| Unit name | Interpreting Plays |
|---|---|
| Unit code | DRAM23128 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. White |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Theatre |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In this unit, students will learn how to read play-texts in order to understand how they operate on stage and with a view to exploring them in performance. Students will acquire skills in close textual reading, and examine the conventions of dramatic writing in which the play-text is located. They will be introduced to the importance of understanding genre in approaching a play, including the need to be alert to a writer’s deliberate deviations from relevant conventions of playmaking. In addition, they will consider the particular theatrical milieu in which the playwright worked as well as the theatre practices (such as acting, directing and scenography) prevalent at the time of writing. They will also learn the importance of exploring the broader social, cultural and political environment which influenced the playwright and the audience of the play.
Aims
Plus as appropriate to the mode of teaching, that is, the combination of seminar and practice-based workshop and/or presentations:
Seminars, workshops, screenings, as appropriate
Optional units may be taught according one of three models, depending on student numbers choosing the option and resource matters. Unit convenors will decide on teaching mode in consultation with HoE and with students in advance of advertising option year-on-year. Contact hours and assessment details will be mapped to teaching mode, as detailed below.
Model A is a seminar-based unit
Model B combines seminars with workshops encompassing an average 30-hour production period
Model C is taught through workshops encompassing an intensive 60-hour production period
Teachers will assign assessments according to the teaching mode employed.
Model A:
3,000-word essay (50%) + student presentation (25%) + 1,500-word write-up (25%), or equivalent.
OR
Model B:
Essay [1,500 words] (33%) +
Workfile (22%): containing evidence to demonstrate student contribution to workshops / practical exercises; contribution to seminars Presentation/performance (22%) Critical analysis [1,500 words] (22%)
OR
Model C:
Workfile (33%): containing evidence to demonstrate student contribution to workshops / practical exercises; contribution to seminars, preparation & execution of technical production role Presentation/performance (33%) Critical analysis [1,500 words] (33%)
Exemplary:
