accompany your studies may catch you off guard. The pressure to write and submit research papers on time can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of exhaustion and anxiety.

Many students find themselves stressed and unsure of how to navigate assignments and exams, particularly when it comes to selecting the best term paper topics that align with their writing style. The process can leave individuals feeling lost and in need of guidance or an essay service .

where to find good term paper topics

In this article, you will find a collection of 150 excellent topic ideas in Philosophy, Sociology, Micro and Macroeconomics, History, Ethics, Medicine, Chemistry, Biology, Education, as well as Media and Communication.

From History to Biology: Intriguing Term Paper Topics to Spark Your Creativity

The provided topic suggestions are organized based on subject areas, offering a diverse range of options. Our goal is to provide a balanced scope and complexity, catering to various academic levels, courses, and interests. Feel free to tailor these research topic ideas to align with your specific educational needs when learning how to write a term paper .

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Whether you choose to narrow down the topics or approach them from a different perspective, the list is designed to be adaptable to your unique requirements and preferences. Should you lack time to explore any of these topics, go for custom research paper writing at any time on our website.

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Philosophy Term Paper Topics

Embark on a philosophical exploration with these compelling topics in Philosophy that delve into the fundamental questions of existence, ethics, and knowledge. From classical philosophical inquiries to contemporary debates, this curated list offers diverse avenues for contemplation and intellectual discourse.

  • The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Examining the Moral Implications of AI Development.
  • Nietzsche's Ubermensch: A Critical Analysis of the Concept of the Overman.
  • The Trolley Problem: Ethical Dilemmas in Utilitarianism.
  • The Philosophy of Mind-Body Dualism: Descartes vs. Contemporary Perspectives.
  • Existentialism in Literature: Analyzing the Existential Themes in Kafka's Works.
  • The Epistemology of Fake News: Truth, Trust, and Information in the Digital Age.
  • Eastern Philosophy: Comparing Taoism and Confucianism on Ethics and Society.
  • Feminist Ethics: Deconstructing Gender Bias and Inequality through a Philosophical Lens.
  • Environmental Ethics: The Moral Obligations in the Face of Climate Change.
  • The Philosophy of Language: Wittgenstein's Linguistic Investigations and its Impact on Analytic Philosophy.

Sociology Term Paper Topics

Dive into the complexities of societal structures and human interactions with these thought-provoking topics in Sociology. This curated list explores a diverse range of issues, from the impact of technology on social dynamics to the examination of cultural norms and their influence on individual behavior. If Sociology isn't your jam, buy term paper from professional writers to keep up with the workload.

  • The Digital Divide: Analyzing Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Technology.
  • Social Media and Identity: Exploring the Impact of Online Platforms on Self-Perception.
  • The Influence of Gender Roles on Career Choices: A Sociological Perspective.
  • Urbanization and Social Change: Examining the Effects of Urban Development on Communities.
  • The Sociology of Deviance: Understanding the Social Construction of Criminality.
  • Intersectionality in Feminist Theory: Addressing the Interconnectedness of Social Categories.
  • The Role of Family Structure in Shaping Educational Attainment.
  • Globalization and Cultural Homogenization: Assessing the Impact on Local Cultures.
  • Social Movements and Political Change: A Comparative Analysis of Historical Cases.
  • The Sociology of Health Inequalities: Investigating the Link Between Social Factors and Health Disparities.

Microeconomics Term Paper Topics

Explore the intricate world of economic decision-making and market dynamics with these engaging topics in Microeconomics. This curated list offers a diverse array of subjects, from analyzing consumer behavior to exploring the implications of market structures on resource allocation.

  • Behavioral Economics: Investigating the Psychological Factors Influencing Consumer Choices.
  • Market Failures and Externalities: Assessing the Role of Government Intervention.
  • The Economics of Information: Examining the Impact of Asymmetric Information on Markets.
  • Game Theory in Business Strategy: A Microeconomic Perspective.
  • Labor Market Dynamics: Analyzing Wage Determinants and Unemployment Trends.
  • The Elasticity of Demand: A Comprehensive Study of Price Sensitivity.
  • Monopolistic Competition: Understanding the Characteristics and Implications for Industries.
  • Environmental Economics: Evaluating the Economic Cost of Environmental Degradation.
  • The Role of Microfinance in Alleviating Poverty: A Microeconomic Analysis.
  • Health Economics: Exploring the Economic Factors Influencing Healthcare Access and Outcomes.

Macroeconomics Term Paper Topics

Study the broader economic landscape with these compelling topics in Macroeconomics. This curated list delves into key issues such as fiscal policy, monetary systems, and global economic trends, offering diverse avenues for in-depth analysis and critical inquiry.

