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 combines improvisation techniques from drama and performance in a reflexive-experiential, communicative competence learning environment to free the ability to produce speech in English. Students play games, perform body and voice exercises and improvisations aimed at freeing speech production. The improvisations are then used as the basis for scriptwriting and in-class performances. From the first class to the last, students work in groups in English to discuss and solve problems in the creative process. Exercises and improvisations are used to address specific language structures and issues. Students also maintain a diary to reflect on the learning process.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course students will:

1. be more confident and less fearful in English speech production;
2. activate latent grammatical knowledge and have more of their prior learning at their disposal as speakers of English;
3. have a knowledge of their own blockages and barriers to free speech production and an ability to work through them;
4. have practically applied knowledge of techniques of reflexive-experiential learning;
5. understand and have experience of basic methods of narrative, scriptwriting and performance;
6. have direct experience of managing negotiation and group teamwork in English;

Assessment

Personal reflective diary (equiv. 1350 words): 30%
Participation in games and exercises (equiv. 900 words): 20%
Participation in script writing and performance (equiv. 2250 words): 50%

Contact hours

One 2-hour workshop per week

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

Communications
Community studies
Theatre
English as an international language
English
International studies
Linguistics
Performance

Prohibitions

ATS2911