Contemporary Performance Analysis

Subject DRAM10025 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Southbank - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 hours per week – lecture/seminar
Total Time Commitment:


120

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 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

Dr Alyson Campbell

Contact

Contact Centre
T: 13MELB (13 6352)
E: 13melb@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This module acts as an introduction to performance analysis for spectators who are not necessarily theatre specialists. It will look at contemporary live performance, engaging with various theatres and performance spaces in Melbourne, and introduce the languages, methods and theories we can use to discuss the performances we see. This adds depth to the experience of theatre-going and raises questions of how we become active theatre-goers and participants in an arts culture. It will engage with how theatre sits in relation to wider culture and society.

Learning Outcomes:

• To introduce students to theatre as a particular form of live performance event;
• To develop an understanding of the theoretical and cultural analysis of performance.

Assessment:
  • Seminar in-class exercises (discussion, presentation of ideas, short written tasks).- Continuous assessment 40%
  • Essay (2000 words) - End of semester 60%
Prescribed Texts:

Aston, E., and Savona, G. (1991) The Theatre as Sign System. London: Routledge.
Barry, P. (1995) Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Fortier, M. (2002) Theory/Theater. 2nd edn. London: Routledge.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

• In both written and verbal forms, be able to critically and theoretically analyse, evaluate and interpret performance texts and performance events from a range of critical perspectives;
• Be able to identify and interpret the cultural frameworks that surround performance events;
• Be aware of the ways in which performance may be related to the representational politics of race, gender, class, sexuality, and culture, etc.;
• Be able to produce written work adhering to the standards of academic practice in terms of referencing;
• To introduce students to theatre as a particular form of live performance event;
• To develop an understanding of the theoretical and cultural analysis of performance and presentation.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Music)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Practice)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)

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