Teaching Shakespeare the RSC way

Subject 460-649 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

January, - 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

Parkville Campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 20 hours total over the 5 day intensive period in January (during the Victorian school summer holidays)
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total commitment
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

Prof John O'Toole
Subject Overview: This subject will be largely conducted by Royal Shakespeare Company personnel, in collaboration with Drama staff. The teaching of Shakespeare will be explored through a pedagogy entailing an active, participatory and critical approach. Students will engage in workshop activities modelled on the acting and production work and educational programs offered by the RSC. Dramatic texts will be actively explored from the point of view of actors, directors, audiences and scholars - including artistic problem-solving and investigation of contemporary critical issues. Effective program and unit planning for the classroom or other educational contexts will be introduced. This subject will be taught through an intensive week's workshop at the beginning of the semester, with the assessment occurring during this week and immediately following. The content will flow through directly to be taken up in 460-650 Shakespeare in the classroom and community.
Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • Develop skills in embodying Shakespeare in rehearsal and production
  • Learn and practise a range of pedagogical skills in teaching Shakespeare
  • Explore relevant educational themes in the study of Shakespearean texts.
Assessment:

There will be two items of assessment, each worth 50 per cent.

Item 1: Practical class tasks within the RSC workshops. (2, 000 words) (Due on the final day of the intensive period)

Item 2: Ongoing written critical journal and post-workshop reflection. (2, 000 words) (Due 3 weeks after the intensive period)

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject students should :
  • have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
  • have an in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
  • be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
  • have expanded their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects;
  • have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems;
  • have initiated and implemented constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces;
  • have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations;
  • be able to mentor future generations of learners.
Related Course(s): Post Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Shakespeare

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