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The Theatre Experience (ENGL20034)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
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This subject is for students across the university interested in understanding and enjoying theatre, an ancient art form that enjoys continuing popularity in many modern societies, including Australia. Drawing on a range of local and international examples from mainstream and experimental performance styles, we examine what is distinctive about the theatre experience, and what it can tell us about the place and times we live in. Students new to theatre should gain some insight into why it remains such a vital art form, as well as a firm grounding in theatre appreciation that will serve them well long after the subject is over. More experienced theatre-goers will find the subject’s approach to the fundamentals of the form a refreshing and provocative basis for deeper understanding and further study. In order to achieve these goals, the subject is divided into three parts. Part One identifies theatre’s unique qualities. Part Two explores how to analyse them. Part Three considers theatricality in mass culture. Lectures and tutorial discussions will draw on plays, critical writings and performance recordings, while also making the most of Melbourne’s own vibrant theatre scene.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should have:
- knowledge of a range of theatre styles, and their defining features;
- understanding and application of theatre terminology, as it relates to the component parts of the theatre building, and of plays and other theatrical events;
- familiarity with key critical terms in Theatre Studies, and the ability to use them appropriately in order to analyse and assess theatrical performances;
- the ability to compare and contrast different kinds of performances, and to support arguments with reference to relevant secondary sources, and selected critical theories;
- confidence in discussing and debating the inherently diverse features of creative activities, and the inherently ambiguous qualities of artistic events; and
- experience participating in a small group project as a means of engaging in collaborative learning about theatre.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- demonstrate sound and independent critical and ethical thinking in their choice of materials and processes;
- be able to present written and oral communication to a professional standard regarding their treatment and material choices;
- be able to engage in critical thinking and analysis by communicating arguments and ideas effectively;
- develop understanding of social, ethical and cultural contexts.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- An essay of 1,000 words (25%), due mid-semester
- A performance analysis of 2,000 words (50%), due in the examination period
- A group project presentation (15 mins) and 1,000 word group write-up (25%), due during semester.
- Hurdle: This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Paul Rae Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 30 hours: a 2 hour seminar per week and a screening most weeks of 0.5-2 hours. (AV materials can also be accessed in the student’s own time, some online and others through the library system.) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject contains a screening most weeks of 0.5-2 hours, however, AV materials can also be accessed in the student’s own time, some online and others through the library system.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be available through the LMS. The performance analysis will be based on a live performance viewed locally in the course of the subject.
Recommended:
• Balme, Christopher B. The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Studies (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008).
• Brook, Peter. The Empty Stage (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1990).
• Leach, Robert. Theatre Studies: the Basics (Abingdon and New York: Routledge, 2008). - Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Arts and Cultural Management Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - English and Theatre Studies Specialisation (formal) Graduate Diplom in Arts - English and Theatre Studies Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - English and Theatre Studies Major English and Theatre Studies Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - English and Theatre Studies - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 27 April 2024