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 2023/24
ENGL1295 - Approaches to Theatre and Performance 1 ENGL1291 - Approaches to Theatre and Performance
This module is not approved as a discovery module
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 the semester two module Performing Text, Making Theatre.
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.
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
1. Work collaboratively to come to creative solutions, and to use performance methods as a mode of research and enquiry.
2. Use written and oral communication effectively;
3. Develop your capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse;
4. Apply key strategies for exploring and analysing contemporary theatre practice;
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.
This module will introduce you to a close focus on selected theatre and performance texts, texts on or by notable theatrical practitioners, texts that introduce theoretical or contextual perspectives, performances at local professional theatres. It will cover a broad consideration of how theatre is made today in professional and other contexts, including modes of making theatrical performances, modes of reading and analysing live performance.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit | 2 | 2.5 | 5 |
| Studio Time | 10 | 3 | 30 |
| Technical Training | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 100 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 80 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
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.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2750 | 67 |
| Practical | 15min group presentation | 33 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resits for the practical are conducted as an alternative form of assessment comprising a ‘blueprint’ for a theatre or performance event with an accompanying critical contextualisation.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 3/13/2023
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team