TH329-30 Research Dissertation

Department: SCAPVC - Theatre and Performance Studies
Level: Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader: David Coates
Credit value: 30
Module duration: 18 weeks
Assessment: 100% coursework
Study location: University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

n/a.

Module aims

This module provides an opportunity for an extended and independent research-based dissertation in the field of theatre and performance. It entails long-form and in-depth development of work, resulting in a fully-written dissertation. It enables students to develop their work through phases, supported by structured class activities, supervision meetings and independent research using appropriate methods of enquiry and project development. The schedule includes a conference presentation and poster presentation that are designed to elaborate on the principles of the research and aid in the development of the final work for assessment. The module enables students to complete an individually-written dissertation of 10,000 words on a research topic of their choice and based on their investigation of primary and secondary sources. Each student taking this route is allocated a supervisor and the topic must be one that can be appropriately supervised by a member of staff in the Department. In some exceptional cases, by agreement, a student may be jointly supervised. The written dissertation must be based on clear historiographical, dramaturgical, and/or theoretical/conceptual principles. It should make apparent the context of the research, the research methodology involved and the research questions it is posing.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

By arrangement: up to six meetings with Supervisor.

Classes and activities:

TERM 1

Library workshop
Long-form academic writing
Research methods
Ethics approval

TERM 2

Conference planning
Conference presentation TERM 3 - Poster production and presentation

Autumn:
Week 1 Introduction: What is Dramaturgy?
Weeks 2-5 Strategies of play analysis: understanding special world of the play and designing the
research process for the necessary background research, including formative
assessments
Week 6 Reading Week
Weeks 7-8 Strategies of play analysis: dramatic structure, including formative assessments
Weeks 9-10 Strategies of play analysis: Character and language, including formative assessments

Spring:
Weeks 1-2 Strategies of play analysis: Themes, including formative assessments
Weeks 3-5 Creating a Programme
Week 6 Reading Week
Weeks 7-10 Creating a Study Guide

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

- Evidence the development of an independent research topic through written enquiry
Evidence the capacity to undertake independent research.
Organise and structure research findings.
Make independent judgments.
Demonstrate skill in researching, presenting and responding critically to established knowledge or approaches to a particular topic from within the discipline of theatre and performance studies.
Demonstrate an engagement in an extended period of research to generate an original written dissertation.
Provide reflective and constructive comment on a range of individual research projects.

Indicative reading list

Reading and viewing materials will be specific to the respective dissertation, and will be generated by the
students, in discussion with the supervisor, as the project proceeds. Cambridge UP.
Londré, Felicia Hardison (2005) Words at Play: Creative Writing and
Dramaturgy. Southern Illinois University Press.
Pavis, Patrice (2003) Analyzing Performance: Theatre, Dance, and Film.
University of Michigan Press.
Rudakoff, Judith and Lynn Thompson (2002) Between the Lines: The Process
of Dramaturgy. Playwrights Canada Press.
Turner, Cathy and Synne K. Behrndt (2008) Dramaturgy and Performance.
Palgrave Macmillan.
Articles from “Dramaturgy Special Issue,” Theatre Topics 13.1 (March 2003).
Available Online through Project Muse.
Articles from “On Dramaturgy,” Performance Research 14.3 (2009). Available
online through Taylor and Francis Social Science and Humanities Library.
Articles from “New Dramaturgies,” Contemporary Theatre Review 20.2 (May
2010). Available online through Taylor and Francis Social Science and Humanities Library.

In addition, the readings will include plays for the basis of the practical projects. The plays will be chosen later.

Research element

The aim of the module is to create an extended piece of writing which includes original research.

Interdisciplinary

Many students choose to work across disciplines.

International

The range of topics selected can be very diverse, as can the group taking the module.

Subject specific skills

Intellectual Skills: Critical Analysis, Developing an Argument, Reasoning. Communication Skills: Written, oral (conference presentations) Organisational and Project Management Skills.
Research skills: in libraries and archives, using a range of primary and secondary sources.

Transferable skills

Study time

Type	Required
Seminars	9 sessions of 1 hour 30 minutes (4%)
Tutorials	2 sessions of 15 minutes (0%)
Project supervision	6 sessions of 30 minutes (1%)
Assessment	283 hours (94%)
Total	300 hours

Private study description

No private study requirements defined for this module.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A3

	Weighting	Study time	Eligible for self-certification
Dissertation	100%	233 hours	No
Dissertation (10,000 words)

Feedback on assessment

Formative assessment \r\nPlans and proposals for conference paper and poster (verbal) \r\nPlanning and drafting of Dissertation ¿ verbal (in supervision meetings) \r\nDraft of writing for Dissertation ¿ verbal and annotations (supervisor) \r\n\r\nSummative assessment \r\nConference presentation ¿ verbal (within event) and written (peer feedback) \r\nPoster ¿ verbal (during event) \r\nDissertation ¿ written (examiners

Courses

This module is Core for:

Year 3 of UTHA-W421 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies
UTHA-W422 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 3 of W422 Theatre and Performance Studies
- Year 4 of W422 Theatre and Performance Studies

This module is Optional for:

Year 4 of UENA-QW35 Undergraduate English and Theatre Studies with Intercalated Year

This module is Core option list A for:

Year 3 of UTHA-W421 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies

This module is Core option list B for:

Year 4 of UFRA-R1W4 Undergraduate French with Theatre Studies

This module is Option list B for:

Year 3 of UTHA-QW34 Undergraduate English and Theatre Studies