module specification

SM5020 - Performance, Art and Film Ideas 2 (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Performance, Art and Film Ideas 2
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Art, Architecture and Design
Total study hours 300
 
228 hours Guided independent study
72 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 35%   Essay (2000 words)
Practical Assessment 30%   Group-led live presentation
Coursework 35%   Research project (2500-3000 words with supporting material)
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Wednesday Morning

Module summary

Developing concepts and ideas investigated in Performance, Art and Film Ideas 1, this module investigates social and cultural issues that are both enacted and questioned by established texts (“texts” in the broader sense of the term, to include works in theatre, cinema and fine art). Informed by critical theory perspectives, a key emphasis is on social interactions, as explored in the communication strategies between artwork and spectator, in the social function of a work, and in the political and ideological context depicted in this or embedded in its creation. The module will also establish a sociological study of performance institutions and their organisation within the professional industry.
The aims of this module are to evaluate the social context of performance, art and film, as it is consciously depicted or latently inherent to a work; to refer to a variety of theoretical perspectives, ranging from critical theories to sociological concepts, in the analysis of such practices. The learning strategy and indicative syllabus will promote innovative ways of exploring the subject in question, making use of inter-disciplinary, blended learning, field research and creative practice.

Prior learning requirements

Pre-requisites for the module: SM4019
Available for Study Abroad? YES

Syllabus

The earlier phases of this module will explore how contemporary social and critical perspectives can be used to analyse texts. A selection of critical theory theoretical concepts and perspectives, (such as post-structuralism, post-modernism, materialism, feminism, psychoanalytic theory and post-colonialism) will be investigated and applied to a variety of performance examples.

The latter part of the module explores how the various institutions of performance reflect our broader social and cultural context, in relation to a selection of theme such as how the performing arts respond to issues like globalisation, education, climate change, capitalism and civil rights.  Students will then activate this learning by applying their conceptual understanding to an imagined practical work.

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Scheduled teaching provides the guidance and foundation to ensure that independent study is effective in addressing the module’s learning outcomes and assessment tasks.

In-class activity makes use of varied student-centred approaches such as active, flipped and blended learning, so that a range of learning strategies is deployed, and individual learning styles are accommodated. Information is provided through a range of means and sources to minimise and remove barriers to successful progress through the module. The course team seeks to embed the University’s Education for Social Justice Framework in fostering learning that is enjoyable, accessible, relevant and that takes account of the social and cultural context and capital of its students.

Activities foster peer-to-peer community building and support for learning. Reflective learning is promoted through interim formative feedback points that ask students to reflect on their progress, receive help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes and make recommendations to themselves for future development. Throughout the module, students build a body of work, including written reflections on progress and achievement.

The School’s programme of employability events and embedded work-based learning within the curriculum supports students’ personal and career development planning. Through these initiatives, students are increasingly able, as they progress from year to year, to understand the professional environment of their disciplines, the various opportunities available to them, and how to shape their learning according to their ambitions.

The following learning and teaching strategies are employed in the course of this module:

• multimedia lectures;
• student-led seminars;
• online activities through blended learning approaches;
• practical creative tasks (occasional practical workshops, creative writing, design, photography and videography);
• visits to relevant points of interest;
• interviews with professionals in the industry;
• interviews with professionals in the industry;
• an interdisciplinary research project;
• live presentations
• essay

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you will be able to:

Cognitive intellectual abilities

LO1: demonstrate an advanced understanding of the cultural and ideological implications of performance, art and film, whether consciously raised or latently embedded in this, and the ability to analyse and sustain arguments in relation to this;

Knowledge and understanding

LO2: apply the methods of research explored to a variety of performance related contexts, including dramatic texts, performative events, live art, performance institutions and applied performance practices;

Transferable skills

LO3: engage with the above contexts on both a critical and creative level, initiating and carrying out written and oral projects;

Subject specific skills

LO4: extend knowledge in relation to the performance industry and its broader cultural context and significance.

Bibliography