Theatre and Drama

Subject 106-348 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture and a 2-hour seminar per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
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

Assoc Prof Peter Alexander Eckersall

Contact

Peter Eckersall

peckersal@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will introduce students to theatre and performance and analysis of selected dramatic texts and performances from the Classical, Renaissance, Modern and Contemporary periods. Students will be introduced to core elements of drama, theatre and performance, key theoretical concepts, and representative theorists and practitioners. The subject will be taught through lectures, tutorials, audio-visual material, directed play-readings and theatre visits. In the first half of the semester, students will focus on writing about theatre and in the second half, practical workshops will explore performance practice.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to communicate knowledge in oral, written and creative form;
understand the social, ethical and cultural context of play texts and theatrical performance;
think creatively;
think in theoretical terms through lectures, discussion, essay writing and engagement in performance making and theory;
think critically and analyse through recommended reading, workshop practice; performance analysis and discussion.
Assessment:

Written work totalling 4000 words: a critical evaluation of a performance totalling 1000 words 25% (due after week 6), an essay of 2000 words 40% (due after the end of semester) and a creative play presentation equivalent to 1000 words 25% (due last week of semester). Class participation (10%). A hurdle requirement of a minimum 80% attendance required.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved formal extension will be penalised at 2% per day. Students who fail to submit up to 2-weeks after the final due date without a formal extension and/or special consideration will receive a fail grade for the piece of assessment.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • Medea, Euripides
  • Hamlet, Shakespeare
  • Three Sisters, Chekov
  • Waiting for Godot, Beckett
  • Crave, Kane, S.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to undertake research through competent use of the library and other information sources and through investigating performance as an enquiry and method of research;

  • be able to engage in critical thinking and analysis by communicating arguments and ideas effectively;

  • acquire excellent written and verbal communication,

  • develop understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts,
Notes:

This subject is available to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Creative Arts students and may be credited towards a theatre studies major in either course. Students who have completed this subject as a level 1 subject (106-112) are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Creative Arts
Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English

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