  • The Impact of Inflation on Income Distribution: A Macroeconomic Perspective.
  • Keynesian vs. Monetarist Approaches to Economic Stabilization.
  • Globalization and Income Inequality: Analyzing the Macro-Level Effects on Nations.
  • The Phillips Curve: Examining the Relationship Between Inflation and Unemployment.
  • The Role of Central Banks in Monetary Policy: A Comparative Analysis.
  • Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Balancing Progress with Environmental Concerns.
  • Fiscal Policy and Economic Stimulus: Assessing the Effectiveness of Government Intervention.
  • Exchange Rate Determinants: Understanding Factors Influencing Currency Values.
  • The Business Cycle: Analyzing Phases and Implications for Economic Policies.
  • The Macroeconomics of Public Debt: Evaluating the Impact on National Economies.

Economics Term Paper Topics

Discover a curated selection of topics in Economics designed to foster a deep understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications. From exploring market dynamics to evaluating the global impacts of economic policies, this collection provides a valuable foundation for in-depth research, allowing students to delve into critical economic issues and enhance their analytical skills.

  • The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development: A Comparative Analysis.
  • Behavioral Economics and Nudging: Understanding the Intersection of Psychology and Economic Decision-Making.
  • The Economics of Renewable Energy: Assessing the Viability and Impact on Energy Markets.
  • Economic Consequences of Technological Innovation: A Historical Perspective.
  • The Circular Economy: Exploring Sustainable Business Models and Resource Management.
  • Income Mobility and Economic Equality: Analyzing Trends and Policy Implications.
  • Trade Liberalization and Global Economic Integration: Challenges and Opportunities.
  • The Economics of Healthcare Systems: A Comparative Study of Models Around the World.
  • The Impact of Economic Policies on Income Distribution: A Case Study Approach.
  • Financial Crises and Regulatory Responses: Lessons from Historical and Contemporary Perspectives.

History Term Paper Topics

To maximize your historical research experience, consider selecting a good research paper topic in History that aligns with your interests and offers ample primary and secondary sources, ensuring a rich and nuanced exploration of the past.

  • The Silk Road: Cultural Exchange and Economic Impact.
  • The Renaissance and its Influence on European Art and Science.
  • The Berlin Wall: Origins, Division, and Fall.
  • The Role of Women in Ancient Civilizations: A Comparative Study.
  • The Cold War Space Race: USA vs. USSR.
  • The Crusades: Causes, Consequences, and Historical Impact.
  • The Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Movements and Social Change.
  • The Partition of India: Examining the Aftermath and Legacy.
  • The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Flourishing in African American History.
  • The Industrial Revolution: Transformations in Society, Economy, and Technology.

Ethics Term Paper Topics

When tackling interesting research topics in Ethics, ensure to thoroughly define the ethical issue at hand and provide a clear rationale for your chosen stance. Engage with relevant ethical theories, present counterarguments thoughtfully, and strive for a balanced analysis to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved.

  • Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.
  • Environmental Ethics: Balancing Human Needs and Ecological Responsibility.
  • The Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Navigating Moral Boundaries.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility: Evaluating Business Ethics in the Modern Era.
  • Bioethics and Human Cloning: Moral Considerations in Scientific Advancements.
  • Ethical Issues in Animal Testing: Balancing Scientific Progress and Animal Welfare.
  • The Morality of Capital Punishment: A Critical Analysis.
  • Cyberethics: Addressing Moral Challenges in the Digital Age.
  • Ethical Considerations in Medical Research: Lessons from Historical Controversies.
  • Ethical Dimensions of Globalization: Examining Fair Trade and Social Justice.

World History Term Paper Topics

When working on topics in World History, focus on developing a clear thesis that addresses a specific aspect of global history, ensuring it is both compelling and well-defined. Support your arguments with a thorough examination of primary and secondary sources, offering a nuanced perspective on historical events and fostering a deeper understanding of their global impact.

  • The Impact of the Silk Road on Global Trade and Cultural Exchange.
  • The Age of Exploration: European Expansion and Its Consequences.
  • The Industrial Revolution's Global Impact on Societies and Economies.
  • The Ottoman Empire: Rise, Peak, and Decline.
  • Decolonization Movements in Africa: Struggles for Independence.
  • The Renaissance in Italy and Its Influence on European Art and Thought.
  • The Haitian Revolution: A Landmark in the Fight Against Slavery.
  • The Boxer Rebellion in China: Resistance to Western Influence.
  • The Berlin Airlift: Cold War Tensions and Humanitarian Efforts.
  • The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Critical Moment in Cold War History.

Medicine Term Paper Topics

Contemplating interesting research paper topics in Medicine, prioritize selecting a specific and relevant subject to explore, ensuring it aligns with your interests and academic goals. Additionally, integrate critical analysis of current research, consider ethical implications, and emphasize the practical applications of medical advancements to enhance the depth and breadth of your research paper. Since writing about health research paper topics is often challenging, consider learning how to write a nursing essay to be better prepared for such a task.

  • Precision Medicine: Tailoring Treatment to Individual Genetic Profiles.
  • The Ethics of Organ Transplants: Balancing Supply and Demand.
  • Pandemics Throughout History: Lessons from the Black Death to COVID-19.
  • Mental Health Stigma: Addressing Barriers to Care and Understanding.
  • Advances in CRISPR Technology: Implications for Genetic Editing in Medicine.
  • The Impact of Vaccination Programs on Public Health.
  • Global Health Disparities: Analyzing the Root Causes and Solutions.
  • Telemedicine: Revolutionizing Healthcare Delivery.
  • Alternative Medicine: Examining Efficacy and Integration into Mainstream Healthcare.
  • Medical Ethics in End-of-Life Care: Balancing Autonomy and Compassion.

Tackling topics in Philosophy, carefully define your thesis statement and ensure it reflects a clear and specific argument, providing a roadmap for your exploration. Engage deeply with primary philosophical texts, critically analyze different perspectives, and construct a well-structured argument to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the philosophical concepts under consideration.

  • Existentialism in Literature: Analyzing the Themes in Kafka's Works.
  • The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Examining Moral Implications in AI Development.
  • Nietzsche's Ubermensch: A Critical Analysis of the Overman Concept.
  • Eastern Philosophy: A Comparative Study of Taoism and Confucianism.
  • Feminist Ethics: Deconstructing Gender Bias and Inequality Philosophically.
  • Environmental Ethics: Moral Obligations in the Face of Climate Change.
  • Theories of Truth: A Comparative Analysis in Analytic Philosophy.

Chemistry Term Paper Topics

When approaching topics in Chemistry, focus on clearly defining the research question and highlighting its significance within the broader context of chemical science. Integrate recent advancements, experimental methodologies, and real-world applications to showcase the practical implications of your chosen topic and engage your readers with the dynamic and evolving nature of the field. If any topic is too difficult or doesn't resonate with you, try term paper writing services for better results.

  • Green Chemistry: Sustainable Practices in the Chemical Industry.
  • The Chemistry of Drug Design: From Molecules to Medicines.
  • Nanotechnology in Chemistry: Applications and Future Implications.
  • Environmental Chemistry: Analyzing the Impact of Human Activities on Ecosystems.
  • The Role of Catalysts in Chemical Reactions: Mechanisms and Applications.
  • Supramolecular Chemistry: Exploring Molecular Assemblies and Interactions.
  • Quantum Chemistry: Understanding Molecular Behavior at the Quantum Level.
  • Chemistry of Food Additives: Safety, Functionality, and Regulations.
  • The Chemistry of Brewing: From Raw Ingredients to the Perfect Pint.
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry: Investigating the Role of Metals in Biological Systems.

Biology Term Paper Topics

With topics in Biology, carefully define your research question, ensuring it addresses a specific aspect of biological science with relevance and significance. Utilize a combination of current research, empirical evidence, and critical analysis to construct a well-supported argument that contributes to the broader understanding of biological phenomena.

  • CRISPR Technology: Revolutionary Advances in Genetic Editing.
  • The Microbiome and Human Health: Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection.
  • Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Behavior: Insights from Darwinian Theory.
  • Climate Change and Biodiversity: Impact on Ecosystems and Conservation.
  • Stem Cell Research: Applications in Medicine and Ethical Considerations.
  • Epigenetics: Understanding Gene Expression Beyond DNA Sequences.
  • Conservation Biology: Strategies to Protect Endangered Species.
  • Neurobiology of Addiction: Unraveling the Molecular Mechanisms.
  • Synthetic Biology: Engineering Life for Biotechnological Applications.
  • The Ecology of Infectious Diseases: Interactions between Pathogens and Hosts.

Political Science Term Paper Topics

Approaching Political Science topics involves clearly articulating your research question and its relevance to political theory or contemporary issues. Thoroughly engage with diverse perspectives, incorporate relevant case studies, and critically analyze empirical evidence to construct a nuanced argument that contributes to the field's ongoing discourse.

  • The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns: Analyzing Communication Strategies.
  • The Role of International Organizations in Global Governance: A Case Study Approach.
  • Populism in Contemporary Politics: Causes, Characteristics, and Consequences.
  • The Evolution of Political Parties: A Comparative Analysis of Party Systems.
  • Human Rights and International Law: Addressing Challenges and Controversies.
  • The Influence of Political Economy on Policy Decision-Making.
  • The Arab Spring: Examining Political Change in the Middle East.
  • Environmental Politics: Policy Approaches to Address Climate Change.
  • Electoral Systems: Comparing Proportional Representation and First-Past-the-Post.
  • Nationalism and Identity Politics: Impact on Statehood and International Relations.

