SFF4120 Qualitative research methods and designs Course description

The course covers different traditions and theoretical bases for knowledge production in qualitative social science research methodology, the relationship between research questions and research designs, analytical perspectives, quality requirements relating to qualitative studies, and research ethics issues.

It also includes practising how to develop a researchable research question, produce and process empirical material, and analyse and disseminate the results of a qualitative study.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

None.

The course is process-oriented and based on the students’ own activities, practical as well as theoretical. Much of the course will consist of practical work on mask production and acting. This includes playing and experimenting with masks as well as experiencing and creating mask theatre.

Different masks require different acting styles. Continuous training in acting with different types of masks will be facilitated.

The students will receive individual and group-based guidance in making masks that are performable and in acting with different masks. Providing instruction for fellow students’ performances with masks is another necessary work form.

Different forms of work and documentation are used in the programme. Most of the work will take the form of workshops and seminars, with independent discussions and testing of ideas. Lectures and talks will be linked to practical work and theory. Practical exercises will be linked to the development of own expression/acting training and to perfecting the use of different theatre mask methods.

If there are English-speaking students on the course, it will be taught in English.

On completion of this module students should have achieved the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competency:

Knowledge

The student

• understands key methodologies applicable for ideas generation and concept development; as well as for designing and prototyping products, sustaining creativity and innovation
• is able to explain relationships between experimental design methods and product development
• is aware of the function of aesthetics in relation to products

Skills

The student

• is able to consider, discuss and apply different material and aesthetic properties
• is able to conduct research and analyse and apply this to research questions
• is capable of using basic 2D and 3D materials for ideation, analysis and product development
• is able to explore and develop ideas and concepts
• is able to document and present developmental processes

General Competency

The student

• is capable of selecting and applying appropriate creative methods for developing concepts and products
• is capable of demonstrating a reflexive attitude to their own practice and capable of making appropriate adjustments to this in response to advise from tutors
• is capable of reflecting over connections between theory and practice relative to products

The exam in the course is threefold:

1.Continuous assessment- individual

Through practical-theoretical work, the student shall develop skills that demonstrate study progress and activity during the learning process. The students cannot have more than 20% absence in this work. The following two practical assignments constitute the basis for assessment in the course:

• making a mask, participation and acting, including first performance for children
• participating and acting with neutral masks, larval masks, half-face masks and participating and acting in a ‘solo mask performance’

The assessment is based on the following criteria:

• The quality of four masks made during the course (the student chooses the four masks to be assessed)
• The extent to which the student demonstrates satisfactory assessment skills and insight in acting with masks

The assessment counts for 20% of the final pass grade. The result of the exam cannot be appealed.

2. Written development assignment - individual The assignment must be based on an issue linked to acting with masks and relevant theory. The assignment should be approx. 3000 words (+- 10%).

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

3. Practical performance exam - group Assessment of performance with subsequent oral problematisation, discussion and assessment. Three weeks’ preparation time is given.

The assessment is based on the following criteria:

• the artistic quality and suitability of the performance in relation to the target group
• the group’s reflections on and analysis of the performance
• the ability to assess their own work with respect to both process and product
• the execution of the masks

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

The result of the exam cannot be appealed.

In some cases, the 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

Individual portfolio assessment subject to the following requirements:

• Product
• Documentation of process works (2D and 3D material explorations)

All components of the portfolio must be passed in order to pass the module examination.

Exam results can be appealed.

No aids are permitted.

Graded scale A-F

Two internal examiners. External examiners are used regularly.

The course covers the following four main areas:

• acting with masks
• production of masks
• theory
• subject didactics

Acting with masks

Acting with masks covers acting with both full and half-face masks. Acting with masks requires an increased focus on intentions and action. Theatre masks require bodily engagement. The focus will be on different acting styles for different types of masks. This area also includes a practical test project.

Acting with masks comprises the following:

• acting with different theatre masks
• possibilities and limitations of the theatre mask
• choice of theatre masks
• acting style, form and directing concept
• framework conditions for production
• planning, carrying out and assessing acting with masks

Production of masks

The production of masks focuses on making expressive masks for actors playing a role. The mask can be made from different materials.

Production of masks comprises the following:

• plaster casts
• types of masks for different forms of theatre
• untraditional materials
• theatre masks in relation to the target group, including for children with multicultural backgrounds
• Planning, carrying out and assessing the production of theatre masks with children, young people and adults
• drawing/sculpture

Theory

Today, acting with masks comprises both traditional forms of acting and more advanced forms of expression. Theory deals with theatre masks as a form of artistic expression and as an educational work form in a cultural history context.

Theory comprises the following:

• the mask in theatre history
• functions and characteristics
• theatre masks in different cultures
• acting practice with masks in a theoretical perspective

Subject didactics

Subject didactics focuses on working with masks in situations adapted for learning purposes. For children, young people and adults, acting with masks does not only represent an extension of theatrical expression, but may also be an important means of practising acting skills.

Subject didactics comprises the following:

• theatre masks in drama pedagogy contexts
• different instruction strategies
• leading and guiding acting with masks
• planning, carrying out and assessing acting with masks with children, young people and adults
• mask theory in relation to play, creativity and creative activities
• analysis of practical work