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

To understand theatrical form and content in a contemporary context, it is vital to have a sound knowledge of performance and theatre history. Identification of the major stages of arts development in the 20th century and comprehension of their key aspects will provide you with a framework to inform your academic and performance endeavours while studying Drama at QUT.

Aims

This unit aims to provide you with an understanding of the major movements in the history of performance in the 20th century, as well as to encourage critical enquiry, debate and research.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Identify the influences and development of theatre and performance from Greek Theatre to late Modernism.
2. Apply written communications skills for Drama contexts taking into account academic writing conventions.
3. Apply knowledge of a range of plays to the contemporary performance of rehearsed scenes
4.. Analyse play texts in both form and content, with sensitivity to their contexts in history and ideology.

Content

This unit addresses content related to theatrical practice and related theory as an organizing structure. This unit investigates theatre and performance from Greek Theatre to late Modernism and embraces socio-cultural/political/historical perspectives.This unit will provide foundations in academic written communication skills as required in the discipline of Drama.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is delivered predominately through lecture only mode in a format that Drama has termed a performative lecture. This format uses a combination of guest lectures, group activities and discussion inside the lecture time, and a weekly student rehearsed play reading of the focus play text. You are expected to read the nominated play-script, enabling full participation in performative lectures. At key points in the lecture series a focus on academic communications skills will support your written assessment program.

Content will be explored through a combination of: lectures; course materials database; set text; dvd/video material held in the library; and other resources, such as Blackboard and other websites.

Please note that the student-rehearsed play reading 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 rehearsal availability with that of others in your group.

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 see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will be expected to participate in regular class and online discussions on prescribed plays from the set text with the unit co-coordinator and fellow students. The unit coordinator will be available throughout the semester to provide advice and feedback. Weight 0%

Assessment name: Performance
Description: (Summative) Short rehearsed group performance of pre-determined play script.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Throughout Semester

Assessment name: Short Essay 1500 words
Description: (Summative) An analytical essay reflecting detailed research on one play text studied in the semester and the successful completion of a series of online modules in academic literacies.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Comparative Essay 2000 words
Description: (Summative) ) A comparative essay considering theatrical form, style and theoretical paradigms.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 40%
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

Resource Materials
Required Texts

Heim, C. Ed. Understanding Theatre KTB101. Custom Book. Pearson, 2012.

Sartre, J.P. (2011) No Exit. Trans. Caroline Heim and Christian Heim. (On Blackboard)

Recommended Texts

Brockett, O., and Ball, R. J. (2000) (7th Ed.) The Essential Theatre, Sydney.

Brockett, O. (1999) (8th Ed.) History of the Theatre, Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Burton, B. (2001) Living Drama. Sydney: Pearson.

Carlson, M. (1996) Performance: A Critical Introduction. London: Routledge.

Cohen, R. (1999) (5th Ed.) Theatre, CA: Mayfield.

Esslin, M. (1968) The Theatre of the Absurd, London: Pelican.

Fisk, D. Ed. Cambridge Companion to English Restoration Theatre. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2006.

Goodman L. & de Gay J. (Eds.) (2000) The Routledge Reader in Politics and Performance. London: Routledge.

Maguire, L. Studying Shakespeare. Malden: Blackwell, 2004.

McConachie, Bruce A, Sorgenfrei, Carol Fisher, Williams, Gary Jay, Zarrilli, Phillip (2010) (2nd ed) Theatre Histories: An IntroductionLondon Routledge.

Roose-Evans, J. (1984) Experimental Theatre from Stanislavsky to Peter Brook, London: Routledge.

Schechner, R. (2002) Performance Studies: An Introduction. London: Routledge..

Storey, I & Allan, A. A Guide to Ancient Greek Drama, Malden: Blackwell, 2005.

Willett, J. (1964) Brecht on Theatre: the development of an aesthete, London: Methuen.

Selected articles will also feature on the course materials database on the Blackboard site for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

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

As all performance-makers understand, creating a performance, even a rehearsed reading, potentially carries with it certain physical and/or emotional risks, both in the rehearsal room and in the theatre. Indeed taking risks is an integral component of the art forms processes. Some rehearsal warm ups and exercises, and some performance events may include physically or emotionally strenuous activities. Managing this risk to ensure working conditions are safe, is always a high priority in the production process. It is therefore extremely important that if you are aware of personal physical or emotional vulnerabilities that make you feel unsafe or at risk in any way, you should immediately inform your lecturer or tutor so that your situation can be evaluated and appropriate rectifying action can be taken.

Every effort is made by Drama staff at QUT to ensure that you work in a safe environment. Conversely you are absolutely expected to follow all safety rules, procedures and directions, and to ensure that you do not put at risk the safety of others, or yourself, or of the highest artistic fulfillment 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: 22-Jan-2013