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FT1PFT-Critical Practice in Film & Theatre

Module Provider: Film, Theatre & TV
Number of credits: 60 [30ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Autumn, Spring and Summer
Module Convenor: Dr T Murjas
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: FT1CHA and FT1TFC
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: b.g.woolland@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This module aims to give students experience of developing and devising work in theatre and video, introducing processes of group work and of production in both areas and exploring in practice some of the conventions which underpin communication in film and theatre. This will give them a common vocabulary for the discussion of practical work; and also an awareness of some of the ways in which film and theatre interrelate.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

  • work effectively in groups in order to plan and then to produce practical exercises in theatre and in video;
  • demonstrate through practical exercises and documentation that they have drawn on their studies in the co-requisite courses to inform the planning, realisation and documentation of practical exercises;
  • demonstrate through practical work and documentation a critical awareness of the effects of different kinds of decision making in theatre and video production and the interaction of various areas of decision making in the construction of meaning; and thereby
  • articulate their understanding of 'critical practice' (practice as a means of exploring critical issues and articulating critical understanding) as it applies both to drama and to video production;
  • document, analyse and critically evaluate processes and products of group practical work, drawing on appropriate critical and theoretical frames of reference;
  • install a simple lighting rig in the drama studios, in accordance with the safety policy of the department;
  • operate a simple lighting rig effectively and efficiently;
  • operate video camcorders and editing equipment safely and efficiently;
  • demonstrate through group work an understanding of basic methods of theatre and video production, including appropriate formal conventions.

    Additional outcomes:
    The module plays a significant role in the development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course: oral communication, argument and collaboration required for effective group work; management and communication skills required to satisfactorily carry out responsibilities in small and large group exercises; appropriate deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument, both individually and collectively; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis, evaluation and development of film, video, drama and theatre.

    Outline content:
    The module consists of structured and developing group exercises in theatre and in video, designed to introduce processes of group work and of production in both areas and to explore in practice some of the conventions which underpin communication in film and drama. At each stage practical work is followed by critical analysis (oral and written) requiring students to reflect on the effects of their decision making and to relate their own work to wider practices and critical concepts. The module begins with a foundation of theatre and video exercises designed to establish a common vocabulary for the discussion of practical work.

    The module then extends students' experience of critical practice in both theatre and video production and acts as the basis for the choice of Part Two practical options. In the Spring Term students undertake group exercises in video production, designed to explore video processes and the formal conventions of narrative film. The theatre production (performed in the summer term) explores practices and theories of non-naturalist performance through a group workshop production, directed by a member of staff.

    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    The early part of the module is workshop based, with small group practical work leading to class discussion and analysis. In subsequent video work, group tutorials lead to the preparation of scripts. The exercises are shot and edited by each group, partly outside class time. The theatre production (performed in the Summer Term) is developed through seminars, workshops and rehearsals, informed by critical reading and discussion.

    Contact hours:

      Autumn Spring Summer
    Lectures
    Tutorials/seminars      
    Practicals 60  60  24 
    Other contact (eg study visits)     Rehearsal 
    Total hours 60  60  24+rehearsal 
    Number of essays or assignments Diagnosticdocumentation and analysis exercises for video and theatre.  2  1 xdocumentation and analysis of theatre production. 
    Other (eg major seminar paper) Diagnosticgroup exercises.  2x group video exercises.  Theatreproduction. 

    Assessment:
    Coursework:
    Autumn and Spring
    Several group exercises will be presented and students will be required to document each exercise individually.
    Summer Term
    A theatre production will be performed, and students will be required to analyse, evaluate and document it.
    Relative percentage of coursework:100%, of which Drama = 50%
    Film/Video = 50%
    Examinations
    None
    Requirements for a pass
    Minimum 40% in both Theatre and Film/Video
    Reassessment arrangements
    Autumn and Lent term:
    by written course work e.g.(a) storyboard and accompanying commentary and (b) fully documented production intentions for a theatre piece.
    Summer Term:
    by project and/or related written work.

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