Performance and Research Approaches 1

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

120 hrs.

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

The subject builds a theoretical focus on contemporary performance creation while providing an introduction to research resources, practice-lead approaches and other research methodologies. Historic and current performance practice is re-examined, including cross-cultural, interdisciplinary and contextual perspectives with student seminar presentations and visiting practitioners who discuss their philosophies and approach. Students develop a working understanding of appropriate research methods, including practical experience in locating resources (local and global) for specific inquiries. Attention is given to the issues of research writing and editing as they apply to higher degree research in the creative arts.

On completing this subject students will:

• understand the nature of contemporary performance practice and situate their own work and artistic concerns within it;
• relate these understandings to cross-cultural and interdisciplinary artistic practices, as well as to the political, historical and economic contexts in which it is developed;
• develop skills in the preparation and presentation of seminar research papers;
• critically evaluate and describe various types of performance practice and articulate the contribution of the collaborators in its realisation;
• develop a working understanding of appropriate research methods including practical experience in locating resources (local and global) for specific inquiries;
• develop a working understanding of research writing and editing as they apply to higher degree research in the creative arts.

• Written assignment 1: Scoping and focusing an area of interest, 1000 words - start of semester (30%)
• Written assignment 2: Discussion and critique of key performance event, 1000 words - mid semester (30%)
• Individual oral presentation examining a key artistic influence, 30 minutes - end of semester (40%)
• Hurdle requirement - 80% attendance

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will have:

• the ability to interpret and analyse artistic work in the context of professional practice within both a broader cultural field and a body of contemporary ideas;
• the capacity to evaluate and synthesise data and other information;
• the ability to communicate in oral and written form;
• the capacity for critical thinking;
• the ability to access data and other information from a range of sources;
• the capacity to develop and design research processes appropriate to specific projects;
• the capacity for a flexible approach to problem solving.