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  2. Words and the Body [ACT1008]

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Words and the Body

  • Unit Code

    ACT1008

  • Year

    2015

  • Enrolment Period

    1

  • Version

    1

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

Description

This unit investigates how to adapt the student's idiosyncratic vocal use to its most efficient potential in speech and song. The structure of language and elements of speech are researched to support text analysis and development of accurate articulation. The potency of language is physicalised and embedded into performance.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Identify and use appropriate preparatory exercises for vocal rehearsal and performance.
  2. Recognise and notate the sounds of speech using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
  3. Speak and perform written texts using syntax, imagination and responsive embodiment of language.
  4. Use imagination, intonation and correct phrasing when singing in ensemble.

Unit Content

  1. Breath, alignment ,vibration, resonance, and articulation.
  2. International Phonetic Alphabet.
  3. Shakespeares sonnets.
  4. Sight reading.
  5. Structured singing technique classes.
  6. Text analysis.
  7. Vocal health.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Studio based voice and singing classes, Group classes and individual tutorials, Small group activities, pair work and solo exercises, Different acoustic environments will be utilised, Video recording for critical analysis and self reflection. Debriefing, feedback and class discussions, Self study with regard to alignment and breath, Specialist lecturers in singing.

Assessment

GS2 GRADING SCHEMA 2 Used for performance and/or practical based units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescription
PortfolioSight reading, technical progress in singing, vocal performance of a Shakespeare sonnet, assessment of comprehension of IPA, journal

Text References

  • ^ Shakespeare, W. Sonnets.
  • ^ Rodenburg, P. (2008). The need for words. New York: USA. W.W. Norton and Company, Inc.
  • Houseman, B. (2008). Tackling text (and subtext): A step-by-step guide for actors. London: United Kingdom. Nick Hern Books Limited.
  • Linklater, K. (1992). Freeing Shakespeare's voice. New York: USA. Theatre Communications Group, Inc.
  • McEvenue, K. (2002). The actor and the Alexander Technique. New York: USA. Palgrave MacMillan.
  • Berry, C. (1987). The actor and his text. London: United Kingdom. Harrap.
  • Carey, D., & Carey, E. Verbal arts workbook. London: United Kingdom. Methuen Drama.

^ Mandatory reference

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

ACT1008|1|1

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Words and the Body

  • Unit Code

    ACT1008

  • Year

    2015

  • Enrolment Period

    2

  • Version

    1

  • Credit Points

    15

  • Full Year Unit

     N

  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

Description

This unit investigates how to adapt the student's idiosyncratic vocal use to its most efficient potential in speech and song. The structure of language and elements of speech are researched to support text analysis and development of accurate articulation. The potency of language is physicalised and embedded into performance.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Identify and use appropriate preparatory exercises for vocal rehearsal and performance.
  2. Recognise and notate the sounds of speech using the International Phonetic Alphabet.
  3. Speak and perform written texts using syntax, imagination and responsive embodiment of language.
  4. Use imagination, intonation and correct phrasing when singing in ensemble.

Unit Content

  1. Breath, alignment ,vibration, resonance, and articulation.
  2. International Phonetic Alphabet.
  3. Shakespeares sonnets.
  4. Sight reading.
  5. Structured singing technique classes.
  6. Text analysis.
  7. Vocal health.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Studio based voice and singing classes, Group classes and individual tutorials, Small group activities, pair work and solo exercises, Different acoustic environments will be utilised, Video recording for critical analysis and self reflection. Debriefing, feedback and class discussions, Self study with regard to alignment and breath, Specialist lecturers in singing.

Assessment

GS2 GRADING SCHEMA 2 Used for performance and/or practical based units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescription
PortfolioSight reading, technical progress in singing, vocal performance of a Shakespeare sonnet, assessment of comprehension of IPA, journal

Text References

  • ^ Shakespeare, W. Sonnets.
  • ^ Rodenburg, P. (2008). The need for words. New York: USA. W.W. Norton and Company, Inc.
  • Houseman, B. (2008). Tackling text (and subtext): A step-by-step guide for actors. London: United Kingdom. Nick Hern Books Limited.
  • Linklater, K. (1992). Freeing Shakespeare's voice. New York: USA. Theatre Communications Group, Inc.
  • McEvenue, K. (2002). The actor and the Alexander Technique. New York: USA. Palgrave MacMillan.
  • Berry, C. (1987). The actor and his text. London: United Kingdom. Harrap.
  • Carey, D., & Carey, E. Verbal arts workbook. London: United Kingdom. Methuen Drama.

^ Mandatory reference

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

ACT1008|1|2