Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

The unit undertakes a detailed exploration of the theoretical and historical development of the scenographic arts in the present day and challenges the traditional role and function of stage design. It asks students to examine the broader implications of certain economic, historical and cultural models and their influence on conventional stage design training and practice. It is through this lens, after a structured intermediate level of scholarly research, that students are challenged to deploy the term 'scenography' as an appropriate descriptor within a broader discussion of current practice within the performing arts.

Aims

The aim of this unit it to provide you with a developed understanding of the significant history of stage design and the scenographic discipline (particularly within broader dramatic theory), and how a scenographic approach to the creation of performance landscapes continues to influence current practice in contemporary theatrical production.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of stage design history;
2. Identify key shifts in the development of scenography as a theory in a historical timeline;
3. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the origins of technical theatre terms;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the influence of key political, historical and cultural movements and their impact on stage design practice and theory, including scenography;
5. Evaluate the contributions of key historical figures in the development of both traditional stage design and the scenographic arts;
6. Understand, analyse and evaluate key readings and texts in stage design and scenography.

Content

This unit addresses content such as:

• The history of stage design;


• The historical development of scenographic practice in modern theatre;


• The place of stage design and scenography in broader dramatic terms;


• The development of the scenographic technique and artist;


• Basic presentation techniques that demonstrate clarity and a professional approach.

This unit provides sufficient knowledge and skills for students to be able to complete 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, which comprises both lecture and tutorial delivery. This format uses a combination of lectures including guest 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: Abstract
Description: Students will complete a 300 word 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: 2, 3, 5.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Presentation (Group)
Description: In small groups students will present a 10-15 minute research project to the lectorial on a predetermined historical, cultural or political shift in the development of Scenography. These projects will be allocated by the lecturer in week 1.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 5 and 6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Continuous from wk 3

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Students will complete a 2000 word written research project that discusses the emergence and influence of scenographic theory and practice through a case study of a key historical figure in stage design alongside a second particular focus from the lecture program.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
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

Collins, J (2010), Theatre and Performance Design - A Reader in Scenography, Routledge, UK

Recommended References

Howard, P (2009) What is Scenography?, Routledge, UK

McKinney, J. (2009), The Cambridge Introduction to Scenography, Cambridge University Press UK.

Baugh, C. (2005), Theatre, Performance and Technology, Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Russell-Brown, J. (2001), The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre, Oxford University Press, UK (New Edition).

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: 27-Sep-2012