Module: DRA6003-20 Theatre and Social Engagement

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: HELENA ENRIGHT

Module Tutor Contact Details: h.enright@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module provides students with the opportunity to consider critically and practically the way in which theatre engages in and with the wider world and contemporary society with a focus on areas that include class, identity, politics, gender and race.

This module aims to:

• Explore key practitioners and companies that have engaged with issues of social and political importance

• Critically examine the politics of representation in theatre and the performance of self in everyday

• Enable students to create a performance with a social engagement remit

2. Outline syllabus:

You will be introduced to a range of theatre practitioners and performances that engage with and or challenge social and political paradigms. You will also read and study key texts that explore political, philosophical and social issues. The exact content of the module will vary from year to year depending on availability and expertise of staff.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Teaching and learning will involve activities such as reading, workshops, rehearsals, seminars, research tasks, practical tasks, presentation tasks and writing tasks.

This module also involves self-directed study and group work. You are expected to read relevant texts, research and attend rehearsals outside of the seminar room. Groups will be responsible for arranging meeting/rehearsal schedules and keeping the module leader informed of progress and any issues that need to be addressed.

You will be given the opportunity to complete formative tasks before presenting your summative work for assessment.

• The first formative task (presentation) develops your skills in research, critical analysis and communication skills

• The first summative task (essay on a practitioner/company) allows you to develop your skills in research and critical analysis in more depth

• The second formative task (performance) relates your skills in research and critical analysis to performance and develops your group skills

• The second summative task (performance) draws on and extends your skills in research, group work, critical analysis and performance

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Written work: case study on a specific piece of theatre (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 40

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Performance

• % Weighting: 60