Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

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

Upon successful completion of this course students will:

1. possess a broad knowledge of a range of theatre traditions, past and present;
2. have some acquaintance with the ideas of key contemporary thinkers whose work bears on the interpretation and understanding of theatre and performance;
3. demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between theatres and their social and cultural contexts;
4. be able to employ a critical approach to traditional and contemporary debates in the study and practice of theatre;
5. debate the ethical and social dimensions of theatre;
6. demonstrate an understanding of the key issues in the interpretation and reception of theatre and performance;
7. apply tools of performance analysis and description.

Assessment

Group Class Presentation (15 minutes equiv. 900 words): 20%
Individual write-up of presentation (900 words): 20%
Essay (1800 words): 40%
Participation (equiv. 900 words): 20%

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

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

Comparative literature and cultural studies
Theatre
English
Performance

Prerequisites

1st year sequence in Theatre