This module will ask students to critically engage with fundamental questions about theatre, such as 'what is performance?', 'who decides what a performance means?', 'why do we care about the fates of fictional characters?', 'why do we enjoy watching tragic events on stage?' and 'what ethical, political and philosophical questions does performance raise?''. After writing an essay focussing on one of these questions, the class will then turn its attention to a range of performance texts and the various conceptual and philosophical questions that arise from them. Alongside theoretical discussion of these concepts, the students will also direct excerpts of the plays in question, allowing them to bring the theory and practice into fruitful dialogue in an assessed performance.
Total contact hours: 48
Private study hours: 252
Total study hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
Essay (3,500 words) (50%)
Practical Assessment (50%)
Reassessment methods:
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The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an ability to combine creative and conceptual ideas in a cogent and coherent manner.
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the relationship between theoretical and philosophical ideas and performance practice, specifically directing.
3. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the ways in which performance can support or enrich a critical understanding of theoretical ideas.
4. Express themselves articulately using a variety of methods through the development of sustained argument and the use of ideas at the forefront of the discipline..
5. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and systematic understanding of key aspects of ethical, aesthetic and political philosophy and its implications for performance theatre directing.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Work collaboratively with other students, thereby gaining a deep understanding of group dynamics and handling interpersonal issues. Critically interrogate a range of difficult ideas and concepts, and to synthesis information effectively.
2. Apply the methods, skills and ideas they have learned to review and extend their knowledge to carry out projects.
3. Apply critical and creative skills in diverse forms of discourse and media.
4. Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively, to a professional standard, coherent and sustained arguments in a variety of media, verbally and in writing.
5. Work independently on a self-directed research project, thus developing organisational skills and demonstrating an ability to manage their own learning.
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