| CODE | THS5050 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Performing Histories: C21 Perspectives | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 10 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Theatre Studies | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | In keeping with the unifying thread outlined in the general description of the MA, this unit focuses on the challenges and evolving strategies of historiography in the new century. Accordingly, it analyses perspectives of looking both at the way performance is understood and the innovative possibilities in which history is written in the C21. To this effect, the unit will consider contemporary aesthetic and interpretative approaches that respond to changing cultural, political, global, and critical contexts, as alternatives to standard period-restrictive and subject-specific approaches. By its very nature, the unit will consider various historical periods as object of study. Study-unit Aims: The study-unit aims to: (a) introduce students to contemporary approaches to theatre and performance histories; (b) equip students with the relevant critical skills based on C21 perspectives and their application to historical developments of performance practices; (c) enhance the students’ knowledge of historiography within the context of contemporary global and digital developments. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: (a) apply contemporary critical paradigms to the interpretation of historical developments; (b) identify ways how to engage with changing historiographical scholarship; (c) negotiate between established and emergent aesthetic and intellectual paradigms; (d) problematise and reflect, both orally and in writing, on theatre and performance histories and the way these affect and are affected by contemporary practices. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: (a) relate to acquired knowledge by referring to developments in contemporary scholarship; (b) devise and develop independent and original research practices that reflect interdisciplinary approaches; (c) apply the outcome of their studies to today's needs and the way these respond to current developments in the cultural and creative industries; (d) support their own creative practical output with rigorous research and appropriate contextualization and documentation. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts T. Postlewait, The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Historiography (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009) T. Postlewait and B. McConachie eds, Interpreting the Theatrical Past: Essays in the Historiography of Performance (Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 1989) C. Canning and T. Postlewait eds, Representing the Past: Essays in Performance Historiography (Iowa City, University of Iowa Press, 2010) P. E. Easterling and E. Hall eds, Greek and Roman Actors: Aspects of an Ancient Profession (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002) J.G. Reinelt & J.R. Roach eds, Critical Theory and Performance (Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2007) P. B. Zarrilli et al, Theatre Histories: An Introduction (New York, Routledge, 2010) Supplementary Readings O. G. Brockett and F. J. Hildy, History of the Theatre (London and New York: Pearson, 2010) Note Other readings will be suggested during the course of the study-unit. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture, Seminar & Independent Study | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Mario Frendo |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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