The Theatre Experience (ENGL20034)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is for students across the university interested in understanding and appreciating 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 theatre in society. Seminar 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
- 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: 9 April 2025
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: 9 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An essay
| Mid semester | 25% |
A performance analysis
| During the examination period | 50% |
A group project presentation (15 mins) and group write-up
| During the teaching period | 25% |
| Hurdle requirement: Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
| Hurdle requirement: Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Lindsay Goss Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 24 hours: a 2 hour seminar per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Additional delivery details
This subject contains online video screenings most weeks of 0.5-2 hour. AV materials can be accessed in the student’s own time, some online through modules and others through the library system.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be available through the LMS, and the performances that are studied each week will be available for online streaming. 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 Course Master of Arts and Cultural Management Course Graduate Certificate in Arts Course Bachelor of Arts Course Graduate Diploma in Arts Major English and Theatre Studies - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 9 April 2025