Programme specification

This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.

SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD

Programme: Drama and Modern Languages
Awarding body: University of Essex
Teaching institution: University of Essex
Department: Language and Linguistics
Final award: BA
NQF Level of Qualification: Honours
Full / Part Time Full-time
QAA Benchmark Group: Languages, Cultures and Societies
2nd QAA Benchmark Group - Joint Schemes: Dance, Drama and Performance
JACS code: RW94
Publication date: 11/04/2013
Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions.
A-levels: BBB
GCSE English Language: C
IB: 30 points

If French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish (or equivalent) is required. German, Italian and Spanish can be studied as the major language either from scratch, via our intensive route, or via our post A-level route. All languages can be studied from scratch as the minor language.

If you are interested in studying a language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact our Undergraduate Admissions Office.

SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS

This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.

Programme: BA Drama and Modern Languages

Programme aims:

This scheme aims to: Enable students to become proficient in one or more modern languages, developing an appropriate level of fluency and accuracy in using the language(s) as a medium of understanding, expression and communication (both oral and written), with awareness of stylistic and sociolinguistic variation, and (where relevant higher-level courses are taken) developing a corresponding level of proficiency in translation, interpreting, and creative writing. Develop students' understanding of aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries which use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, enabling them to draw comparisons with their own culture and observe contrasts, and (through the year abroad) to experience, engage with and integrate into another culture. Enable students to study a wide range of dramatic texts (ranging from Ancient Greek times to the present day), acquiring an understanding of the principal developments in European Theatre, and of the relationship between the various theatre forms of the past and the theatre of the present. Enable students to examine in detail the history, function and structure of Comedy and an acquire an overview of Contemporary Writing and Performance Art, becoming familiar with a variety of primary and secondary sources of Drama material, and creating their own group performance Drama projects. Develop a range of transferable cognitive skills (including skills of analysis, argument and rational thinking), practical skills and key skills, and a acquire foundation for further study, employment and lifelong learning. The outcomes listed below represent the minimum expected of a graduate on this scheme; it is anticipated that the vast majority of graduates will achieve significantly more.

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

expand paragraph   A: Knowledge and Understanding

A1 : Phonology, morphology, syntax, lexis, usage, and socio-stylistic variation in the chosen modern language(s), and (on relevant higher-level courses) techniques of translation, interpreting, and creative writing
A2 : Aspects of the culture and society of one or more countries which use the chosen modern language(s) as a medium of communication, drawing comparisons with their own culture and observing contrasts.
A3 : Linguistic concepts and metalanguage used to describe and analyse the chosen modern language(s), and analytic methods and techniques used to analyse texts and other authentic modern language materials from a variety of perspectives
A4 : A selection of dramatic texts from Ancient Greek times to the present day
A5 : Major theatre genres which might include: Didactic Theatre, Expressionism, Naturalism, Surrealism, and Theatre of the Absurd.
A6 : A range of Western theatre theorists which might include Aristotle, Artaud, Brecht, Grotowski and Stanislavski
A7 : The various forms of Theatre Comedy including an introduction to key secondary critics e.g. Bakhtin and Freud.
A8 : Performance Art
A9 : Contemporary Theatre writing

expand paragraph   B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills

B1 : Abstract and synthesise information from authentic written and spoken language materials
B2 : Interact in the chosen languages, expressing one's own ideas (and responding to those put forward by others) coherently and articulately
B3 : Analyse authentic Modern Language materials from a variety of perspectives
B4 : Integrate and evaluate information obtained from a variety of sources including books, journal papers, the Internet and theatre performances
B5 : Analyse and evaluate a wide range of dramatic texts
B6 : Synthesise relevant information in order to develop a rational, coherent argument

expand paragraph   C: Practical Skills

C1 : Organising and presenting (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in the specialist languages
C2 : Gather and process information from different sources, e.g. doing a bibliographic search in the library, accessing material from online databases and locating and downloading appropriate foreign language materials from the Web
C3 : Apply a critical methodology to the analysis of playtexts
C4 : Produce a bibliography using standard conventions
C5 : Develop an individual style of writing
C6 : Be able to present effective practical theatre projects
C7 : Plan, manage and conduct a group activity

expand paragraph   D: Key Skills

Communication:  D1 : Present ideas, information and arguments (both orally and in writing) effectively and clearly in English and the chosen Modern Language/s (with the level of Modern Language fluency depending on the level of the modules taken)
IT Skills:  D2 : Demonstrate IT skills which will typically include the ability to do word processing, use Powerpoint and e-mail, conduct bibliographic searches, locate and download internet materials, and utilise software packages.
Problem Solving:  D4 : Analyse relevant materials, identifying problems and creatively discussing solutions
Working with Others:  D5 : Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team (including, in the case of Drama, contributing to the management of practice-based projects)
Self Learning:  D6 : Work autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management; reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others; learn new material; adapt to new ways of learning.

Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:

expand paragraph   A: Knowledge and Understanding

Learning Methods

Modern language proficiency A1 is developed through classwork, homework, use of dedicated software and Web materials, and the year abroad. Cultural awareness A2 is developed through class and web materials, and the year abroad (during which students experience, engage with and integrate into another culture, either by a period of study at a partner institution offering the opportunity to operate in a different academic, linguistic and cultural environment, or by working as a language assistant and thereby acquiring valuable vocational experience of working abroad). Skills of linguistic analysis A3 are developed through study of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class.
A1-A3 are reinforced by feedback from staff in class, in office hours, or by email.

In Drama, the principal methods of delivery for A4 to A7 are lectures, seminars, and practice-based theatre seminars. Understanding is reinforced by a combination of class assignments, group project work and continually assessed course work. A8 and A9 are developed through a programme of seminars and workshops delivered by academic staff and theatre practitioners.


Assessment Methods

A1-A3 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

A4-A9 are assessed on Drama courses through closed-book examinations, written course work, group practical projects, and oral presentations.


expand paragraph   B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills

Learning Methods

B1-B3 are developed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

B4-B6 are developed on Drama courses through seminars, practice based seminars and workshops. Final year projects allow students to apply these skills.

Assessment Methods

B1-B3 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

B4-B6 are assessed on Drama courses through written examinations and course work.


expand paragraph   C: Practical Skills

Learning Methods

C1 and C2 are developed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

C3-C7 are developed on Drama courses during workshops. Students develop their creative practice and production skills through a cycle of practice, feedback and critical reflection.


Assessment Methods

C1 and C2 are assessed on Modern Languages courses by a range of methods which typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials.

Skills C3-C7 are assessed on Drama courses, mainly through marked practical theatre course work, but C7 involves Peer group assessment.


expand paragraph   D: Key Skills

Learning Methods

Methods employed to develop key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic (textual, or video, or film, or aural) materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students in office hours and via email.

In Drama, generic skills are taught and learned throughout the degree through a range of strategies. These include: requiring students to give oral presentations; specific assignments requiring bibliographic and web searches; class discussion; class preparation; essay preparation. Students have the opportunity to discuss essay plans with staff and are given feedback on all their course work which encourages them to reflect on their own work and improve it. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills by working in groups and through participation classes For every course specific assignments essays and dissertations are assessed for qualities that implicitly incorporate all these skills


Assessment Methods

Methods employed to assess key skills on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations which may involve the use of Powerpoint; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials

In Drama, key skills are assessed throughout the degree through continuous assessed course work and examinations . Communication skills are assessed by course work and examinations including theatre presentations and oral presentations. IT skills are a component in the evaluation of most assessed work which requires bibliographic and web searches. Problem solving skills are assessed in almost all assignments. Skills in improving learning and performance are also assessed through the related structured progression of formal assessed work.



SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE

Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary, and view module details in the module directory.

Additional notes on module choices:

A student's overall choice of modules (including project topic where applicable) must be approved by the course director, and the choice of modern language modules must be approved by the Modern Languages Co-ordinator.

Students who take two 15 credit modules should note that these will not be aggregated.

If two languages are taken on this course, the second language must be studied for at least two consecutive years, and up to at least Intermediate level (level 3). Two different LA modules in the same language (if available) may be taken (at the same level) in any given year. Students are not allowed to take a module in the same language at different levels in the same year.

The range of LA and TH modules available on this course are as specified in the course lists published annually by the Department of Language and Linguistics and the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies. The choice of LA modules taken must satisfy requirements on progression pathways and must enable students (by the end of their final year) to have attained level 6 proficiency (C2) in one modern language and at least level 3 proficienty (B1) in any other modern language(s) taken. (The relevant levels and pathways are specified in the document Proficiency Levels and Progression Pathways in Modern Languages published by the Department of Language and Linguistics).

A student cannot normally be awarded a degree without attaining the target level specified for each language on at least one module in the language.

expand paragraph   Year 1

Component No.Module CodeModule TitleStatus in Award
01TH141-4-FYIntroduction to DramaCompulsory
02TH142-4-FYIntroduction to Theatre MakingCompulsory
03LANGUAGE (ADVANCED) OR (PART 1 INTENSIVE) (30 CREDITS)Core with Options
042ND PART INTENSIVE LANGUAGE OR SECOND LANGUAGE (30 CREDITS)Compulsory with Options

expand paragraph   Year 2

Component No.Module CodeModule TitleStatus in Award
012ND YEAR THEATRE STUDIES OPTION (30 CREDITS)Compulsory with Options
022ND YEAR THEATRE STUDIES OPTION (30 CREDITS)Compulsory with Options
032ND YEAR MAJOR LANGUAGE (ADVANCED OR ABOVE) (30 CREDITS)Compulsory with Options
042ND YEAR LANGUAGE (ELEMENTARY OR ABOVE) (30 CREDITS)Compulsory with Options
05LA099-5-FYCareers and Employability Skills for Languages and LinguisticsCompulsory

expand paragraph   Year 4

Component No.Module CodeModule TitleStatus in Award
01Final year Theatre Studies option(s) from listCompulsory with Options
02Final year Theatre Studies option(s) from listCompulsory with Options
03Final year Major Language (mastery level) option(s) from listCompulsory with Options
04Final year Language (intermediate or above) option(s) from listCompulsory with Options


SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT

Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/ug/rules.htm

Assessment information for individual modules can be found on the Module Directory at http://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/

See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Online Resource Bank.

NOTE

The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)