DT1002 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.

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

The course covers three main areas:

• Drama pedagogy
• Theatre knowledge
• Further developement of expression and interaction

Gjennomført og bestått emnet "Innføring i drama og teaterkommunikasjon"

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 the historical and contemporary theatre and drama pedagogy, traditions, pecularity and position in society
• has knowledge of different performative forms of communication, expressions and artistic means
• has knowledge of important methods and ways of working with theatre production
• has knowledge of different target groups and needs in the field of applied theatre
• has knowledge of the different genres of theatre
• has knowledge of how to organize and structure stage productions and adaptions

Skills

The student:

• can master, reflect and consider different stage expressions, traditions and exercise
• is capable of exploring, analyzing and updating the knowledge about the field of theatre
• can master basic and performative technics in the field of theatre
• is capable of reflecting on ethical and aestethical choices in artistical and didactical work
• is capable of exploring and reflecting on one's own artistical exercise in interaction with others
• is capable of conveying subject matter both written and orally and through other relevant media
• has insight in relevant professional and ethical work issues in connection with artistic work and didactics
• can cooperate with others through different means of work

General competence

The student:

• can observe, illuminate and analyse one's own's and others' work in different stage expressions
• can plan, judge, lead and contribute in performative and didactic projects
• can apply knowledge from research and developement work
• can participate in a professional community and contribute to innovation and good environment for learning

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 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 has a drama practice and storytelling practice. Completion of such practice is a coursework requirement and must be assessed as approved in order to be able to take the exam.

The course coordinator is responsible for organizing practical training in collaboration with the lecturer. The lecturer is responsible for preparing the practical training in collaboration with the team and providing a practical training location.

Drama practice consists of testing teaching programs in about four days of practice in the spring semester. The subject teachers have the main responsibility for follow-up and supervision throughout the practice days. A written reflection note on practice must be submitted after completion.

Storytelling practice consists of storytelling in primary school. The subject teachers have the 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 in groups of 3 and more -45 min, pair 30 min, or individual 15 min
• a written assignment in theatre history, about 1500 words (+\- 10 %)

In expression and interaction:

• performance of a rehearsed monologue chosen by the student
• participation in a larger theatre production during the spring term
• Active participation minimum 80% in the movement lessons

In practical training in drama and storytelling:

• completed practical training in drama (4 days) and storytelling (totally 2 school lessons) preparation work in addition
• a written report about the practical training period about 1500 words (+\-10 %)

There is an overall requirement for the subject of 80% participation in practice lessons. See the teaching plans for further information.

The exam in the course is twofold:

1. Written 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 assignment must be 2500 words (+/- 10%).The semester paper counts for 40% of the final pass grade. The result of the exam can be appealed.

2. 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 counts for 60% of the final pass grade.

The result of the exam cannot be appealed.

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

All parts of the exam must be assessed as grade E or better in order for the student to receive a final passing grade.

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

Grade scale A-F

1. Semester paper - individual

The exam are assessed by two examiners. External examiners may be used.

2.Practical performance exam - groupxaminers.

Assessed by two examiners. External examiners may be used.

Øystein Vestre

The course overlaps 45 ECTS with DT1000