Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Western Australian 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.

Please note that given the circumstances of COVID-19, there may be some modifications to the assessment schedule promoted in Handbook for Semester 1 2020 Units. Students will be notified of all approved modifications by Unit Coordinators via email and Unit Blackboard sites. Where changes have been made, these are designed to ensure that you still meet the unit learning outcomes in the context of our adjusted teaching and learning arrangements.

• Unit Title

  Foundations of Performance: History and Context

• Unit Code

  ACT1102

• Year

  2020

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Ms Glenda LINSCOTT

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Description

This unit reviews the historical evaluation of Western theatre arts practice from ritual to Ancient Greek Theatre to the present. It provides students with a rigorous background in theatre development and a global perspective on the role of theatre in specific cultural and political expressions. Students will explore different styles, influences and methodologies that influence the generation of creative practice.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded ACT1002

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Articulate the influences and developments within historical and contemporary theatre arts practice.
2. Appraise political, economic and social contexts in shaping theoretical movements in theatre and performance.
3. Select and critically analyse information from a range of academic and other sources.
4. Situate contemporary theatre practice in a chronological history of Western Drama.
5. Present ideas and information in appropriate oral, visual and written academic genres.

Unit Content

1. Overview of theatre history before 20th century.
2. Overview of theatre history from 20th century to the present.
3. Key works by contemporary American, British and Australian playwrights.
4. Academic writing skills.
5. Analytical and critical thinking.
6. Oral presentation skills.
7. Research and writing skills - searching databases, reading difficult texts, analysing assignment questions.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Engage in ensemble work, lectures, group discussion, examination of written texts, self directed library activities.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework 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.

Core Reading(s)

• Büchner, G., & Price, Victor. (2008). Danton’s death ;: Leonce and Lena ; Woyzeck (p. 60). London: Methuen Drama. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/879713216
• Marlowe, C., & Forker, C. (1994). Edward the Second (pp. xiv, 369). Manchester: Manchester University Press. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/28424618
• Ovid, M., & D., A. (1998). Metamorphoses (p. 480). Oxford ; New York: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/847131142
• Ibsen, H. (1980). Plays. Plays Ghosts. The wild duck. The master builder. London: Methuen. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/7209642
• Molière, W., & Heron, C. (2009). The imaginary invalid = Le malade imaginaire. [Auckland, N.Z.]: Floating Press. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ecu/detail.action?docID=441213
• Behn, A., & Russell, A. (2004). The rover, or, The banished cavaliers (pp. 1–220). Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Pub. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/41376863

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