Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit develops 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 potential developments in the framework of post modern performance.

Informed through a series of staff and student led seminars and independent study, you will undertake a sustained piece of academic writing and use the opportunity to confidently apply the academic skills acquired.

Outline Syllabus

• Key contextual issues influencing developments in performance including world cinema/ theatre, collaborative performance, gender, identity, and emerging performance genres, cultural and ethical issues, and perceptions of reality versus theatricality 
• Development of critical argument through the application of research
• Application of academic protocols 
• Advanced study skills

Method of Delivery
Seminars, group tutorials. viewings and visits as appropriate.

Aims

A1 To further expand and broaden your knowledge of performance within the context of emerging issues and perceptions.
A2 To identify links between your specialist topic 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 which will enable independent learning and self- management

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

LO1 Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues and perceptions of 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
Berger. J. (1972). Ways of seeing. London: BBC / Penguin Books.
Brook. P. (1990). The empty space. London: Penguin Books.
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.
Soles. D. and Lawler.G. (2005). The academic essay: How to plan, draft, write and edit. 2nd ed. Taunton: Studymates.

Recommended
Burnett. K. (2007). Collaborators. London: The Society of British Theatre Designers.
Cook. P. (1996). Fashioning the nation: costume and identity in British cinema. London: BFI Publishing.
Dixon. S. (2007). Digital performance: A history of new media in theatre, dance, performance art and installation. London: MIT Press.
Hall, P. R. and Burnett, K. (2002). 2D/3D: Design for theatre and performance. London: Society of British Theatre Designers.
Hall, P. R.and Burnett, K. (1999). Timespace: design for performance 1995 -1999. London: Society of British Theatre Designers.
Ingham. R. (1998). From page to screen: how theatre designers make connections between scripts and images. Portsmouth: Heinemann Educational.
Sierz. A. (2001). In-Yer-Face Theatre: British Drama Today. London: Faber and Faber.

Additional guidance on primary and secondary sources and other appropriate material will be provided by your tutor and Subject Librarian.