Module Information

Module Identifier

TP10320

Module Title

TEXT WORKSHOP

Academic Year

2012/2013

Co-ordinator

Dr Alison Forsyth

Semester

Semester 1

Co-Requisite

TP10220

Co-Requisite

TP10120

Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Other	Workshop: 1 x 2-hours per week

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	1 group presentation (15 minutes)	50%
Semester Assessment	1 written essay (2000 words)	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Assessment 1: A written critical account and where relevant, supporting documentation (equivalent to 2500 words) analyzing a dramaturgical composition of text. The essay should also demonstrate an understanding of and an engagement with a practical exploration of a text studied on the module (a specific rubric and revised assessment criteria would be required)	50%
Supplementary Assessment	Assessment 2: Assessment 2 may be re-submitted within the relevant re-sit period.	50%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. analyze the basic components of the dramaturgical composition of a text.

2. identify and explore ways of embodying the text by combining textual analysis with practical exploration.

3. demonstrate evidence of research into historical, socio-political, cultural and aesthetic parameters relating to the chosen text.

4. engage critically in practice with an excerpt of a dramatic text studied on the module and articulate their findings in a written essay.

5. engage critically in practice with an excerpt of a dramatix text studied on the module and articulate their findings in a performative group presentation.

Brief description

This module contributes to the broad grounding offered by the new series of Departmental, Part One, semester one, mixed-mode, 'Workshop' modules. This grounding introduces students to a range of approaches, methods of investigation, practices anc concepts pertinent to the attainment of a wide overview of the existing (and potential) Theatre Studies landscape.

Content

Indicative content:

. Text and context: locating the text in historical, socio-political, cultural and aesthetic context

. Stage directions and implications (for body, language, space, action, etc

. Story, action, plot, event (theatricality and meta-theatricality

. Mapping characters

. Speech as action (theatrical communication, dialogue, monologue, etc)

. Mapping space through text (fictional space, real space ...)

. Textual/theatrical signs and sign systems

. Rhythm

. Exploring the role of the dramaturg in the theatre

Aims

This module aims to introduce students to the specific qualities inherent to the dramatix text and to think about how they impact on the decisions of practitioners to stage them. In other words, we intend to explore text as a theatrical process, as something which, while it can be read, is always more than literature. We will do this by focusing on and exploring (in a workshop context) the core elements of the dramatic playtext or script: dialogue, character, body, voice, space, rhythm, movement, structure, etc. In these dramaturgical explorations every attempt will be made to engage with the texts theoretically and practically, and locate them within their historical, cultural and aesthetic contexts.

The types of texts to be studied will include: a tragedy, an early or modern drama, a post-dramatic text. Indicative texts might be: Oedipus, Hamlet, The Hamletmachine. 3 x 2 hour sessions will be dedicated to the dramaturgy of each text.

Module Skills

Skills Type	Skills details
Application of Number	N/A
Communication	Students' oral and written communication skills will be developed in workshop environments
Improving own Learning and Performance	Students will be able to develop their research and communication skills
Information Technology	. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their word-processing skills. . Students will be given opportunities to develop their skills using the CPR archive's audio-visual resources, electronic databases and retrieval of sources both on the web and on the UWA LIS. . Students will develop their skills when referencing from the web and related sources, whilst the ability to evaluate (not describe) and ability to be selective in using these materials are also essential key skills. . E-Mail and Blackboard will be used as forms of communication and information-sharing.
Personal Development and Career planning	. Students will be given the opportunity to evaluate current knowledge and skills and set targets for self-improvement. . Students will be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for managing their own learning. . Students will be encouraged to build upon the knowledge gained from workshops and develop skills in self study (supported by the general and specific reading lists and other resources distributed throughout the module)
Problem solving	Problem identification and analysis, particularly when exploring the dramaturgical components of set texts and contexts, and their implications for performance.
Research skills	. Information location; creation of bibliographies . Ability to conduct comparative textual and performance analysis . Students will develop the ability to analyze, interpret, evaluate and integrate knowledge and understanding gained from text analysis and modes of practical exploration
Subject Specific Skills	See above.
Team work	Group work in the workshops will empower students to develop their team-working and leadership skills

Reading List

Recommended Text
Aristotle (1965) 'On the Art of Poetry' in Classical Literary Criticism Penguin Primo search Balme, C. (2008) A Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies Text and Performance pp. 118-32 Cambridge University Press Primo search Cardullo, B. (1995) What is Dramaturgy? New York: Lang Primo search Lehmann, H-T. (1997) Performance Research 2:1 From Logos to Landscapes: Text in Contemporary Dramaturgy pgs 55-60 Primo search Lehmann, H-T. (2006) Postdramatic Theatre Routledge Primo search Luckhurst, M. (2006) Dramaturgy: A Revolution in Theatre CUP Primo search Pavis, P. (2003) Analyzing Performance: Theatre, Dance and Film Staging the Text pp. 198-225 University of Michigan Press Primo search Pfister, M. (1988) Theory and Analysis of Drama CUP Primo search Rozik, E. (2008) Generating Theatre Meaning: A Theory and Methodology of Performance Analysis Sussex UP Primo search Styan, J.L. (1963) The Elements of Drama Cambridge University Press Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4