Overview
In this unit you will study the development and structure of theatre styles from a variety of historical and cultural contexts including, but not limited to, classical and contemporary Asian and European theatre. You will also analyse relevant performance practices as they relate to the theatrical conventions and dramatic literature of each genre and time period.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2018
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit evaluations.
Satisfaction with new unit content.
Keep current unit content.
Feedback from Unit evaluations.
Satisfaction with practical assessment task.
Continue to engage students with practical assessment task.
Feedback from Unit evaluations.
Students dissatisfied with inclusion of academic research assessments.
Theatre Studies units are the only core units that require written academic assessments. Recommend that assessments be kept to improve academic rigor of course.
- Examine the development and structure of theatre styles from classical and contemporary Asian and European theatre
- Articulate various attributes of performance practice relating to classical and contemporary Asian and European theatre
- Relate the performance practices in each genre to the theatrical conventions and broader political, social, and cultural contexts of the period.
N/A
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 30% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | |||
| 3 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 30% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
| 3 - In-class Test(s) - 40% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Commedia Dell'Arte: An Actor's Handbook
(1994)
Authors: John Rudlin
Taylor and Francis Ltd.
London London , UK
ISBN: 978-0415047708
Binding: Paperback
Physical Theatres: A Critical Reader
(2007)
Authors: John Keefe, Simon Murray (Editors)
Routledge
New York New York , NY , USA
ISBN: 978-0415362528
Binding: Paperback
The Japanese Theatre
Revised Edition (1995)
Authors: Benito Ortolani
Princeton University Press
NJ , USA
ISBN: 978-0691043333
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
The prescribed texts for this course are: Commedia dell'Arte: An Actor's Handbook by John Rudlin, Physical Theatres: A Critical Reader by John Keefe and Simon Murray (Eds.), and The Japanese Theatre by Benito Ortolani. These texts will be available through open source web links and the university bookshop.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
p.dawson@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Topic 1: Introduction to Mask, Mime and Ritual
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 2: Commedia dell'Arte
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 2: Commedia Dell'Arte
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Submission of written assessments and presentations due.
Research/Presentation Assessment Due: Week 4 Tuesday (27 Mar 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Japanese Theatre
Intensive production period: no classes, workshops, lessons in discipline areas
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Japanese Theatre
Intensive production period: no classes, lessons, workshops in discipline areas
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 3: Japanese Theatre
Intensive production period: no classes, lessons, workshops in discipline areas
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 4: The Ancient World and the Performance of Everyday Life
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 5: The Renaissance, Restoration, and Revelry
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In class test Due: Week 8 Tuesday (1 May 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Topic 6: The Resurgence of Ritual
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 7: Mask and Mime
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Topic 7: Mask and Mime
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Revision
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
In-class test
In class test Due: Week 12 Tuesday (29 May 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Research/Presentation Assessment on Commedia dell' Arte
Length of written documentation: 750 - 1000 words
Length of presentation (on campus): up to 10 minutes of a Commedia dell'Arte Scenario
Task
Students will, in assigned groups, present a Commedia dell' Arte Scenario. Each member of your group will take on an assigned role: director, designer (set, costume, lighting, props, sound etc.) and every student in the group will perform. Exceptions may be made for directors. The goal of each project is to create a historically informed presentation of the selected text with respect to the performance conventions of Commedia dell' Arte including: accurate portrayal of stock Commedia characters relevant to the scenario, use of masks and appropriate costumes, incorporation of lazzi, and moments of improvisation. In-depth research is essential to the project. Each student will also submit a 750-1000 word analysis of their assigned character including: specific character traits, mask design, physical representation and use of lazzi, as well as a reflection on what purpose the character serves within the world of Commedia. The written assessment must be accompanied by appropriate historical and academic documentation. On campus students must also submit a peer review through Moodle on the day of the presentation.
Distance Learning:
In the case of distance students, the individual student will prepare and submit a written/visual exploration of a scenario from the perspective of director, designer and actor. This presentation must be accompanied by appropriate historical and academic documentation, as well as a brief written articulation of process. Students will choose one stock Commedia character to analyze. See above for required length of documentation. Additional documentation may be submitted in the form of sketches, visual representations, etc. Internet links to Commedia scenarios will be made available on Moodle.
PART A: (On campus presentation only)
Some parameters for the performances:
- Performances do not have to be held in the theatre. The use of alternative sites on-campus is encouraged. The venue should be chosen to best serve the piece.
- Students must formally request the use of CQU theatrical spaces, costumes, tech support etcetera, if needed, well in advance of the presentation.
- Any venue used for rehearsal and/or performance will be returned to it's original state after the presentation and will be treated with respect at all times.
- Consideration will also be given to the general public. Students will be conscious of any disruptions their presentations may cause for other members of the campus community.
- Any costumes, props, set pieces used in the presentation will be stored in an appropriate place when not being used for rehearsals and performances.
- It is imperative that comprehensive research be done for each presentation, including an in-depth reading of the text.
- Gender is not an issue with regards to the casting of roles.
Part B: Written (Distance and on-campus students)
Assignment Presentation:
- This assignment is to be saved as a Word document and submitted online through the course website.
- Use 12 point Times New Roman font.
- 1.5 spacing throughout.
- Sub-headings may be used as appropriate.
- Documentation may include sketches, visual media, etc.
- A Reference List must be included with all written assignments. The referencing style is APA 6th edition.
- All excerpts from primary sources, including diagrams and pictures should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the Reference List.
- Do not rely solely on web-based sources. On-line research sources obtained from peer reviewed journals or academic databases are acceptable. Any internet sources used must be scholarly and accredited. Citations from Wikipedia, Sparksnotes, or similar websites are not to be used under any circumstances.
Week 4 Tuesday (27 Mar 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Vacation Week Friday (13 Apr 2018)
Assessment Criteria:
- Ability to fulfill the requirements of the role. 15%
- Historical accuracy and/or commitment to vision. 15%
- Participation in process. 10%
- Ability to clearly articulate your process/participation with regard to the assigned project. 30%
- Depth/quality of research and documentation. 30%
- Articulate various attributes of performance practice relating to classical and contemporary Asian and European theatre
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
2 In-class Test(s)
This will be a short-answer test based on the learning materials provided for the topics for this unit.
Week 8 Tuesday (1 May 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Friday (18 May 2018)
- Accuracy of responses
- Depth of discussion provided in each response
- Relate the performance practices in each genre to the theatrical conventions and broader political, social, and cultural contexts of the period.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
3 In-class Test(s)
This will be a short-answer test based on the learning materials provided for the topics for this unit.
Week 12 Tuesday (29 May 2018) 11:45 pm AEST
Friday, Exam Week
- Accuracy of responses
- Depth of discussion provided in each response
- Examine the development and structure of theatre styles from classical and contemporary Asian and European theatre
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Cross Cultural Competence
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
