2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PECI1240 Introduction to Musical Theatre

20 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Prof George Rodosthenous
Email: g.rodosthenous@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

N/A

Module replaces

PECI1708

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will provide a guide to the history and development of the Hollywood, Broadway and West End musical. Students will listen to and study examples of musicals from a range of twentieth century composers. There will be an exploration of the relationship between cinematic and theatrical narratives and musical structures. Students will consider the impact of economic, political, social and technological factors upon the musical/ film industries. This module will also examine the social/political propaganda in the musical, narratives and sub-texts, 'dream sequences', the 'exotic musical', non-mainstream musicals and recent trends of the musical, the ‘mega musical’, ‘juke-box musical’, etc.

Objectives

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

* Understand the historical development of the musical

* Explore the relationship of song and dance as performative gestures

* Study the complexities and hidden narratives of the genre

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Understand and be able to utilise the basic vocabularies of the form appropriately

2. Recognise the structural conventions of a range of examples of the genre

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the music and the dramatic components of the genre

4. Explain key socio-political contextual themes within their analysis(es).

Syllabus

Indicative Themes and Structure:

- Introduction to the Musical (Functions, audiences and context)

- Narratives and Sub-texts (American in Paris/South Pacific)

- The ‘modern’ musical: cultural fusion (West Side Story)

- Behind the ‘scenes’ (Singin’ in the Rain)

- Representation and Authenticity (Cabaret)

- Myth and adaptation; stage to Hollywood. (La Bohème to Moulin Rouge)

- The Rise of the Rock Musical. (Lloyd Webber – Superstar)

- British Musicals Billy Elliot/Matilda

- American musicals (Across the universe / The Spider Man)

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lectures	10	2.00	20.00
presentation	1	4.00	4.00
Private study hours			176.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Contribution to classes.

- Discussion with tutors (as appropriate)

- Specific assignment support in small group seminars

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,500 word essay	70.00
Presentation	15 minute group presentation	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Alternative assessment is set according to individual circumstances an approved via Exams Tutor and Pro Dean SE.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/05/2023

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