EPN-V2

DT2000 Dramaturgy Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Dramaturgi
Study programme
Bachelor Programme in Drama and Theatre
Weight
30.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Curriculum
FALL 2025
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

Dramaturgy is for those who want to immerse themselves in the various processes and forms of expression in theatre.

Dramaturgy is the tool of theatre.

Dramaturgy is a full-time daytime study.

Dramaturgy aims to further develop the students’ professionalism in relation to drama and theatre pedagogy.

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

The programme comprises the following two main areas, dramaturgy and subject didactics.

Required preliminary courses

Passed DT1000 Drama and Theatre Communication or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

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 dramaturgical text analysis in a historical and contemporary perspective
  • has knowledge of forms of communication and dramaturgical tools in scenic expressions
  • has knowledge of central theories, models and methods within dramaturgy in a production perspective
  • is familiar with research methods and has knowledge of ethics in the field of dramaturgy

Skills

The student:

  • can analyze, elucidate and evaluate different aspects in the field of theatre
  • can master practical work with dramaturgy and scenic instruments
  • can shape, prepare and apply a directing concept
  • can analyze, design, and evaluate dramaturgical concepts
  • can reflect on his/her own dramaturgical competence
  • can evaluate themselves as dramaturge in staging and group processes
  • has insight into different forms of dissemination and ethical issues

General competence

The student:

  • can reflect on and communicate knowledge about distinctive nature and directions
  • can recognize and master idioms and experiment with artistic expression
  • can plan and carry out projects over time based on various dramatic texts in accordance with ethical requirements and guidelines
  • can apply knowledge of forms of communication and dramaturgical tools in scenic expressions
  • can apply his/her dramaturgical expertise and make reasoned artistic choices
  • can contribute to nuanced views and experiences together with others in group processes and in scenic work
  • can make choices of drama and theme and apply this in meeting with different target groups
  • can apply central theories, models and methods within dramaturgy in a production perspective

Teaching and learning methods

The course is a full-time study during the day. It therefore assumes that the student (mainly) is present and is familiar with the knowledge content of the teaching.

The course is process-oriented and builds on the student's own activity, both practical and theoretical. The study is very intensive and labor-intensive.

The course emphasizes the practical side of the subject. The student will apply dramaturgy through various screenings.

The work will mainly take the form of practical workshops with discussion and testing of ideas in plenary. Lectures and presentations are linked to practical work and theoretical material.

The students will have great responsibility for their own learning, organization and implementation of the work in their groups. The students must demonstrate the ability to collaborate to create a safe and creative learning environment.

Course requirements

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can sit the exam:

  • one group project based on a one-act play
  • preparation of two dramaturgical analyses of two given plays
  • preparation of two directing concepts
  • preparation and performance of two stage presentations
  • one theoretical group assignment that reflects one or more dramaturgical issues
  • fellow students’ presentations and subsequent assessment
  • Particepate at two group stage presentations of dramaturgical analysis and directing concepts
  • attendance at minimum 6 different theatre productions

In some cases, group tasks can be completed as individual tasks.

Compulsory attendance at teaching activities:

The students cannot be absent for more than 20% of teaching and supervision activities subject to an attendance and participation requirement.

Assessment

The exam in the course is twofold:

1. Development assignment - individual

The assignment must be on an issue linked to dramaturgy and relevant theory. 4500-5500 Words.

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

The assessment counts for 40% of the final pass grade.

The result of the exam can be appealed.

2. Practical exam - group

A group performance of approximately 20-30 minutes duration. Three weeks of preparation time is given. The group's written dramaturgical analysis and directing concept are submitted in advance.

The assessment of the practical performance exam counts for 60% of the final pass grade. The result of the exam cannot be appealed.

Assessment

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.

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

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

Absence - fail

Students who due to valid absence do not take one or several exam parts that make up the ordinary exam, or who are given an F in one or more of the exam parts that make up the exam, can register for a resit/rescheduled exam.

If the student is taking the rescheduled exam in part 1 (the development project), it is done in the same way as for the ordinary exam. If the student is taking the resit exam, the development project that was graded F in the ordinary exam must be significantly reworked/improved - e.g. based on the grounds given for the grade.

If the student is taking the resit/rescheduled exam in part 2, it must be taken pursuant to agreement with the student administration. Three weeks’ preparation time is given. The students are responsible for contacting the student administration themselves.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

1. Development assignment - individual: All aids allowed as long as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F

Examiners

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.

The course covers three main areas:

  • Drama pedagogy
  • Theatre knowledge
  • Expression and interaction

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

Course contact person

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

Overlapping courses

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.