Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150

This unit asks you to question theories, practices and traditions of performance in relation to your own study and career aspirations. 

You will develop research, critical understanding and analytical skills to inform your developing practice by exploring emerging issues and perceptions of traditional and historical contexts, and to consider these in relation to your own practice and career aspirations.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit:

• Development of critical argument through the application of research 
• Application of academic protocols 
• Advanced study skills 
• Sector analysis and contemporary practice in performance 
• Professional roles and responsibilities, career and post-graduate possibilities

Method of Delivery
Lectures, seminars, workshops, discussions. presentations, group and individual tutorials.

Aims

A1 To further expand and broaden your knowledge of performance within the context of contemporary practice
A2 To identify links between your specialist practice and the relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
A3 To establish an understanding of the various processes and methods of research and critical appraisal.
A4 To develop the organisational skills that will enable independent learning and self- management.
A5 To develop your awareness of career and post-graduate opportunities available to you.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues in performance.
LO2 Demonstrate your ability to make links between your specialist topic and relevant theoretical/conceptual frameworks.
LO3 Demonstrate your understanding of the various processes and methods of research and critical analysis
LO4 Demonstrate the application of organisational skills and evidence of independent learning and self-management.

Reference Material

Key
Dunmore, S. (2004) An Actor’s Guide to Getting Work. 4th ed. London: A & C Black.
Gordon, R. (2006). The Purpose of Playing: Modern Acting Theories in Perspective. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.
Jones, R. E. (2004). The dramatic imagination: reflections and speculations on the art of the theatre. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
Lehmann. H.T. (2006). Postdramatic theatre. London: Routledge.

Recommended
Blaxter, L. Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2002). How to research. Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Bloch, S. and Bates, T. (1997). Employability – how to get your career on the right track. London: Kogan Page.
Dunmore, S. (2004). An Actor’s Guide to Getting Work. 4th ed. London: A&C Black.
Fenner, J. (ed.). (1998) The Actor’s Handbook. 3rd ed. London: Bloomsbury.
Gash, S. (1999). Effective literature searching for research. (2nd ed.). Aldershot: Gower Press.
Hart, C. (2001). Doing a literature search. London: Sage.
Scales, P. and West, T. (2005). So You Want To Be An Actor? London: Nick Hern Books.
Soles. D. and Lawler.G. (2005). The academic essay: How to plan, draft, write and edit. 2nd ed. Taunton: Studymates.
Soles, D. (2003). Writing an academic essay – how to draft, revise and write essays. Taunton: Studymates.

Journals, further web links and other reference specific to your particular course will be provided by your tutor.