Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will examine foundational theories of theatre and performance practice in the context of current critical debates and theories. Drawing on primary texts by influential theorists and practitioners from 'western' and Asian theatre traditions across the centuries, this unit examines the ongoing ideas and dialogues about the nature and practice of theatre. The questions raised include: What is theatre? In what sense is theatre a representation? What are its moral effects? How can we know how other people respond? How is theatre and its reception gendered and/or racially positioned? Who decides what the text or performance means? How can a performance be analysed?

Objectives

Students successfully completing this course will:

1. obtain a deeper knowledge of a range of historical and cross-cultural theatre and performance theories and practices
2. examine and analyse the broad social, political, religious, and cultural contexts in which performance takes place
3. discover and develop their own general theories of theatre and to develop them;
4. strengthen their capacity to understand and engage in theoretical analysis
5. extend their effective communication skills through developing critical awareness and writing proficiency in the fields of theatre criticism and performance history.

Assessment

Seminar participation and presentation (1000 words): 30%
Reading response paper (1000 words): 30%
Research essay (2500 words): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Maryrose Casey

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour tutorial per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Drama and theatre studies

Prerequisites

DTS1001 Performance in context I and DTS1002 Performance in context II, or by permission of the unit coordinator