Module Information

Module Identifier
TPM0230
Module Title
COMPOSITIONAL PRACTICES
Academic Year
2010/2011
Co-ordinator
Professor Mike Pearson
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminars / Tutorials 5 x 1 hour seminars - 5 contact hours
Practical Practical sessions: 10 x 3 hours. 30 contact hours.
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 0.5 Hours   Practical Group Presentation  60%
Semester Assessment Critical evaluation of group presentation (2,500 words)  40%
Supplementary Assessment 0.5 Hours   Resit Assessment 1  60%
Supplementary Assessment Resit Assessment 2  40%

Learning Outcomes

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

To demonstrate advanced understanding of the complex strategies and techniques involved in making contemporary theatre and performance.

To take responsibility for putting into operation, in an ordered and meaningful way, the methodological and representational principles studied; to display an ability to work effectively and co-operatively in a collaborative project, including in a leadership capacity.

To employ advanced skills in conducting well-informed independent research and creative practice; to evaluate critically complex strategies and techniques of composition, structuring and staging, leading to the creation of a group practical presentation.

Brief description

This is a practical, participatory module that explores and enacts strategies, methodologies and techniques of making contemporary theatre and performance. Each session will concentrate upon a specific aspect of the compositional process and culminate in the creation of a short performance work that demonstrates the principles under examination. Whilst particular emphasis is placed upon the professional practices of staff involved, models and frameworks will also be drawn from key contemporary European theatre and performance makers.

Content

Module content includes: elements of composition; conceptual strategies; devising, writing and choreographic methodologies; the generation and accumulation of material; the ordering, articulation and modulation of material; uses of space and time; site; text; scenography; audience, (Content may be adjusted to capitalize upon the specific expertise of those delivering the module). A fortnightly Seminar will accompany the module, helping students to develop strategies for reflecting critically on their practical work and thus informing the development of a reflective methodology towards PFM0660.
Content of Practical Sessions:

1. Making theatre and Performance: Practices, practitioners, procedures
2. Dramaturgy: text, narrative, units and sequencing of action [e.g. Forced Entertainment, UK]
3. Scene: place, scenography, mise-en-scene [e.g. Pearson/Brookes, UK]
4. Space: Site, location, journety [e.g. Lone Twin, UK]
5. Figure: Character, performer, ensemble [e.g. Needcompany, Be]
6. Movement: Choreography, physicality, modulation [e.g. Rosas, Be]
7. Voice: Speech, song, 'authenticity' [e.g. New York City Players, US]
8. Sound: environment, language, listening [Janet Cardiff, CAN]
9. Media: Meditation, intermediality, distanciation, relationality [e.g. Wooster Group, US]
10. Audience: Participation, engagement, rationality [e.g. Quarantine, UK]

Seminar Content:
1. What is critical reflection?
2. Artists' Writing
3. Modes of Reflection
4. Documenting Practice
5. Preparing Assessments

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number This element is not assessed.
Communication The ability to communicate ideas effectively is developed and assessed
Improving own Learning and Performance Self-regulation, motivation and time-management skills are developed through the module and are demanded for the successful completion of its assignments
Information Technology The ability to utilize information technology both in the research for and delivery of assignments is assessed directly.
Personal Development and Career planning Transferable skills (managing personal workloads and meeting deadlines, designing and realizing assessment projects) are developed and assessed directly.
Problem solving Analytical problem solving, outcome recognition and the identification of appropriate strategies and procedures are encouraged and assessed.
Research skills Independent research and the development of effective personal research practices are encouraged and assessed.
Subject Specific Skills See QAA Dance, Drama and Performance Subject Benchmark Statement (version 2007). The following subject specific skills are developed and partly assessed: Advanced understanding of the complex strategies and techniques involved in making contemporary theatre and performance. Putting into operation, in an ordered and meaningful way, the methodological and representational principles studied. The ability to work effectively and co-operatively in a collaborative project, including in a leadership capacity. Advanced skills in conducting well-informed independent research. To develop complex strategies and techniques of composition, structuring and staging, leading to the creation of a group practical presentation.
Team work Seminar discussions demand the application of skills necessary to conduct collaborative activity, such as negotiating ideas and opinions. Students work in collaboration with others on the formulation and implementation of practical research.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7