Major Thesis - Theatre Studies

Subject THTR90002 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points:
Level: Research Higher Degree
Dates & Locations: This is a time-based subject, taught on campus at Parkville.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular supervision during the candidature.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: A four year BA (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in the appropriate area of study or closely related area. The grade for the honours thesis component must be at least equivalent to an H2A (75%) at The University of Melbourne and the overall honours result must be at least equivalent to an H2B (70%).
Corequisites: Applications who intend to undertake a combined dissertation and creative work masters must demonstrate prior creative practice at a level deemed by the university to be equivalent to fourth year honours.
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Denise Varney

Contact

John Frow (semester 1)

j.frow@unimelb.edu.au

and

Grace Moore (semester 2)

gmoo@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The Master of Arts (Theatre Studies) is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in Theatre Studies. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. Candidates may advance to the Doctor of Philosophy degree after successful completion of the masters or may apply to convert to PhD at an earlier stage. An honours grade of at least H2B (70%) must be attained to qualify for the award of masters degree.
Objectives:

Students who complete the masters will:

  • produce a research thesis on a topic of their own choice, and demonstrate capacity for independent research;
  • acquire the ability to mount a sustained scholarly argument;
  • display mastery of scholarship and, if appropriate, creative practice in their chosen field;
  • gain familiarity with appropriate methods in theatre studies analysis and research; and
  • where appropriate acquire the ability to present an advanced level creative work.
Assessment: Either a Research Thesis project of 30,000 words in an area of Theatre Studies or a Dissertation and Creative work of 30,000 words (not more than 50% - 15,000 words creative or equivalent). The Dissertation and Creative work must be presented as a coherent whole. Students will work closely with their supervisor(s) to develop a coherent research project that fits these guidelines.
Prescribed Texts:

None
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:

  • understand modern critical frameworks for the study of theatre;
  • acquire skills in the analysis of theatre, drama and performance;
  • develop the ability to analyse primary historical and contemporary source material;
  • gain an understanding of the critical reception of theatre;
  • respond to debates relating to theatre theory and practice;
  • prepare an original piece of research;
  • develop and sustain an argument based upon that research; and
  • develop a knowledge and understanding of research techniques.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Theatre Studies)

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