Writing for Performance

Subject 670-335 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2.5-hour workshop per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Usually 12.5 points of first year creative writing of either his subject is available at second year level to Bachelor of Creative Arts students who have completed all first year BCA creative writing requirements.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

To be advised
Subject Overview:

This subject is designed to give writing students, from all generic specialisations, the chance to reflect upon, experiment with, and enhance the performative potential of their writing. Through lectures on performance studies, aspects of performance writing and practice, and in workshops, students will explore the range of skills involved in writing for performance and in developing effective performance practice in terms of their own work. On completion of the subject students should have encountered aspects of performance theory; demonstrated a heightened sense of the performative potential of writing; exhibited, in the writing and performance of their own texts, a range of skills and strategies for making writing an event in a performance space; gained an appreciation of contemporary performance practices. Students will be required to publicly perform/read the 8-10-minute piece that they have written during the semester.

Assessment: An 8-10 minute performance script equivalent to 4000 words 70%, performance/public reading of this script 20% (due at the end of semester) and class participation 10%. Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of workshops in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to access their own creativity generally and how to apply/focus it towards a particular objective (writing an original theatre/film script) and to better understand their own creative process/processes;

  • be able to use theoretical/research material to develop and challenge themselves intellectually and creatively and to develop and heighten self-awareness;

  • acquire interpersonal skills of communication, collaboration and co-operation through attention to active listening, giving and receiving feedback etc. and how to reconceptualise and rewrite from feedback;

  • learn to be open to new ideas and possibilities;

  • acquire teamwork and public speaking skills through extensive presentation of work-in-progress during workshops.
Notes:

It is recommended that students wishing to continue with a major in creative writing also complete a first year subject in English literary studies as well as meeting the first year creative writing prerequisite (see below).

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