The module introduces students to significant approaches and research methods associated with the study of theatre history. It draws on students' previous and current studies of performance texts and styles to investigate how we make theatre history, what evidence we draw upon, and what implications these histories have for our current performance making In the first part of the module students will increase their knowledge and understanding by investigating key periods in Western theatre history such as the English renaissance, the popular Victorian stage, modernism and the post-war theatre of the absurd. In a series of tutor led seminar/workshops, the students will consider the historical contexts that gave rise to changing conceptions of dramatic character, dialogue and action. Particular attention will be given to the material conditions in which theatre artists worked and the relationship between the theatre and the culture at large in any given period. In the latter part of the module students will apply their knowledge and research skills in a student-led, staff-supervised practical project.
This module is supported via the Personal Tutor scheme via a series of timetabled weekly small group meetings.
This module aims to:
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The particular methods of enquiry used will vary each year depending on the period under investigation and the expertise of the module tutors, but will include methods associated with the study of material culture including:
Personal Tutor System activities:
For the first sixteen weeks, this module is taught via a combination of lecture presentation, seminar and workshop. Lectures and seminars will be used to embed knowledge and understanding of key questions and methods in theatre historiography and to increase the students' understanding of the cultural contexts in which specific groups of plays, dramatic conventions, theatre buildings and theatre industries developed. Workshops will be used to explore historically distant texts drawn from a range of periods from the perspective of the performer. From midway through the second teaching block, students will work independently in groups (though with tutor supervision) to create a performance utlizing the skills acquired in this module. The intention is to increase students' understanding of the connection between theory and practice in our subject area as a whole, as well as their ability to think critically and creatively and to organize their research findings into practical outputs.
This module is directly linked to the Personal Tutor system. Students meet regularly in small groups or on a one-to-one basis with their personal tutor. The tutorial sessions help them to consolidate and reflect on their learning in this module and to prepare for assignments, as well as offering more general support and guidance in relation to the transition to degree-level study. Groups for the final project-based assessment are formed from tutor groups and supervised by the personal tutor.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 16 x 2 hour workshops (including presentation/viewings) | 32 |
| Guided independent study | Independent group rehearsal, including scheduled group supervisions | 15 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Performance (including own performance and watching others) | 8 |
| Guided independent study | Independent Study | 235 |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 10 X 1 hour small group tutorials | 10 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Formative assessment for this module will include:
There are two summative assessment points in the module:
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate an understanding of the social and ideological contexts of the making of theatre and its histories. | Formatively in essay plan and rationale Summatively in essay and performance |
| Reflect meaningfully on varieties of evidence of past theatrical activities. | Formatively in essay plan and rationale Summatively in essay and performance |
| Search for and select relevant sources of information.(Key Skill: Research and Information Literacy Skills) | Formatively in essay plan and rationale Summatively in essay |
| Present, challenge and defend ideas effectively in written form. (Key Skill: Communication Skills) | Formatively in essay plan Summatively in essay |
| Determine the scope of a practical project) (Key Skill: Management and Leadership Skills) | Formatively in the rationale Summatively in performance |
| Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between current theatre practice and the theatre practice of the past | Fornatively in essay plan and rationale Summatively in essay and performance |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 60 |
| PRC | Performance 10-15 Minutes | 40 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
There is no single core text. Tutors will suggest key readings depending on the period being studied.
Bratton, J. S. (2003) New Readings in Theatre History. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Brown, I. (ed.)(2011) The Edinburgh Companion to Scottish Drama. Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press
Burke, P.(1988)What is Cultural History. Cambridge, Polity Press
Jenkins, K. (2003) Re-thinking History. London, Routledge
Davis, J. (2011) Researching Theatre History and Historiography. In Kershaw, B. and Nicholson, H. (eds.) Research Methods in Theatre and Performance. Edinburgh, Edinburgh University Press, pp. 86-110.
Dromgoole, N. (2007) Performance Style and Gesture in Western Theatre. London, Oberon
Postlewait, T. (2009) The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Historiography. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press
Postlewait, T. and McConachie, B. A. (1989) Interpreting the Theatrical Past: Essays in the Historiography of Performance. Iowa City, University of Iowa Press
Shepherd, s. and Womack, P. (1996) English Drama: A Cultural History. Oxford, Blackwell
Zarrilli, P. B., Maconachie, B., Williams, G. J., and Fisher Sorgenfrei, C. (2006) Theatre Histories: An Introduction. London, Routledge