THS 2008 Modern Theatre and Drama

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

SYNOPSIS:

The study of dramatic texts and performance practices provides insights into human experiences and locates these experiences in the context of social history. This course examines the rise of modern theatre and drama, placing it in its socio-political context. It also provides a study of a number of representative plays, both as texts to be read and, where possible, as performances. The plays are considered in terms of the dramatic movements they exemplify. Areas of study include: the Restoration, French Neoclassicism, popular theatre and melodrama, rise of realism/naturalism, anti-realist theatre, and late 20th century theatrical experimentation.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will have:

1. the ability to understand and to respond critically to modern drama, as text and in performance; (Assessment items, Assignment 1 and Assignment 2 refer)
2. an understanding of different modes of dramatic presentation and be able to make informed connections between the differing twentieth century dramatic aesthetics; (All assessment items refer)
3. developed communicative and analytical skills through written papers and tutorial discussion; (Assessment items, Assignment 1 and Assignment 2 refer)
4. a detailed knowledge of specific dramatic texts and performance practices drawn from the period. (Assessment item, Examination refers)

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Quizzes are ongoing throughout the semester.

2.

Students will be advised of the official examination date after the timetable has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   In order to satisfactorily complete the course, students must complete and submit all items of assessment, and must gain at least a passing grade, ie. 50% or greater on the exam.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   (i) Assignments submitted after the due date, and without prior approval of an extension from the examiner, will be penalised at the rate of 10% per working day up to 5 days, after which a grade of zero will be awarded. (ii) Since it is a requirement of the course that all items of assessment must be submitted, any assignments which are beyond the five working day limit will not be eligible for a mark but must be of an acceptable standard. The assignments must be submitted by the end of the semester assessment period.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   The exam for this course is a CLOSED EXAMINATION, and candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any deferred or supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES