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 (Including Year Abroad) |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies |
| Final award: | BA |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Honours |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | Dance, Drama and Performance |
| JACS code: | W402 |
| Publication date: | 10/04/2013 |
| 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, with one A-level in a humanities subject GCSE English Language: C BTEC National Diploma: DDM IB: 30 points |
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 (Including Year Abroad)
Programme aims:
To enable students to study a wide range of dramatic texts, ranging from Ancient Greek times to the present day. To provide students with an understanding of the principal developments in European Theatre. Provide a detailed examination of the history, function and structure of Comedy and an overview of Contemporary Writing and Performance Art. To enable students to: Understand the methodology necessary for undertaking a close analysis of a text passage or film extract. Acquire the critical terminology to identify and name the literary devices at work in a text. Work in a small group to prepare a presentation that demonstrates the skills involved in the close reading of an unseen text. Appreciate the relationship between the written and the spoken language. Develop students' understanding of the relationship between the various theatre forms of the past and the theatre of the present. Introduce students to a variety of primary and secondary sources. Enable students to create their own group performance projects. Develop their skills of analysis, argument and rational thinking to equip them for a wide variety of careers and/or further study.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : A selection of dramatic texts from Ancient Greek times to the present day A2 : Major theatre genres which might include: Didactic theatre, Expressionism, Naturalism, Surrealism, Epic, Theatre of the Absurd A3 : A range of Western theatre theorists, which might include: Aristotle, Brecht, Artaud, Grotowski, and Stanislavski A4 : The various forms of Theatre Comedy including an introduction to key secondary critics e.g.Bakhtin and Freud. A5 : Performance Art A6 : Contemporary Theatre writing. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
B2 : Integrate and evaluate information and data obtained from a variety of sources including books, journal papers, the Internet and theatre performances. B3 : Analyse and evaluate a wide range of dramatic texts B4 : Synthesise relevant information in order to develop a rational, coherent argument |
C: Practical Skills
|
C1 : Apply a critical methodology to the analysis of playtexts C2 : Use accepted conventions of presenting references and bibliographies in writing C3 : Develop an individual style of writing C4 : The ability to present effective practical theatre projects C5 : Apply the principles of research to appropriate secondary reading C6 : The ability to plan, manage and conduct a group activity |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : Present ideas and evidence, both orally and in writing, effectively and clearly IT Skills: D2 : Use appropriate IT to research and present materials Problem Solving: D4 : Analyse relevant materials, identifying problems and creatively proposing solutions Working with Others: D5 : Participate effectively as a member of a group. Contribute to the management of practice based projects Self Learning: D6 : Under guidance, working independently, demonstrating self-organisation and time-management, and being receptive to feedback in the form of written comments on coursework and oral communication; an ability to reflect on their own work and to respond constructively to the comments of others. |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods The principal methods of delivery for A1 to A6 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. A5 and A6 are developed through a programme of seminars and workshops delivered by academic staff and theatre practitioners. Assessment Methods Knowledge and understanding is assessed through closed-book examinations, written course work group practical projects, and oral presentations. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods Intellectual and cognitive skills are developed through seminars, practice based seminars and workshops. Final year projects allow students to apply these skills. Assessment Methods B2 is assessed through written examinations and course work The main assessment methods for skills is through group theatre presentations |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods Practical skills are developed during workshops (C4.C6) Students develop their creative practice and production skills through a cycle of practice, feedback and critical reflection(C1) Assessment Methods The main assessment method for practical skills is marked practical theatre course work. C6 will involve Peer group assessment |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods 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. Assessment Methods 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:
STUDY ABROAD YEAR
1. Students must comply with the rules and regulations of the partner university.
2. Study Abroad students are required to take a full module load, which is a minimum of 30 ECTS credits per semester in Europe, 12 US credits per semester or quarter term in the US, or equivalent elsewhere. The Study Abroad Office will provide details.
3. Modules must normally be taken for a Grade, not on a Pass/Fail basis.
4. Modules should normally be taken at the appropriate study level. Detailed guidance will be provided by the designated Departmental representative.
5. All Study Abroad module choices must be approved in advance by the designated Departmental representative.
6. On a four-year degree, the Study Abroad Year will be weighted as 60 Essex credits for degree classification purposes, but all modules taken abroad will be used in calculating the converted marks.
Year 1
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | TH141-4-FY | Introduction to Drama | Core |
| 02 | TH142-4-FY | Introduction to Theatre Making | Core |
| 03 | TH143-4-FY | Text Into Action | Compulsory |
| 04 | LT111-4-FY | Literature: Origins and Transformations | Core |
Year 2
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | TH241-5-FY | Models of Morality | Compulsory |
| 02 | 2ND YEAR THEATRE STUDIES OPTION (30 CREDITS) | Optional | |
| 03 | 2ND YEAR THEATRE STUDIES OPTION (30 CREDITS) | Optional | |
| 04 | 2ND YEAR LITERATURE OR THEATRE STUDIES OPTION (30 CREDITS) | Optional |
Year 4
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Final year Theatre Studies option(s) from list | Optional | |
| 02 | Final year Theatre Studies option(s) from list | Optional | |
| 03 | Final year Theatre Studies option(s) from list | Optional | |
| 04 | Final year Theatre Studies, Film or Literature option(s) from list or Independent Study possible | Optional |
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.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Prof Helen Nicholson
- Institution: Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
- Academic Role: Professor of drama and Theatre
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)