Module Identifier SG10320  
Module Title MODES OF PRACTICE: SCENOGRAPHY  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Mr Richard D Downing  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Simon J Banham  
Pre-Requisite Registration for Scenographic Studies on entry to Part One  
Co-Requisite SG10420 , PF10120  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   10 x 2 hr Seminar/Workshops  
  Other   5 x 1 hr performance viewings/video screenings  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Personal management + contribution within seminar/workshop. This work will be assessed against the following criteria: -Personal management: attendance, punctuality, appropriate preparation, sensitive and effective procedure within group tasks. -Class contribution: engagement, proactive involvement, awareness of concepts addressed 25%
Semester Assessment Research Folio. This will be a collation of research documents pertaining to five independent research investigations set by the course tutors. This work will be assessed against the following criteria: - Engagement: effective application of research skills - Selection: appropriate selection of key material. - Presentation: effective organisation/presentation of selected material 25%
Semester Assessment Class Presentation. An individual concept proposal requiring the development and exhibition of 1) a three-dimensional object evoking the proposal and 2) supporting two-dimensional material which demonstrates the aims, strategy and intended outcome of the proposal. Presentations will be assessed against the following criteria: - Concept: evidence of awareness of scenographic methodology and the relationship between 'aim' and 'outcome' - Development: evidence of concept exploration and development. - Communication: effectiveness of the presented materials in communicating the stated ideas - Form: appropriate, efficient and imaginative use of media employed. 50%
Supplementary Assessment Assessments 2 & 3 may be re-submitted. Failure of Assessment 1 would necessitate the following supplemetary assessment: 1 x 2000 word essay summarising and reviewing the individual student's Personal Development Plan, with particular reference to the demands and skills necessary for the conduct of Scenographic Studies. The work will be assessed against the following criteria: - Objective analysis: ability to identify key skills and to objectively analyse personal strengths and weaknesses in relation to those skills. - Strategic planning: evidence of consideration of strategies to develop weaker key skils. - Clarity of expression: ability to express ideas clearly, logically and effectively. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
  1. Recognise a range of key scenographic concepts and methodologies
  2. Demonstrate awareness of these concepts and methodologies within a proces of research and practical investigation
  3. Demonstrate skills of personal organisation and management necessary for the effective conduct of individual and group tasks of enquiry.
  4. Demonstrate a basic ability to present and communicate scenographic ideas.

Aims

The aims of the proposed module are:

Brief description

Students will be introduced to a range of key concepts and methodologies pertaining to the field of contemporary scenographic practice, through the preparation and execution of a series of investigatory, workshop, exercises. These exercises will be informed by a parallel series of documentary screenings and research tasks set by the course tutors but conducted independently by the students. As the module progresses, the focus of the research and workshop exercises will sharpen upon the conception and presentation of an individual scenographic proposal, realised in response to a specific brief from the course tutors. This introduction to fundamental scenographic concepts and practices establishes a skills and knowledge base for the degree scheme as a whole, and one, in particular, to be further built upon in the Semester Two module, SG10420.

Content

The module offers a series of seminar/workshops examining our experience and perception of space, and how these may be influenced by the organisation of scenographic material in space, through time. These examinations are informed by independent research into the work of exemplary practitioners within the field, and further supported by the presentation (through live performance or documentary film) of significant, contemporary, scenographic practice.

Module Skills

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Mirzoeff, Nicholas (1999) An introduction to visual culture Routledge
Howard, Pamela (2001) What is Scenography? Harwood
Svboda, Josef (1993) The Secret of theatrical Space Applause
Holmberg, Arthur (2000) The Theatre of robert Wilson Cambridge University Press
** Recommended Background
Huxley, Michael and Witts, Noel (eds) (1996) The Twentieth Century Performance Reader London: Routledge
Goldberg, Roselee (1999) Performance Art London: Thames and Hudson

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4