FTMCIC-Critical Issues in Contemporary Performance

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: s.e.bartley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Explore innovations, forms and themes in contemporary performance through one or more case studies dedicated to a societal issue. You will gain an understanding of a variety of key debates to contextualise the performances conceptually, socially, ecologically and politically as well as how these ideas are being debated in the wider culture. In each case study, you will explore a rich cluster of critical and theoretical writing and explore a range of performance forms, which may include immersive, street theatre, live art and installation. Case studies vary each year based on staff expertise, but may include: performance and labour, performance and ecology, applied and community theatre and performance, world theatre, neoliberalism and late capitalism contexts and responses. Practical workshops will allow you to experiment with performance strategies, exploring the interplay of theory and practice.

Aims:

This module aims to give students an overview of an area of contemporary performance and the multiple performance strategies and theoretical debates within it. Students will address key questions at the intersection of contemporary performance and social, political, economic, and ecological ideas by considering current societal challenges and how performance can intervene with creative, imaginative and innovative responses. Through performance case studies, students will engage with the current debates within the UK, as well as gain an understanding of global contexts. This module connects performance analysis with timely economic, ecological, social and political issues and related theoretical approaches.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key critical debates in contemporary performance;


• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of a range of ways that performance makers have explored contemporary ideas in performance as a formal, stylistic and thematic concern;


• Analyse and evaluate individual performances informed by relevant critical and theoretical perspectives;


• Extend students’ skills of performance and contextual analysis;


• Relate their understanding of contemporary performance to a range of other concepts introduced by the course, including identity, alternative forms, authorship and political theatre.

Additional outcomes:

This module contributes to the development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course, including:

• Oral communication and argument in group situations;


• Deployment of research using printed and electronic resources;


• Critical analysis and coherent argument;


• Undertaking self-directed, independent work;


• Identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of theatre and performance;


• Observe the shifting status and forms of contemporary storytelling in relation to environmental, political and social issues.

Outline content:

Through multidisciplinary approaches, students will research existing practice from the UK, North America, Europe and beyond. Students will cover a range of practices, such as interrogating aesthetics and ethics, dramaturgy, scenography, activism, and live art. Each week we will focus on a specific performance, practitioner or company and a contemporary issue. Through international artistic case studies, we will connect performances and critical issues in the world today.

Global context:

This module is international in scope, including global examples of performance and relevant geopolitical issues.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Within the two hour class a range of teaching styles will be used and vary from week to week. Short lectures may be used where appropriate to introduce contextual or critical issues for discussion. The primary teaching methods will be seminar-based discussion and interactive workshops around prepared reading of theoretical approaches, performance-making methods, and play texts. Critical analysis of both live and recorded performances will inform discussions of approaches and practices. Short presentations or performance- based activities may be involved, prepared by individuals or small groups. Creative projects that engage with performative elements may also be involved. There may also be one theatre trip, to London, Reading or surrounding area, or attendance at a digital performance event.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Individual Learning Journal responding to several prescribed written tasks throughout the course of the module. 50%


2. Project: A performance demonstration OR an alternative written presentation task. 50% 

Formative assessment methods:

Formative Assessment will be offered through tutorials and in-class work.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

A written assessment will be offered in place of the oral presentation.

The essay option will be offered for the project.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 23 September 2020