Critical Studies in Theatre 4

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/20

Institute / School :

Institute of Education, Arts & Community

Unit Title:

Critical Studies in Theatre 4

Unit ID:

PAATC2004

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED:

100103

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit follows the development of Naturalism and Realism from the C19th to C21st, in theatre in Europe, the US and Australia. Students examine what it means to ‘act naturally’ and consider the limits of a style of theatre that aspires to hold the ‘mirror up to nature’ and reflect real life on stage. Students research the broad social contexts and philosophical shifts that underpin the development of naturalism and realism in the theatre. As a result of this unit students analyse and reflect upon the continuing dominance of realism in theatre to contemporary times. Key theorists, playwrights and plays will be studied along with the rise of the director.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component: No

Supplementary Assessment:

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Define the development of naturalism in writing and performance from the 19th century to the 21st century.

K2.	Recognise significant playwrights, practitioners, teachers, theorists, companies and their contribution to the development of naturalism/realism.

K3.	Recognise the key elements and developments in the system of performing formulated by Stanislavsky and his followers.

K4.	Identify the philosophical, social, cultural and economic forces contributing to the development of ideas expressed in Naturalism and Realism on stage.

Skills:

S1.	Apply methods of research, response, discussion, collaboration and reflection, as a basis for lifelong learning

S2.	Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking, oral and written expression and contemporary research approaches

S3.	Show evidence of individual, self-organisational work practices

S4.	Display collaborative and co-operative work practices

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Apply Stanislavsky’s system to rehearsal texts

A2.	Analyse scripts, rehearsal and production processes for live performances

A3.	Contextualise practical learning and aesthetic production within the history of naturalism/realism in theatre from the 19th Century to the 21st century

A4.	Evaluate the contribution of key artists and theorist and the relationship of their work to the history of naturalism/realism.

A5.	Apply self-reflexive reflection and decision making to the creative process

A6.	Apply critical analysis to live performance in the context to naturalism and realism

Unit Content:

Topics may include:
1. The development of Naturalism and Realism from the C19th to C21st, in play/script writing and staging in Europe, America and Australia.
2. Changing notions of ‘reality’ through modernity into contemporary times.
3. The philosophical, economic, technical, social and political threads running through and influencing the development of realism.
4. Playwrights such as Ibsen, Chekhov, O’Neill, Miller, Williams, O’Casey, Pinter, contemporary drama, post drama and documentary theatre.
5. The rise of the director, particularly the methods and influence of Stanislavsky.
6. The ‘marketplace’ in which theatre is created

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	S1, S3, A5	Tutorial participation, completion of hurdle tasks as required and class attendance as measured by written notes brought to class	Tutorial participation, completion of hurdle tasks as required and class attendance as measured by written notes brought to class	5-15%
2.	K4, S3, A2, A6	Reflective critical essay on Naturalism including annotated bibliography.	Individual research with performance analysis	30-50%
3.	K2, K3, S2, A1	Researched group presentations during tutorials with written notes to be handed in.	Oral presentations	10-30%
4.	K1, A3, A4	Short answer test	Short answer test	20-40%

Adopted Reference Style:

Chicago

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency