SM4053 - Theatre in London (2022/23)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2022/23 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Theatre in London | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | School of Art, Architecture and Design | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2022/23(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module introduces you to the breadth of theatrical venues, genres and approaches that make up London’s vibrant performance scene and how these reflect wider trends in art and society. You will have the opportunity to view pieces ranging from well-known commercial productions, to ground-breaking experimental work. This may include visits to West End theatres, the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Royal Court, Soho Theatre, amongst many others, as well as gallery-based and site-specific performances.
The module’s weekly sessions will alternate between theatre visits and seminars that will seek to socially, historically, and artistically contextualise the piece viewed in the previous class. You will also develop a critical vocabulary for the analysis of live work.
By the end of the module you will be able to understand, analyse and critically discuss performance pieces across a range of genres. You will understand the influence of social, historical and cultural influences on those performances and be able to articulate the impact of performances on the viewing public.
Prior learning requirements
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
The module will be composed of a program of viewings and seminars. Seminars will provide contextual information about the social, historical and artistic trends from which performances viewed by the class arise. It will include opportunities for group discussions and activities to explore the techniques employed in the creation of contemporary theatre, and enable you to develop a critical vocabulary with which to discuss and write about a range performance related subjects. Viewings for the class will be selected by a specialist tutor to reflect the breadth of work currently comprising the London performance scene. (LO1-4)
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Scheduled teaching ensures that independent study is effective and addresses the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. You are expected to, and have the opportunity to, continue with your studies outside of scheduled classes. There will be a range of learning strategies deployed and individual learning styles will be accommodated. The module’s learning outcomes, its contents and delivery, have been scrutinised and will be regularly reviewed to ensure an inclusive approach to pedagogic practice.
The module utilises the University’s blended learning platform to support and reinforce learning, to foster peer-to-peer communication and to facilitate tutorial support. Reflective learning is promoted through assessment items and interim formative feedback points that ask you to reflect on your progress, seek help where you identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to yourself for future development. Throughout the module, you will build a body of work, including reflections on progress and achievement.
Learning outcomes
On completing this module you will be able to:
- identify and analyse a range of performance styles;
- understand the influence of theatre history on contemporary practices;
- appreciate the social functions of performance;
- reflect critically on the content and form of theatrical work.
Assessment strategy
You will be assessed on two pieces of work.
- You will be divided into small groups, with one group presenting in each seminar. Presentations will focus on an assigned topic concerning the performance viewed in the preceding week. The presentation topic will be particular to the piece being reviewed. (LO1, LO4)
- At the conclusion of the module you will submit a critical journal (1500 words) consisting of reflection and analysis of all performances viewed during the semester. (LO2, LO3)