FT2DIR: Directing and Dramaturgy

Module code: FT2DIR

Module provider: Film, Theatre and TV; School of Arts and Comm Design

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Mrs Gemma Cutler-Colcough, email: g.cutler-colcough@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE FT1STA OR TAKE FT1DP OR TAKE FT1ES (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 12 September 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to:  

• Explore a culturally diverse range of directing and dramaturgical approaches to creating performance.  
• Equip students with a toolbox of critically informed and aesthetically exciting strategies for directing theatre. 
• Equip students with an understanding of the significance of research informed performance practices.  
• Develop students’ confidence in leading theatre making processes.   

Module learning outcomes

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

1. Recognise and apply in practice different models and approaches to directing in contemporary performance. 
2. Research, design, and deliver a critically informed rehearsal process.  
3. To reflect critically on the politics of specific modes of directing and dramaturgical choices 
4. To work collaboratively in producing performance projects, as well as an ability to work independently and lead an artistic process. 

Module content

This module will enable you to research, plan and conduct rehearsals and offer you hands-on experience of putting this work into action. This module will include practical exploration of the roles, practices, and strategies of the director in contemporary performance. This will also include practical examination of the practices and responsibilities of the dramaturg in theatre making processes and dramaturgical enquiry broadly. Throughout you will engage with case study examples from contemporary performance that expose you to an artistically diverse set of practices. You will work towards developing and leading a rehearsal workshop for you peers midway through the module, which draws on a particular dramaturgical approach. At the close of the module you will stage a scene that engages with your learning over the course.  

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Students will learn with a range of different approaches including technical workshops and practice sessions. Sessions will focus on practical understanding and applications and draw on student led workshops and independent study that students have engaged in.  

Study hours

At least 60 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

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

Assessments with numerical marks

• 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 three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/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.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Ongoing oral feedback will be provided by tutors and peers. 

Reassessment

Additional costs