Course Catalogue

Documentary Drama THEATRE4030

  • Academic Session: 2025-26
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 30
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

Documentary Drama explores the history and practice of using 'real life' sources in the creation of materials for the stage. It engages not only practical techniques, but also critical questions relating to politics, ethic and efficacy.

Timetable

9 x 3 hour seminars.

1 x 4 hour practical showing.

Requirements of Entry

Satisfactory completion of L2 Theatre Studies (entry to Honours Theatre Studies)

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

2,000 - 2,500 word critical reflection (40%)

Group devised performance of a documentary drama (max. 20 minutes) (40%)

Group presentation (max. 45 minutes) (20%)

Course Aims

The course aims to:

 

■ explore the ways in which 'real life' documents have been used in the construction of stage plays/productions from the 1920s onwards, including i) the types of documents used ii) the various practices employed iii) the potential effects and iv) historical shifts in agendas and practices;

■ engage with questions of the ethics and politics of using 'real life' documents;

■ consider the potential relationship(s) between 'stage' and 'real life';

■ explore, through collaborative practice, devices of gathering, structuring and presenting a documentary drama;

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

 

■ identify, articulate and assess current critical theories pertaining to the practice of documentary drama

■ utilise critical knowledge and understanding of the histories, practices and key debates of documentary stage drama;

■ demonstrate an ability to move effectively between practical and theoretical analyses of documentary drama;

■ demonstrate teamwork skills.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions