Units
Scenography and the Art of Technical Theatre
Unit code: KRB120
Contact hours: 2 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit introduces students to theoretical concepts and principles associated with scenography, historical trends in technical theatre and the background associated with the broad vocabulary of technical theatre terminology.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
A broad definition of 'Scenography' is the art of creating performance environments, incorporating elements such as sound, light, performance, costume, structure and space. The unit explores the theoretical and historical development of the technical theatre artist, artisan and professional through an examination of the significant movements in theatrical history that have led to the growth of the scenographic arts in the present day. It introduces students to the term 'scenography' and places it within a broader discussion of the development of the technical theatre arts. The unit is structured to incorporate the basics of independent historical research and introduces students to the concept of technical theatre as an independent form in the cannon of dramatic history.
Aims
The aim of this unit it to provide students with an introductory understanding of the rich history of the technical theatre discipline (particularly within a broader historical discussion), and how this history continues to influence current practice through the development of the scenographic approach in contemporary theatrical production.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Understand the historical development of Technical Theatre as a unique discipline;
2. Identify how your own contribution to the current practice of technical theatre engages with the history of Technical Theatre.
Content
This unit addresses content such as:
- The history of basic technical theatre terms;
- The historical development of scenography modern theatre
- The place of technical theatre developments in broader historical terms;
- The historical development of roles in technical theatre;
- Basic presentation techniques that demonstrate clarity and a professional approach;
This unit introduces sufficient knowledge and practical skills at a foundation level for students to be able to continue their development through the Scenography Minor and contribute to theoretical discourse in other Creative Industries studies.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit is delivered predominately through the Lectorial format of 2 hours per week, which comprises both lecture and tutorial delivery. This format uses a combination of lectures, lecturer-led group activities, and student-led oral presentations on key historical moments in the development of technical theatre as a discipline. You are expected to read nominated weekly key readings enabling full participation in lectorials. Your learning in this unit will be supported by required texts, course materials database; dvd and other material held in the library; and other resources, such as websites. The student-led component of this unit is a cooperative activity, and you must be available to work in small teams outside normal class time, with sufficient flexibility to coordinate your availability with that of others in your group.
Assessment
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.Students will be provided with ongoing and continual feedback during the course of this unit. The assessment schema provides further detailed and specific criteria for assessment items.
Assessment name:
Presentation
Description:
In small groups students will present a 10-15 minute research project to the lectorial on a predetermined historical shift in the development of the Technical Theatre Discipline. These projects will be allocated by the lecturer early in semester.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Early Semester
Assessment name:
Abstract
Description:
Students will complete an abstract that introduces the theoretical material to be discussed in their major essay at the end of the semester (Assessment Item 3)
Relates to objectives:
1,2.
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid Semester
Assessment name:
Research Paper
Description:
Students will complete a written research project that further discusses the emergence of scenographic theory alongside a second particular historical focus from the lecture program.
Relates to objectives:
1,2.
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of 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 Texts
Russell-Brown, J. (2001), The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre , Oxford University Press, UK (New Edition)
Recommended References
Howard, P (2009) What is Scenography? , Routledge, UK
Baugh, C. (2005), Theatre, Performance and Technology , Palgrave Macmillan UK
McKinney, J. (2009), The Cambridge Introduction to Scenography, Cambridge University Press UK.
Risk assessment statement
There are no unit specific risks associated with this unit.
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: 17-Jul-2012
