Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB: Information in this Unit Outline is subject to change prior to commencement of semester
Where are we going in performance? Where have we come from? What are the issues facing theatre practitioners today? One way to understand contemporary directions in theatre and performance is to investigate the historical and contemporary contexts which are shaping theatrical practice. Many great art innovators from a wide range of disciplines have changed the way we theorise, create and make aesthetic judgements about performance in this century for example the recent innovations post-disciplinary performance techniques developed throughout the 20th century. Students and emerging artists in theatre and performance need to be familiar with the practical and theoretical work of innovative directors who have had, or are having a key influence on theatre both internationally and locally.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to give you an appreciation and understanding of performance innovation in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1.identify theory and techniques that give rise to innovation in both making and presenting live theatre works in the 20th and 21st century.
2. attribute knowledge of key theories and practices that activate innovation in theatre through engagement with, and critique of live performance and theatre makers.
3. apply written communications skills for drama and theatre contexts taking into account academic writing conventions.

Content

This unit provides a broad overview of the contribution of innovative artists to the development of drama and performance. Topics to be covered include an introduction to the work of selected innovators at a local, national and international level.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning strategies for this unit will combine lectures, tutorials and discussions with analysis of contemporary performances viewed live and through DVD. On one occasion during the semester you will view a performance. Students will be required to pay for their own tickets to the performance. This performance will be critiqued and discussed within the framework of performance innovation. Teaching in this unit will be supported by a Blackboard site. At key points in the lecture and tutorial series a focus on academic communications skills will support your written assessment program.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Summative assessment items will have a formative component as a part of preparation for summative work. To obtain a grade of 3 or higher in this unit, all practical summative assessment items must be completed and all written summative assessment items must be submitted.

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
To obtain a Pass grade or higher in this unit, you must complete all summative assessment items.

Please note: Creative Industries Faculty uses QUT Harvard referencing system which MUST be used for written work. QUT Harvard Style Guide is available through the Library website under Cite/Write.

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Summary of two key theories associated with the development of innovation in live theatre encountered in required readings, lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Early Semester

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Written criticism of a pre-determined live theatre performance based upon evidence of key theories and techniques associated with the development of innovation in live theatre.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Expository essay examining a pre-determined theatre maker and their contribution to innovation in the making and presentation of theatre for contemporary audiences.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Late Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required References:
KTB104 Required Unit Reader containing the compulsory readings for this unit will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop at Kelvin Grove.
Pre-selected live performance determined by unit co-ordinator (average ticket price $25)

Recommended References:
Benedetti, R.L., (1985) The Director At Work, New Jersey, Prentice Hall
Bradby and Williams, (1988) Director's Theatre, London, MacMillan
Braun, E. (1995) Meyerhold: a revolution in theatre London, Methuen
Brook, P. (1968) The Empty Space, London, McGibbon & Kee
Cohen, R. (1997) Theatre, Fourth Edition Calif., Mayfield
Hunt, A & Reeves G.,(1995) Peter Brook, Cambr. Cambridge University Press (Directors in Perspective Series)
Innes, C.D. (1972) Erwin Piscator's Political Theatre Cambr. Cambridge University Press
Kiernander, A., (1993) Ariane Mnouchkine and the Theatre du Soleil (Directors in Perspective Series) NY. Cambridge University Press
Gorchakov N.M., (1985) Stanislavski Directs, New York, Limelight Edition
Goorney, H., (1981) The Theatre Workshop Story, London, Eyre Methuen
Grotowski, J., (1968) Towards a Poor Theatre, London, Methuen
The Parsons Lectures : the Philip Parsons memorial lectures on the performing arts 1993-2003 / edited by Katharine Brisbane. Strawberry Hills, N.S.W. : Currency House, 2003.
Willett, J., (trans.& ed.) (1991) Brecht on Theatre, London, Methuen
Williams, D.(ed.) (1991) Peter Brook and the Mahabarata, London, Routledge

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Every effort is made by Performance Studies staff at QUT to ensure that you work in a safe environment. Conversely students are absolutely expected to follow all safety rules, procedures and directions, and to ensure that they do not put at risk the safety of others, or themselves, or of the highest artistic fulfilment of the project in any way.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 26-Mar-2013