Postmodern Theatre

Subject THTR40005 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: Admission to fourth year honours in English or theatre studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Denise Varney

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: Students who complete this subject will:
  • 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; and
  • be able to manage time and be independent in organization and planning.
Assessment: A written essay 3500 words 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:

A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will:
  • 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; and
  • demonstrate sound and independent critical and ethical thinking in their choice of materials and processes.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Creative Arts
Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Creative Arts(Honours)
Graduate Diploma in Creative Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English
English
English

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