DT1000 Drama and Theatre Communication Course description

Drama is a form of aesthetic awareness. It examines the big questions in life through perception of others’ experience and the creation of personal dramatic style. Drama and theatre are important parts of the cultural scene, at both the amateur and professional level, and are included in school teaching at all levels.

Drama is also an aesthetic subject with roots in both theatre art and educational science. Drama unites aspects of both these fields in a separate discipline. The link to theatre art is highlighted by the emphasis on skills in and knowledge of theatre history, the language of theatre, dramaturgical devices and acting, among other things. The subjects’ educational science aspects are evident in that drama links learning and upbringing to children’s development through play and other creative activities. One of the special things about drama is that you use your own body and voice as a means of dramatic expression in interaction with others. Drama can therefore promote personal and social development through the use of imagination, creativity, design and cooperation skills.

There is a 100% overlap with the course ZDT1 Drama and Theatre Communication.

Applicants may be able to take this course as an individual course if there are vacant places.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

• has knowledge of general drama and theatre education subjects
• has knowledge of different discourses in drama pedagogy and drama history
• has knowledge of drama in school curricula
• has knowledge of subject didactics
• has knowledge of the main eras in theatre history
• has knowledge of the storytelling tradition
• has knowledge of the language of theatre
• has knowledge of the devices of theatre
• has knowledge of dramaturgy
• has knowledge of theatre production
• has knowledge of actor training

Skills The student:

• is capable of planning, carrying out and assessing drama and theatre activities, primarily for children and young people
• is capable of staging productions with children and young people from different cultures
• masters the discipline’s different forms of expression
• masters oral communication
• masters dance and movement
• masters expression and interaction
• has basic actor training
• is capable of using IT as a learning tool in drama

General competence The student:

• has insight into different forms of theatre and secondary expressions 
• is capable of reflecting on drama issues
• is capable of using knowledge of theatre history
• is capable of making conscious aesthetic assessments
• is capable of assessing their own work with respect to both the process and product
• has developed the use of own creative skills and imagination
• has developed insight into interpersonal relations and multicultural society

The course covers three main areas:

• Drama pedagogy
• Theatre knowledge
• Expression and interaction

Different forms of work and documentation are used in the programme. Theoretical subject matter will primarily be taught through lectures, seminars and practical examples. Practical exercises will form the basis for work on expression and interaction. Drama methods will be tested with fellow students and during periods of practical training. Performances/presentations are carried out under guidance and instruction and based on the project work method.

The programme is largely based on learning together with others. This type of learning process requires togetherness and cooperation over time. The students are therefore expected to be present and actively participate in teaching activities and group work. Note that the programme is very demanding, and that study days are often spent on group work etc. The students are expected to regularly attend theatre productions for children and adults.

Some teaching may be in English.

Practical training The course includes practical training in drama and storytelling. Completing such practical training is a coursework requirement and must be assessed as approved in order to sit the exam.

The team coordinator is responsible for organising practical training in cooperation with the lecturer. The lecturer is responsible for preparing practical training in cooperation with the team and finding practical training institutions.

Practical training in drama comprises a teaching project tested on fellow students and around four days of practical training during the spring semester. The lecturers have main responsibility for follow-up and supervision during the practical training period. The students must submit a written report on the practical training.

Practical training in storytelling consists of telling fairy tales in primary/lower secondary school. The lecturers have main responsibility for follow-up and supervision during the practical training period.

The student cannot be absent for more than 20% of teaching and supervision activities The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

In the main area of drama pedagogy:

• development of a teacher-in-role process tested on fellow students and written theoretical reflection on this. Fellow students will comment on the teacher-in-role process and it will be assessed by the lecturer.
• development of a forum theatre piece tested on fellow students. Fellow students will comment on the piece and it will be assessed by the lecturer.

In the main area of theatre knowledge:

• two rounds of storytelling in school.
• participation in a production of a play from theatre history.
• an oral presentation to fellow students about an innovator in the theatre field.
• two written production analyses (each of around five pages).

In expression and interaction:

• performance of a rehearsed monologue chosen by the student
• participation in a larger theatre production during the spring term

In practical training in drama and storytelling:

• completed practical training in drama and storytelling
• a written report about the practical training period (5500 words)

subject to an attendance and active participation requirement. See the teaching plans for more information.

The exam in the course is threefold:

1. Home exam in theatre history - individual written assignment

The assignment must be approx. 4000 words.

 The home exam counts for 20% of the final pass grade. The result of the exam can be appealed.

2. Semester paper - individual The semester paper shall focus on a drama pedagogy issue chosen by the student, which is investigated in depth in an independent drama pedagogy project. Theory and method shall be discussed in relation to the project, topic and issue. The semester paper shall be assessed on the following grounds:

• the student’s ability to reflect on drama pedagogy issues
• the student’s ability to plan a process where the necessary method analysis and structure are Applied

 The semester paper counts for 40% of the final pass grade. The result of the exam can be appealed.

3. Practical performance exam - Group The students are given selected texts and/or objects. The group has one week to prepare a presentation in dramatic form. The practical performance exam is assessed on the following grounds:

• the group’s ability to master expression and interaction
• the group’s insight into dramaturgical and aesthetic criteria
• the group’s ability to assess their own work with respect to process and product

The practical performance exam counts for 40% of the final pass grade.

The result of the exam cannot be appealed.

Assessment

In some cases, practical/oral group exams can be held as individual exams.

All parts of the exam must be awarded the grade E or better in order for the student to pass the course.

A grade scale with grades from A to E for pass (with A being the highest grade and E being the lowest pass grade) and F for fail is used for the final assessment.

1. Home exam in theatre history - individual written assignment

The assignments are assessed by two examiners. The course may be selected for grading by external examiners.

2. Semester paper - individual 

Papers are assessed by two examiners. The course may be selected for grading by external e3.

3.Practical performance exam - groupxaminers.

Assessed by two examiners. The course may be selected for grading by external examiners.