2022/23 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

ENGL1295 Approaches to Theatre and Performance 1

20 creditsClass Size: 30

School of English

Module manager: Professor Jane Plastow
Email: j.e.plastow@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2022/23

Module replaces

ENGL1291

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module introduces some key strategies for exploring and analysing contemporary theatre practice. It considers both written plays and live performances as 'texts' to be compared, contrasted, re-interpreted and (where appropriate) re-worked. As such it provides excellent preparation for the forms of coursework that are undertaken in Approaches to Theatre and Performance 2, for which this module is a pre-requisite.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of key moments, movements and issues in contemporary theatrical performance; be familiar with a range of examples of textual and non-textual work and able to discuss these critically and engage with them effectively on a practical level; know how to take responsibility for their own learning, and to reflect on the development of their own critical and creative skills; work effectively in teams, negotiating outcomes and collaborating towards performance deadlines.

Learning outcomes
Students will develop:
1. their abilities in working collaboratively towards critically informed creative work;
2. the ability to use written and oral communication effectively;
3. the capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse;
4. apply key strategies for exploring and analysing contemporary theatre practice;
5. the ability to work collaboratively to come to creative solutions, and to use performance methods as a mode of research and enquiry.

Skills outcomes
This module will develop foundational skills that pertain to team work within practice: working collaboratively toward a common goal and deadline; negotiating input; selecting and prioritising input from a range of contributions; delegating and adopting responsibility for different aspects of the same task; defining collective objectives and ambitions; supporting one another's effort with sensitivity and collegiality; recognising the diversity of contribution, of working methods, of skill-sets and maximising their combination.

Syllabus

There will be a close focus on selected dramatic texts, texts on or by notable theatrical practitioners, texts that introduce theoretical or contextual perspectives, performances at local professional theatres. The module will offer students a broad consideration of how theatre is made today in professional and other contexts, modes of making theatrical performances, modes of reading and analysing live performance.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Technical Training	5	1.00	5.00
Group learning	5	2.00	10.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Practical	10	2.00	20.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			45.00
Private study hours			100.00
Total Contact hours			55.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students are expected to devote 100 hours of private study time to this module, with the following suggested breakdown:
- Reading, preparation and follow-up for lectures and seminars (20 x 1.5): 25 hours
- Preparation for group work and practicals (30 x 1): 30 hours
- Preparation for presentation: 15 hours
- Preparation for essay/assignment: 30 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly discussion in seminars; weekly discussion and tutor response to group collaboration in workshops; opportunity to meet tutors during consultation hours; opportunities to develop skills with writing mentors; written feedback on the essay and on the practical work.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	2,750 word critical analysis	66.70
Presentation	10-15 minute group practical performance	33.30
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

In the event of a lockdown, the practical assessment will shift to the preparation of a 'live' online event.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 17/10/2022

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD