FT1ATP-Analysing Theatre and Performance

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

Module Convenor: Dr Matt McFrederick
Email: m.mcfrederick@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

How do theatrical stories allow us to examine and reimagine our impression of the world today?  What practical qualities do theatre makers return to - or reinvent - in creating meaning in performance?

In this introduction to theatre and performance, you will share your interpretations and expand the ways you see and think about theatre in relation to the world today. You will learn how to be a confident spectator and reader of theatre through a range of diverse and topical performances in local or in London-based venues - previous trips have included the National Theatre, RSC Live, Peking Opera, the West End and smaller, innovative fringe venues.

Aims:

This module aims to familiarise students with a range of critical and interpretive tools for the close analysis of theatre texts and performances; to enhance their understanding of the ways that meaning is produced and organised in plays and performances; to enable them to recognise mainstream theatrical conventions, and to describe them in appropriate terms; to enable them to recognise departures from mainstream convention, and to understand these systematically, and describe them in appropriate terms; to extend their understanding of the specificities of theatre texts and performances. Students will engage with a diverse and inclusive syllabus through the texts and performances they study, which will mainly begin from the late nineteenth century to the contemporary and concentrate on their historical and cultural contexts, as well as the stylistic and performative nature of these works.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• demonstrate skills of close analysis appropriate to the study of theatre and performance


• convey through close analysis an understanding of the ways in which meaning is produced in theatre texts and performance


• examine texts and performance through critical and interpretive tools such as semiotics and performance analysis.


• investigate the central conventions of theatre, and their interrelationship, in order to make informed comparative judgements and to develop clearly argued interpretations


• evaluate in written work a critical understanding of the institutions and contexts of theatre and performance from the late nineteenth century to the present.

Additional outcomes:

The module plays a significant role in the continuing development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved in the following will be appropriate to the level of study: 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; presentation of written work using IT; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of theatre.

Outline content:

The module provides an introduction to methods of textual and performance analysis in theatre. Working with play texts and theatre performances, the module develops approaches to the close analysis of theatrical performance. The module introduces a critical vocabulary for theatre as well as more specific terms and approaches to the medium.

• lectures, seminars


• reviewing a specific production, analysing the creative choices made in: space, scenography, costume, performance, text, story, etc.


• May include guest speakers and visiting practitioners

Global context:

The module examines a number of case studies from world drama from the end of the nineteenth century to the present, where students will have the opportunity to consider international theatre cultures and performance conventions. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module employs a wide variety of teaching and learning methods: lectures, seminars, exams, essays of different lengths, set readings, assessed presentations, one-to-one tutorials, screenings, and field trips. There is a charge for theatre trips. These are compulsory and will take place throughout the module as a necessary part of the teaching. The majority of these trips will take place in London, but trips in the past have involved visits to Oxford and Bristol and local Reading venues.< /p>

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9
Seminars	13.5
External visits	6
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	36
Wider reading (directed)	36
Peer assisted learning	10
Preparation for presentations	16
Preparation for seminars	20
Essay preparation	40
Reflection	13.5
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	70
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group presentation and essay.

Formative assessment methods:

Staff and peer verbal feedback in seminars. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: £15-30 

Last updated: 30 March 2023