Postmodern Theatre

Subject 673-322 (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 is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1-hour lecture per week and a 2-hour workshop per week across the semester. Theatre visits may also be scheduled
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: 25 points of second-year Theatre Studies.
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

Contact

Denise Varney

dvarney@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is a study of experimental and postdramatic theatre from the 1980s to the present. Students will view recordings of live performance and consider other documented accounts of live events. Dramaturgical, cultural, historical and/or philosophical discourses will be used for performance analysis as students are encouraged to consider questions about performance in contemporary culture.
Objectives:
  • have acquired skills in research through competent use of the library and other information sources, and through defining areas of enquiry and methods of research;
  • have acquired skills in critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing, performance attendance and by determining the strength of an argument or approach to performance;
  • be able to think in theoretical terms through lectures, discussion, essay writing and performance analysis and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities, in this instance, the theoretical framework of postmodernism in theatre;
  • be able to think creatively and be open to new ideas and possibilities in performance in the contemporary period;
  • understand the social, ethical and cultural context of postmodernism as a cultural and critical theory and its application to play texts and theatrical performance;
  • be critically self-aware of unstated assumptions, context, of conflicting evidence and determine the strengths and weaknesses of an argument;
  • be able to communicate knowledge in oral, written and/or creative form;
  • be able to manage time and be independent in organization and planning.
Assessment: A written essay 3500 words for 4th year or 2500 words for 3rd year 60% (due at end of semester) and a seminar presentation paper equivalent to 1500 words 40% (due one week after presentation). There is a hurdle requirement of a minimum 80% attendance.
Prescribed Texts: To be advised
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop appropriate research methodologies;
  • be able to present written and oral communication to a professional standard regarding their treatment and material choices;
  • demonstrate the ability and self-confidence to comprehend complex structural and organisational concepts;
  • demonstrate sound and independent critical and ethical thinking in their choice of materials and processes.
Notes: This subject is only available to students undertaking the Bachelor of Creative Arts. BA students who feel they are qualified to undertake this subject must consult with the lecturer in charge and the Faculty of Arts.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Creative Arts
Diploma in Creative Arts

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