Term Paper Topics About Education

Ensure your Education research paper topics are specific and relevant, focusing on an aspect of education that aligns with your academic interests. Support your arguments with a blend of empirical evidence, educational theories, and practical examples to offer a comprehensive analysis and contribute meaningfully to the discourse surrounding educational practices.

  • The Impact of Technology on Classroom Learning: Opportunities and Challenges.
  • Inclusive Education: Addressing Diversity in the Classroom.
  • The Role of Standardized Testing in Education: Pros and Cons.
  • Early Childhood Education: The Foundation for Lifelong Learning.
  • Online Learning: Exploring Effectiveness and College Students Engagement.
  • Education Policy Analysis: A Comparative Study of Global Approaches.
  • Special Education: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners.
  • Teacher Professional Development: Strategies for Continuous Improvement.
  • The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Attainment.
  • Education and Social Justice: Bridging Gaps for Equitable Opportunities.

Media and Communication Term Paper Topics

Meticulously define your research question, emphasizing its significance within the realm of Media and Communication studies. Employ a critical analysis of media theories, incorporate real-world examples, and consider the social implications to construct a well-rounded argument that reflects an in-depth understanding of communication dynamics.

  • Media Influence on Public Opinion: Analyzing the Power of Mass Media.
  • Social Media and Political Discourse: Impacts on Democratic Processes.
  • The Evolution of Print Journalism in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities.
  • Media Ethics: Balancing Freedom of Speech and Responsible Reporting.
  • The Role of Advertising in Shaping Consumer Behavior: A Critical Examination.
  • Media Convergence: Integration of Platforms and its Effects on Content.
  • The Representation of Gender in Media: Examining Stereotypes and Progress.
  • Fake News and Misinformation: Challenges in the Era of Information Overload.
  • The Impact of Streaming Services on Traditional Media: A Market Analysis.
  • Media Literacy Education: Enhancing Critical Thinking in the Digital Age.

It's always crucial to begin researching term paper topics by thoroughly understanding the assigned subject matter or selecting one that aligns with your interests and experiences. Engage in thoughtful brainstorming to identify key themes or personal anecdotes that can add depth to your essay. Establish a clear and compelling thesis statement that guides the reader through your narrative or argument, providing a roadmap for the essay's structure.

Be sure to strike a balance between personal reflection and broader implications, showcasing both your individual perspective and an awareness of the topic's significance. Finally, revise and edit your essay diligently, seeking feedback from peers or mentors to ensure clarity, coherence, and an impactful presentation of your research paper ideas. If you ever happen to require any help with finding the best research paper topics, simply say, ' write my paper ,' and college curriculum helpers will give you a hand. 

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200 Compelling Literary Research Paper Topics to Explore

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Literary research holds the key to unlocking the power of knowledge and education. But what makes a research paper truly impactful? It all starts with selecting a fascinating topic. This blog post presents 300 handpicked Literary research paper topics that will ignite your scholarly pursuits. From cutting-edge trends to unexplored territories, these topics promise to fuel your intellectual curiosity and make you write like a professional  writing services  provider. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Comprehensive Lists of Impressive Literary Research Paper Topics

Be it anything you want to research related to Literary, our comprehensive lists of topics have you covered. So, without further ado, let’s begin with our first list.

American Literature Topics for Research

Picking up a topic from this list will allow you to uncover hidden narratives, analyze iconic works, and more. Here you go with the list.

  • A Study of Domestic Gothic and postwar architectural culture in Shirley Jackson’s House Trilogy
  • Anti-racism Resistance in American Literature
  • Political and ideological agendas are reflected in American Literature
  • American Literature from a feminist point of View
  • Leonard Cohen’s Psalms or the demons of Tradition: the Book of Mercy and the Psalms of Leonard Cohen
  • An Overview of Spanish Literature Written in the United States
  • Correlations and contrasts between postmodernism and American Literature: A study of their relationship
  • Poetic Hybridity in American Poetry: existing and Resisting through Its Hybridity
  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula depicts vampires in what can be considered a realistic fashion
  • Comparison between Stephanie Meyer’s vampires vs. L.J. Smith’s vampires
  • How Bram Stoker’s Dracula differs from William Polidori’s The Vampire
  • Anne Rice vs. Stephanie Meyers: Different Approaches to writing supernatural Literature
  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Evolution of the Character with Time in Literature and Movies
  • Illustrations of Nosferatu, the first vampire character to appear on a screen in Literature
  • The relation between intertextuality and social space
  • Depiction of La Lorna and other supernatural elements in American Literature
  • Contemporary literary figures of Orality: ruptures and Continuity
  • What is the fascination with supernatural imagery in American Literature and popular culture?
  • Writings in English about refugee camps in Contemporary Literature
  • Taking a comparative look at contemporary theater stages
  • Comparing The Crucible with the actual Salem witch trials

Literary Research Paper Topics Related to English Literature

Pick a topic from this list and brace yourself for an awe-inspiring journey, illuminating the profound impacts of English literature on our hearts. Here’s the list.

  • What is Shakespeare’s contribution to classic English Literature?
  • Comparison and contrast of Shakespeare and Marlowe
  • Shakespeare and Marlowe: busting myths
  • Historical and Political Analysis of English Literature during the Middle Ages
  • The Elizabethan Era and English Literature
  • An Understanding of Victorian Literature from a political perspective
  • Comparing Edwardian Literature with its predecessors, what makes it unique?
  • English Literature at its Zenith
  • Greek Influence on English Literature: the history of English Literature
  • Comparing women’s Literature to classical English literature in terms of literary and social issues
  • An Overview of British Fiction from the 19th Century
  • Women in Classic English Literature: their portrayal and Characterization
  • Arab civilizations influenced Literature in the early English period
  • A collective analysis of English Poetry from the 19th to the 20th Century
  • The Impact of Modernism on English Poetry
  • The Social and political history of Victorian England as Portrayed through English Literature
  • Literary explorations of British colonial slavery during the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Adaptation to postcolonial cultures, neo-Victorian Culture, and Postcolonial Literature
  • Literature of the postcolonial period versus Literature of the British period
  • The history of books and publishing in the 20th-21st Century in British fiction
  • Emotional expression and perception, semantics, lexical semantics
  • A History of Ideas and Literature from the 18th Century
  • An overview of the history of publishing and books
  • Aspects of Race and Ethnicity, popular culture, and Politics
  • Britain’s Revolutions and the Rise of Socialism: Literature that influenced them
  • Actors of Shakespeare’s time, the role of the Elizabethan theater
  • Literature’s contribution to understanding British politics and society today

Postcolonial Literary Research Paper Topics

Dig into stories that question the effects of colonialism and look into issues of identity, resistance, and decolonization. Get inspired by the captivating stories that are reshaping the history of colonialism with these topics.

  • A Study of Heart of The Darkness from an analytical perspective
  • Heart of the Darkness: Conrad’s Treatment of Africans in the Story
  • Achebe’s stance against the design of Heart of Darkness
  • Heart of Darkness vs. Things Fall Apart: Comparisons and Contrasts
  • A Look at the Treatment of Africans in Things Fall Apart
  • Concept of native society in Things Fall Apart
  • A Study of the indigenous culture of Africa in Light of Things Fall Apart
  • Postcolonial Literature Compared to British Literature
  • Literature is written in the French language dealing with postcolonialism
  • The Analysis of Postcolonial Literature Written in India after the End of Colonialism
  • Ahmed Ali’s Works as Part of the postcolonial movement: a critical analysis
  • An Analysis of Twilight in Delhi as a postcolonial novel through the Lens of critical theory
  • Depiction of the colonized races in British Literature
  • Conrad’s treatment of negros and the accusation of racism
  • A Critique of Orientalism from the Perspective of Edward Said
  • Elements of Postcolonialism Twilight in Delhi
  • The elements belonging to the narrative framework of the postcolonial theory
  • Understanding Postcolonialism with Edward Said’s Orientalism
  • An Introduction to Postcolonial Theory: Concepts and Definitions
  • The Evolution of the Woman within Postcolonial Literature
  • An Overview of Algerian Postcolonial Literature
  • British Literature, with its treatment of African nations
  • Postcolonial and Feminine Resistance in Algerian and Sahrawi States
  • Postcolonialism: An Effort to search its history
  • Identity, alterity, and Hybridity in postcolonial states
  • Introduction to postcolonial theory

Arabic Topics in Literature

Discover the fascinating world of Arabic Literature and explore its cultural heritage, poetic stories, and social dynamics. Here you go with the list.

  • Literature of the Arab World and its Influence on French Literature
  • The Influence of Arab Culture on Middle Ages Literature
  • Hayy Bin Yaqzan is the first novel by modern criteria
  • A collection of poetry by Shafi’i and historical, literary Analysis
  • A Study of Religious Literature in Arabian Civilization
  • Islamic Golden Ages were characterized by more significant progress in theological Literature
  • Poetry from the Arab world is the foundation of modern global poetry
  • Literature related to Mahdism in Islam
  • Arab-Islamic culture is significant in the Literature written in Arabic
  • The Evolution of Arabic Poetry and Literature
  • The Poetry of the Arab Diaspora and Nature’s Aesthetics
  • Ghazali’s literary works and acknowledgment of divine essence
  • A study of the relationship between Arabic poetry and music and song
  • Al-Gazzal’s two doors of knowledge through the heart
  • Iberian expansion as a cause of Islamic culture’s influence on Western Literature
  • Music and poetry from the pre-Islamic period in Arabic
  • Arab Literature and social criticism in the modern era
  • Aristotelian Philosophy and Greek Mythology in Modern Arab Literature
  • The culture and civilization of the Ottoman Empire were influenced by Arabic poetry and music
  • Arabic Literature’s Depiction of Morality and Politics
  • A Study of Arab Literature by Christian Authors
  • The philosophy of Islam is expressed and explained through Arabic culture
  • An Introduction to the History and Literature of Islam

Existentialist Literary Research Topics

Dig into the deep thinking, self-examination, and emotions of uncertainty that come with exploring the works of important writers trying to figure out life, independence, and more. Here’s the list.

  • The post-war emergence of existentialism
  • War-torn human characters reflect existentialist Literature.
  • What is the character of Godot in Waiting For Godot? How does Beckett explain what he is saying?
  • Existentialist Drama into 21st-Century of Western Literature
  • How does Beckett become an existential absurdist?
  • Samuel Becket’s Life from a contemporary perspective
  • The Reasons and inspirations behind Sartre’s Existentialism
  • Waiting For Godot is interpreted in real time and real life.
  • Considering Jean-Paul Sartre’s works from different perspectives.
  • The Existentialist Literature: a critical analysis
  • Horrors of War and Existentialist Literature After and About the Vietnam War
  • A Comparison of Absurdism and Existentialism in Western Literature
  • Theater of absurdity representation of existentialism
  • A 21st-century Take on absurdist theater as a significant part of British Literature
  • Existentialism: Is it Here to Stay? Getting rid of absurdity in a changing world
  • Does the search for meaning transcend modern man?
  • Existentialism in British Literature
  • “There is infinite hope in the universe, not for us.” How do you see Kafka as an existentialist? How does he differ from the philosophers of his field?

Literary Research Topics Related to Poetry

Check out our great research paper topics and how powerful poems can be!

  • Pioneers of European Literature in the realm of poetry
  • Inspiration for John Keats’ poetry by Fanny Brawne
  • The difference between Keats and his contemporaries
  • Analyzing John Keats’ Works from a historical perspective
  • The poetry of social protest in the early Renaissance
  • What makes the poetry of the Renaissance the most outstanding?
  • An early role played by Midland poets in the development of English poetry
  • Literature of the Highlands and its Contribution to English cultural development
  • The challenges of the development of English poetry
  • Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English poetry
  • Poetry as a Pillar of Modern Literature
  • The Importance of legal vocabulary in a poetic context
  • Thinking about poetry as a critique from the Renaissance era
  • The genre and meaning of Auden’s poem
  • Poetry of Robert Frost: A study
  • Research on the poetry of William Shakespeare
  • Wordsworth as a pioneer of modern Literature
  • Poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson: a historical analysis
  • A general study of the Poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge
  • A Look and Study of the Aubreys of Innocence by William Blake
  • Prose versus poetry in the early Renaissance
  • Story of Love and Death, by Edgar Allan Poe.
  • Emily Dickinson is one of America’s most famous poets
  • Maya Angelo’s struggle for civil rights and using poetry as a vector of fight

Literary Research Topics Related to Novel

Go deep into the story, getting to know the characters and thinking about the themes to unlock the timeless charm of this popular type of writing. Here’s the list.

  • A Study of the Gothic Novel in the British Isles
  • Publishing Literature the modern novel: conditions and Sources of Innovation
  • History and Fiction in African-American Women’s Literature
  • Toni Morrison is one of the pioneers of the American novel
  • Covenant: An American Novel of South African History
  • James Michener’s works in novels and different aspects of modern American society
  • Modern Literature in the Film and tv industry
  • Novels of Thomas Hardy, a critical analysis
  • What is the significance of Jane Austen as a pioneer of English literature? What are your thoughts on this?
  • A Comparison and Contrast of American dystopian novels
  • Supernatural novelists of English literature, between William Polidori and Bram Stoker
  • Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is the first supernatural novel in the history of English literature
  • Children’s Literature written in British territories
  • Postcolonial novels from a 21st-century perspective
  • The Vampire Diaries, the pioneering novel for gen-z supernatural fascinations
  • Anne Rice vs. Stephanie Meyers: what is different and what is similar
  • Knowledge, Power, and Authority in Contemporary Fantasy
  • Tensions and Expression in the Modern American Novel
  • Political Depiction of Christianity in American Novels and Movies

Literary Research Topics Related to Drama

Check out these cool topics to write an amazing research paper your teacher is expecting of you. 

  • Shakespearean Drama from historical practices
  • Plagiarism allegations about Shakespeare
  • William Shakespeare vs. Christopher Marlowe: Contrasts and Comparisons
  • An overview of Shakespeare’s plays and how they formed modern theater and cinema
  • Waiting For Godot by Beckett, from a directorial and cinematic perspective
  • Elizabethan vs. Jacobean Drama: What makes them different?
  • Oscar Wilde as a playwright, from a modern perspective
  • Shakespeare as a pioneer of the European literature boom
  • Role of Queen Elizabeth I in the Promotion of English Drama and Theater
  • Stages of Transformation: at the Crossroads of Theater and abolitionist movements
  • Role of Drama in European Literature
  • The Drama of the 21st Century and how it differs from the Classics
  • Greek tragedy compared to Shakespearean tragedy
  • Greek Tragedy vs. Classical English Drama
  • Modern vs. Classical tragedy, essential comparative elements
  • Was European Literature initially focused on Drama? Why or why not?
  • The Importance of Being Earnest is one of the most beloved plays. Why?
  • Oscar Wild as a dramatist
  • Literature formed Freudianism, a psychoanalytical analysis of the plays that inspired Sigmund Freud
  • Mourning Becomes Electra and Oedipus Rex, how two tragedies formed the Basis of modern psychology
  • Literary Analysis of the Supernatural in the Plays of Marlowe
  • Classic vs. Modern Literature in the Area of Tragedy and Drama
  • Edward Bond, a playwright of hope or despair?
  • When does British Literature portray elements of World war
  • Literary devices used in early British literary works and Renaissance literature
  • Language diversity in historical novels in the Victorian literature era
  • European culture depicted in early American Literature
  • American literature contribution to Studies on Classical Literature
  • Literary Argument on literary works of the Renaissance in Comparison with Indian Literature

Interesting Literature Topics

These literary research topics can spark your interest, challenge your views, and help you appreciate Literature even more.

  • Travel writing for college students living the American dream
  • Use of poetic language and literary devices in Japanese literary works
  • Social identity in dystopian Literature that World War II inspired
  • Male and female characters in African American Literature
  • Literary novels in the genre of young adult literature
  • Literature paper on Japanese Literature depicting Post World War II modern culture
  • Literary Analysis of artificial language in Utopian and Dystopian Literature
  • The modern culture depicted in American and Asian culture
  • Literary Analysis of Harry Potter and novel writing for university students
  • Harry Potter is a significant literature contribution opening new doors to literary research.
  • Comparative Literary Analysis of travel writing vs. literary journalism
  • Literary Analysis of travel writing in Indian Literature
  • African literary responses to American Literature on world war in the Twentieth Century
  • How American Literature Differs from Modern Chinese Literature: Form and evaluate literature response on Written Literature

Hopefully, these lists of good topics for research papers have helped you pick a suitable subject and make a real difference in literary research. Remember that a good topic always plays a pivotal role in the paper’s success. If you are still trying to figure out how to proceed with your assignment , count on the professional expertise of  our writers .

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IMAGES

  1. Year 7 Drama Exam Paper by Mr Webster's Drama Resources

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  2. Drama/Elements of Drama Anchor Chart #drama #drama #theatre

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  3. Grade 8 Drama

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  4. Which Definition Is Correct for Contemporary Drama? Free Essay Example

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  5. Features of Modern Drama in English Literature

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  6. Modern Drama

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VIDEO

  1. 10 Most Important Questions 2023 || M.A. Final year paper 2nd American Literature||Kanpur university

  2. Types of Drama, Tragedy, Comedy, Tragi-Comedy, Morality Plays, Melodrama, Drama Definition, BA Engli

  3. English 2020: Drama

  4. Literary Terms of Drama # B.A.-3rd Semester Unit-3 # Fully explained in Hindi

  5. Term Paper for MBA (Accounting Students)

  6. টার্ম পেপার

COMMENTS

  1. 126 In Depth Drama Topics

    Examine any circus performance company of your choice and carefully detail their exploits. Examine the evolution of tragic-comedy in drama. Examine how the church has stopped drama before the 10th century. Give an in depth overview of the complications in stage drama in a world dominated by films.

  2. Term Paper Topics: List of 200 Title Ideas with Questions

    Here, we offer term paper topics easy for engagement yet rich in potential for deep, personal interpretation, perfect for those looking to add their unique voice to academic discourse. Interpreting Shakespeare's Hamlet: Explore the themes of madness, revenge, and morality in Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

  3. PDF Drama

    Drama What this handout is about This handout identifies common questions about drama, describes the elements of drama that are most often discussed in theater classes, provides a few strategies for planning and writing an effective drama paper, and identifies various resources for research in theater history and dramatic criticism.

  4. Drama and Theater Research Resources

    It also introduces a third term: the "post-dramatic theater." Genres of Drama and Theater "List of Genres" (Drama Online) Drama Online offers resources on many aspects of drama and theater, including a comprehensive and detailed list of dramatic genres. Each genre includes an explanation, as well as examples of works within that specific genre.

  5. Syllabus

    Many of these plays are now acknowledged "classics" of modern drama; the rest are prize-winning contemporary plays that have broken new ground. ... I suggest you aim for 15 pages instead of 10-12. I am receptive to multimedia essays, or other topic ideas you may have for your later writing assignments. Approximate Valuation for Grading ...

  6. Drama Paper Topics

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  7. Modern Drama

    Modern Drama. Modern Drama was founded in 1958 and is the most prominent journal in English to focus on dramatic literature. The terms "modern" and "drama" are the subject of continuing and fruitful debate, but the journal has been distinguished by the excellence of its close readings of both canonical and lesser-known dramatic texts from a range of methodological perspectives.

  8. Project MUSE

    Modern Drama was founded in 1958 and is the most prominent journal in English to focus on dramatic literature. The terms, "modern" and "drama," are the subject of continuing and fruitful debate, but the journal has been distinguished by the excellence of its close readings of both canonical and lesser known dramatic texts through a range of methodological perspectives.

  9. Term Paper On Modern Drama

    Term Paper on Modern drama - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Alienation and disconnection in modern drama focused on 20th century drama

  10. Modern Drama: A Very Short Introduction

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  11. Modern Drama 101: Modernism and Theatre

    The transition to modern drama from earlier traditional forms of theatre found its biggest advocate in Émile Zola, a French novelist and playwright. Zola argued, most explicitly in his 1880 essay Naturalism in The Theatre, that contemporary theatre failed to reflect the scientific and intellectual developments that had been made in the last century, nor did it address the fundamental problems ...

  12. Top 235 Theatre Research Paper Topics for Students

    The following is a suggested list of topics for your theatre term paper: Brecht and Epic Theatre. The Golden Age of Broadway - 1920-1940. The Renaissance in England and France. The influence of Greek culture on American drama. Shakespeare's Hamlet - a psychological study.

  13. Drama Essays: Examples, Topics, & Outlines

    Drama Death of a Salesman -- Comparison. PAGES 2 WORDS 740. Drama. Death of a Salesman -- comparison between the play and a 1985 TV rendering of the play, starring Dustin Hoffman. The tragedy of illie Loman in the play by Arthur Miller seems like a man who wants to be great, yet falls to a tragic and small end.

  14. Bridge Essay: Modern Drama: A Multidimensional Live Form of World

    The content of drama became topical and recognizably reflected contemporary real-life challenges and issues beyond the stage. Proponents of realist modern drama generally use it to explore individual psychology and behavior in specific contexts, and to challenge local establishment thinking by advocating for political, social, or legal reform.

  15. What are the features of modern drama?

    Modern drama is defined as that written in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, primarily in Europe and North America. This is a very long period encompassing thousands of playwrights with very ...

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    Women in Drama . Modern Performance and Adaptation of Greek Tragedy Helene P. Foley Barnard College, Columbia University "Leave it to a playwright who has been dead for 2,400 years to jolt Broadway out of its dramatic doldrums" begins a recent New York Times review (December 4, 1998) of a British Electra by Sophocles starring Zoe Wanamaker and Claire Bloom.

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  18. Essays About Drama ️ Free Examples & Essay Topic Ideas

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  19. 150+ Term Paper Topics for Better Writing Ideas in 2022

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  20. Drama Papers

    Every student who enters this discipline must write drama papers such as Hamlet's essay, review, or literary analysis. Sometimes students have to write term papers on drama. Most often, teachers do not evaluate your abilities in this area, but the documents you create. This creates many problems for students.

  21. Modern Drama: A Very Short Introduction

    The story of modern drama is a tale of extremes, testing both audiences and actors to their limits through hostility and contrarianism. Spanning 1880 to the present, Modern Drama: A Very Short Introduction shows how truly international a phenomenon modern drama has become, and how vibrant and diverse in both text and performance. It explores ...

  22. Term Paper Topics: 150 Ideas for Academic Excellence

    Philosophy Term Paper Topics. Embark on a philosophical exploration with these compelling topics in Philosophy that delve into the fundamental questions of existence, ethics, and knowledge. From classical philosophical inquiries to contemporary debates, this curated list offers diverse avenues for contemplation and intellectual discourse.

  23. Explore the Lists of Amazing Literary Research Paper Topics

    Existentialist Literary Research Topics. Dig into the deep thinking, self-examination, and emotions of uncertainty that come with exploring the works of important writers trying to figure out life, independence, and more. Here's the list. The post-war emergence of existentialism.