TH342-30 Practice-based Research Project
Introductory description
This module provides an opportunity for an extended and independent research-based project in the field of theatre, performance and creative practice. It entails in-depth development of work through practice-based research, resulting in a consolidated performance/practical output. It enables students to develop their work through phases, supported by structured class activities, workshops, supervision meetings and independent research using appropriate methods of enquiry and project development. The schedule includes work-in-progress practical presentations that are designed to elaborate on the principles of the research and aid in the development of the final work for assessment.
Module aims
The module enables students to use modes of practice as the primary research method. The practical work can take several forms, including (but not limited to) live performance, performance installation, site-specific performance, video work, multi-media work, the writing of a play, curatorial work (including recording what has happened in the past or organizing an exhibition), historical performance reconstruction, space and/or costume design, organizing and running participatory workshops, and video documentaries.
Students will usually work in groups of between two and five members, though it is possible under some circumstances to undertake a solo project. Each project is allocated a supervisor and the nature of the work must be such that it can be appropriately supervised by a member of staff in the TPS Department. Practical processes must be informed by clear research imperatives and based on practice-as-research and theoretical/conceptual principles. Projects should make apparent the context of the research, the research methodologies involved, and the research questions being posed.
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 will include topics such as:
TERM 1
- Conceiving and realising a practice-based research project
- Processes of creation
- Content development
- Ethics approval
TERM 2
- Project and Festival planning
- Work-in-progress showings
TERM 3
- Project presentations
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- By the end of the module you should be able to- Evidence the development of an independent research topic through practice-based enquiry.
- - Evidence the capacity to undertake independent research.
- - Organise and structure research findings in and through practice.
- - 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, in and through both theatre/performance practice and critical reflection.
- - Demonstrate an engagement in an extended period of research to generate an original performance or media-based product.
Indicative reading list
Reading and viewing materials will be specific to the respective practice-based project, and will be generated by the students, in discussion with the supervisor, as the project proceeds.
Research element
Research into a designated topic of interest, and into appropriate modes of creation and presentation.
Interdisciplinary
Potential to submit work across media and modes of production (for example, including video, installation, site-specific performance and studio-based performance).
International
Enables consideration of issues and topics with international scope, and creative processes and production outcomes informed by international practices.
Subject specific skills
Ability to organise and structure research findings in and through practice.
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, in and through both theatre/performance practice.
An engagement in an extended period of research to generate an original performance or media-based product.
Transferable skills
The development of an independent research topic through practice-based enquiry.
The capacity to undertake independent research.
Ability to make independent judgments.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 3 hours (9%) |
| Tutorials | 6 sessions of 1 hour (2%) |
| Project supervision | (0%) |
| Demonstrations | 5 sessions of 2 hours (3%) |
| Practical classes | (0%) |
| Fieldwork | 4 sessions of 9 hours 15 minutes (12%) |
| Other activity | 70 hours (23%) |
| Assessment | 150 hours (50%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Other activity description
Initial research
Project preparation in groups/with peers
Individual preparation of work towards production
Peer feedback
Engagement in post-show discussions
Journal-keeping
Work counted in Assessment hours (below):
Creation and rehearsal of performance/production
Presentation of work at festival (including get-in, technical fit-up and rehearsal)
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Project | 100% | 150 hours | No |
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The practical work can take several forms, including (but not limited to) live performance, performance installation, site-specific performance, video work, multi-media work, the writing of a play, curatorial work (including recording what has happened in the past or organizing an exhibition), historical performance reconstruction, space and/or costume design, organizing and running participatory workshops, and video documentaries. Indicatively, the practical outcome will be equivalent to a liver performance of c. 30 minutes, but it could be shorter (for example in the case of an installation, video documentary or summative performance by prisoners as the culmination of a workshop series), or longer (for example in the case of a playtext or a durational site-specific piece). The project will be subject to a Project Agreement to be approved by the module convener. |
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Feedback on assessment
Formative assessment: verbal feedback on planning and draft materials (tutors); verbal feedback in supervision meetings (tutors); verbal and written feedback in Work-in-progress showings (tutors and peers).
Summative assessment: separate written feedback on Practical Project (examiners)
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 3 of UTHA-W421 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies
- Year 4 of UTHA-W422 Undergraduate Theatre and Performance Studies (with Intercalated Year)
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