Course Catalogue

Theatre Studies 1: Reading The Stage THEATRE1001

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course introduces students to the languages and protocols of performance theory and analysis.

Timetable

2 lectures per week (M, W, 4-5pm) plus one 1.5 hour seminar per week for 10 weeks at times to be arranged. No lectures on: M and W of week 6 (reading week); M and W of week 12 (project week). No seminars in week 6 (reading week).

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 1 x Essay (2,000 words) - 50%

■ 1 x Group Presentation (Approx. 20mins depending on the group size) - 30%

■ Seminar Participation - 20%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

■ Individual presentation - either face to face or recorded - as alternative to the group presentation.

■ Formative class assessments as alternative to individual seminar participation.

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Provide critical methodologies for the analysis of theatre and performance events

■ Provide an introduction to performance theories

■ Develop critical languages and methodologies by encouraging an understanding of the potential role of performance theories in the engagement with and analysis of the theatrical text and performance

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify and interpret the performance event with reference to a range of appropriate performance theories

■ Demonstrate an appreciation the meaning and significance of theatre in different societies and be able to engage critically with cultural debates related to theatre

■ Read the critical literature critically, and be able to identify problems clearly for discussion in seminars

■ Use seminars with confidence as a way of clarifying and evaluating ideas, and as a means to exploring theoretical issues through practical application

■ Present ideas critically, clearly and coherently in academic essays, developing well-structured arguments, and observing the disciplines of referencing, footnoting and bibliography

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions