RA1S39 - Perspectives on Theatre and Performance 18 Jul 2024 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: RA1S39
Module Title: Perspectives on Theatre and Performance
Faculty:
Faculty Group:
Faculty Sub Group:
Module Leader: Sian Summers
Module Team: Ian McNish
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh:
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 18 Jul 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To introduce students to some of the main ways theatre and performance, in a broad sense, might be discussed and analysed, fostering an understanding of key figures, movements and developments across time and culture. 

To establish a common vocabulary for analysing a range of live, mediated and written texts 

To encourage students to explore and understand the different elements that comprise live and mediated performances; for example, mise-en-scene and scenography, light and sound, the actor, written and spoken text. 

To help students to see the ways in which creative practice is underpinned by critical and conceptual analysis. 

To introduce students to conventions of critical writing and to research skills appropriate for the undergraduate 

Content Summary

The module introduces a range of perspectives on 'performance'. Though a programme of theatre visits / performances online, screenings and readings of selected texts, the module engages with a range of discourse connected to 'performance'. Drawn upon may be discourse pertaining to, for example, the dramatised/performative society, theatre ecology, intermediality, cultural/critical theory (including feminist theory and semiotics), performance analysis, the creative industries, performance studies, theatre and science including cognitive science and performance / live art. Although the emphasis is not historical, examples will be chosen with a regard to the development of conventions and practices across time so that students can gauge the development of theatre and performance according to a socio-historical perspective. The module will open up questions of analysis in relation to live performance, and students will explore the way that components of performance including mise-en-scene and scenography, space, sound, light and audience interact to create meaning. The actor/performer will be considered as both a singular component of a performance as well as a point where other elements intersect. Students will deliver a presentation on assigned topics connected to the central theme of the module and a portfolio of short play reviews. These assessments are designed to introduce and develop the academic writing, research and study skills appropriate to the undergraduate theatre and drama student and to instill confidence in their ability to successfully express themselves in these areas. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminars 6
Practical Classes and Workshops 30
External Visits (including fieldtrips) 20
Directed Study (including online learning) 60
Independet Study 84
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Investigate and apply diverse perspectives on theatre and performance.
LO2 Relate theory to theatre and performance orally and in writing.
LO3 Discuss a range of performance genres, texts, forms and practitioners.
LO4 Utilise academic writing, research and study skills appropriate to the undergraduate drama student.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Presentation (Asynchronous) 1 Group Presentation 20 N/A 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Collection of short play reviews 0 N/A 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation (Asynchronous) 1
Portfolio 1

Reading List

Barry, P. (2009) Beginning Theory. 3rd edn. Manchester: Manchester 

University Press 

Brayshaw, T. & Witts, N. (eds.) (2013) The Twentieth Century Performance 

Reader. 3rd edn. Routledge: London 

Carlson, M. (2003). Performance: A Critical Introduction (2nd edition). London: Routledge 

Case, S. (2008) Feminism and Theatre. London: Palgrave Macmillan 

Counsell & Wolf. (2001) Performance Analysis: An Introductory 

Coursebook. London: Routledge 

Drain, R. (1996) Twentieth Century Theatre: A Sourcebook, London: Routledge. 

Elam, K. (2002). The Semiotics Of Theatre And Drama. 2nd edn. London: Routledge 

Fortier, M. (2002) Theory/Theatre. 2nd edn. London: Routledge. 

Gamble, S. (2001) The Routledge Companion to Feminism and Postfeminism. London: Routledge. 

Schechner, R. (2012) Performance Studies: An Introduction. 3rd Edn. London: Routledge 

Zarrilli, P., McConachie, B., Williams, G.J. & Sorgenfrei C. (2010) Theatre Histories: An Introduction. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.