This course is a practical and critical exploration of the most recent developments in the professional field of dramaturgy. Via an appropriate placement, students will be encouraged to work with professional theatre makers to explore the various dimensions of contemporary dramaturgical work for example in respect of script development and/or in support of the rehearsal process.

Depending on nature of the placement

1 X 3,500 word critical report based on placement (100%)

The course aims to:

■ introduce students the practical world of dramaturgical work, with a view to informing subsequent career choices;

■ deepen students' understanding of the potential roles of the dramaturge in contemporary theatre and performance practice;

■ deepen students' understanding of how theatre companies or related arts organisations, and specific practitioners within them (for example, dramaturges, literary mangers, directors), operate;

■ acquaint students with a specific dramaturgical role (for example, in respect of new play development, textual analysis and interpretation in the rehearsal room in respect of a new/canonical text or in respect of education work); and,

■ encourage students to test their theoretical/conceptual understanding of dramaturgical practices and policies against the realities faced by companies and practitioners.

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

■ demonstrate a practical and critical understanding of the work of a dramaturge as a literary manager, in the rehearsal room, in respect of an education agenda or in another appropriate way;

■ demonstrate an ability to assess how a performance piece - be it a new writing text or a revival, be it in script from or in early production development - will work in practice;

■ demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with professional practitioners on artistic projects and be more capable of contributing fully to such projects in future;

■ demonstrate how to use dramaturgical skills effectively with theatre companies or related arts organisations and playwrights; and,

■ reflect critically on such working practices.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.