ATS1287 - Performance in context 1 - 2018

Performance in Context I will be a foundational unit in the Theatre major and minor. Whilst offering a general introduction to concepts, theories and practices in the discipline, the primary focus of the unit will be on theatre history and historiography. Students will examine the development of theatrical conventions in key periods of theatre history, and the relationship of theatrical performance to social, political and cultural forces. The continuing influence of past modes of performance in the development of contemporary theatrical forms will also be explored.

Students successfully completing this unit will develop:

1. Familiarity with concepts, theories and practices within the discipline Theatre Studies
2. Deeper knowledge of theatre history
3. Ability to perform research in theatre history
4. Understanding of the ways in which performance codes of historicized texts might be translated into the processes of contemporary theatre
5. Awareness of the range of communicative languages used on stage, and of the critical discourses appropriate to their description and analysis
6. Ability to articulate critical interpretations of dramatic texts and processes in systematic written argument.

Within semester assessment: 60% + Exam: 40%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Theatre