ED2TSC-Theatre for Social Change

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Simon Floodgate
Email: s.floodgate@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will enable students to explore the concepts of ‘change’ and ‘social change’ in the context of applied theatre. Students will develop an understanding of the applications of theatre for change via engagement with a range of key practitioners and forms. The module will explore who changes, how change is brought about and whether change is necessarily a good thing within these practices. At the end of the module students will have skills to evaluate the impact and efficacy of theatre for social change and to appraise the notion of transformation in the broader context of education.

Aims:

• To familiarise students with key concepts and practice within the realms of applied theatre and theatre for social change

• To critically debate notions of applied and community theatre

• To engage in and explore the work of key historical and contemporary international practitioners located within the context of theatre for social change

• To critically analyse the intentions, efficacy and impact of the work undertaken

• To critically debate the validity of a contemporary theatre for social change

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Draw on key theoretical concepts to analyse the impact of methodologies for theatre for social change


• Clarify a definition of social change in relation to human agency


• Compare and contrast different practices employed in the service of theatre for social change


• Critically evaluate the impact of practical work undertaken


• Demonstratean appropriate understanding of research relating to projects or theories in theatre for social change

Additional outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students should also be able to:

• Comprehend practical applications of theatre for social change such as Image Theatre, Forum Theatre and Playback Theatre


• Reflect upon the impact of engaging in forms of theatre for social change as participants in creation, delivery and reception of work

Outline content:
' Key concepts such as change, social change, applied theatre and community.
' A range of applied theatre contexts, where drama and theatre take place in non-traditional settings, will be introduced.
' Students will examine the instrumental methodology of Bertolt Brecht
' Drawing upon Paulo Freire's education theories, students will then explore Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed Originating in a feudal system in South America as a means to use theatre as a languageto fight oppression, Boal brought his methods to Europe when in exile. Here they were adapted to meet the different, more internal means by which individuals were oppressed.
' Introduction to Playback Theatre.

Global context:
The module has a strong international flavour within its subject matter. The historical socio-political contexts of Germany in the first half of the twentieth century, Brazil in the throes of 1960s military coups and a mid-1970s east coast USA at the heart of a range of civil rights movements and the birth of post-modernism, are entirely core to an understanding of these theatres for social change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A mixture of lectures, potentially some practical workshop sessions, small group seminars and discussion groups. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1 x 2,500 word assignment

Formative assessment methods:

There will be formative comments by the tutor as well as opportunity for peer feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:
Resubmission during the summer resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:The essential text books for this module can be seen on the online reading list.  A selection of these texts are available either in the library or through access to UoR online resources. Alternatively, you may be able to source reading materials through a number of online retailers where they may be obtained at a lower cost than the publisher’s recommended price.

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 30 March 2023