Course outline Code: DRA201 Title: Applied Performance Faculty of: Arts and Business School of: Communication and Creative Industries Teaching Session: Semester 1 Year: 2016 Course Coordinator: Natasha Budd Tel: (07) 5456 5567 Email: [email protected]

1.

What is this course about?

1.1

Course description

This course introduces you to the work of Augusto Boal and ‘Theatre of the Oppressed’. Through a combination of practical and theoretical investigation you will build knowledge as to how theatre can be used as a tool for critical enquiry, empowerment and social change. Learning in this course provides a knowledge and skill base for further work in directing, devising theatre, and community development. You will create, participate in and lead dramatic work based on the major forms of the Theatre of the Oppressed, including Image Theatre, Forum Theatre, and Rainbow of Desire.

1.2

Course content       

2. 12 units

Applied Performance practice and purpose Theatre for social transformation Performance making Capacity building and Ethical practice Critical pedagogy Theatre of the Oppressed and the work of Augusto Boal Devising and leading Forum Theatre

Unit value

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3.

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Specific Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course you should be able to: Demonstrate and justify leadership strategies in a process aimed at social transformation. Acquire knowledge of the theory of critical pedagogy and the forms of Theatre of the Oppressed. Collaboratively plan, research, and implement applied drama strategies exploring ecological, social or economic imperatives. Articulate philosophies and ethical principles that drive Theatre of the Oppressed practices.

4.

Assessment Tasks

Graduate Qualities

You will be assessed on the learning outcome in task/s:

Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming:

1

Knowledgeable. Engaged.

2

Sustainability-focussed. Knowledgeable.

2 and 3

Sustainability-focussed. Creative and critical thinkers.

1

Ethical. Empowered.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the Undergraduate Coursework Programs and Awards - Academic Policy for definitions of “prerequisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”

4.1

Enrolment restrictions

Must be enrolled in Drama major or Drama minor

4.2

Pre-requisites

DRA101

4.3

Co-requisites

Nil

4.4

Anti-requisites

Nil

4.5

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (optional)

Competent English language skills for oral and written work and foundational skills in role play, improvisation, and collaboration developed in DRA101 Dramatic Languages

5.

How am I going to be assessed?

5.1

Grading scale

Standard – High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL)

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5.2

Assessment tasks

Task No.

Assessment Tasks

Individual or Group

Weighting %

1

Leading a workshop Oral presentation Forum Theatre

Individual

25%

Group

25%

Group

50% (25% Group 20% Individual 5% Peer Assessment) 100%

2 3

What is the duration / length? 10 minutes 150 words 10 minutes

When should I submit? Week 4

Where should I submit it?

Week 7

Workshop

60 minutes

Weeks 11 and 12

Workshop

Workshop

Assessment Task 1: Leading a Workshop Goal:

Theatre of the Oppressed brings about change through a process of ethical facilitation of participant engagement in workshops and performances. In this assessment you are required to lead a game or exercise from the arsenal of the oppressed and write a rationale for its use in theatre of the oppressed work. Product: Workshop and written rationale Format: Applying your knowledge of theory and practice you are to run a Theatre of the Oppressed game or exercise and provide a written rationale of 150 words (printed, hardcopy) detailing its purpose. Criteria Demonstrated understanding of the principles of applied performance, social transformation and ethical practice. Employment of leadership strategies to effectively and sensitively manage group dynamics. Understanding and articulation of activity purpose within the broader context of performance development. Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level Communication Developing Applying technologies Developing Assessment Task 2: Oral Presentation Goal:

Product: Format:

Criteria

Forum Theatre is an interactive form of applied performance which presents an antimodel that can be manipulated by the percipients and the joker. You will need to draw on both the theory and practices of Theatre of the Oppressed to develop an initial concept for performance development exploring a significant social, ecological or economical issue. Oral Presentation In pairs you will present a performance concept. The presentation will include the identification of an oppression and the hegemonic structures that support it; a description of a sample scene/s; an example of a fracture point; character descriptions; sample dialogue and references to the set text and readings. Effective identification of an oppression and the underlying hegemonic structures that support it.

Page 4 Course Outline: DRA201 Applied Performance Appropriate selection of context, characters and dialogue to symbolically explore the oppression. Demonstrated understanding of the purpose and dramaturgical function of fracture points. Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level Collaboration Developing Applying technologies Developing Assessment Task 3: Forum Theatre Goal:

Product: Format:

Criteria

Forum Theatre is an interactive form of applied performance that gives the opportunity for the audience (percipients) to cross the fourth wall and enter the dramatic action to try and alter the outcome of the scene. This task requires you to form a Forum Theatre ensemble. You will rehearse, present and lead a Forum Theatre workshop Forum Theatre workshop The ensemble will execute a Forum Theatre workshop for their peers. One member will Joker (facilitate) the anti-model and the remaining members of the ensemble will be actors. You will be assessed individually on criteria relating to your skills in acting, leadership or improvisation. The overall content, structure and implementation will be assessed against criteria pertaining to the group devised forum theatre. You will also assess each member of your group on their ability to collaborate effectively. Individual criteria: Ability to practically lead and manage Forum Theatre through characterisation improvisation or jokering. Fluency of communication skills, vocal quality, non-verbals and appropriate use of language. Ability to respond and adapt to different events during the Forum Theatre workshop Group criteria: Effectiveness of content and structure of the Forum Model to explore an issue and promote social transformation Success of the forum in engaging, empowering and educating participants Evidence of effective collaboration to achieve the objectives of forum theatre and principles of applied drama

Peer evaluation criteria: Ability to plan cooperatively and be sensitive to other group members Attendance and ability to stay on task Responsibility to the group and ability to share workload Generic skill assessed Skill assessment level Communication Developing Collaboration Developing

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5.3

Additional assessment requirements

SafeAssign In order to minimise incidents of plagiarism and collusion, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks are submitted electronically via SafeAssign. This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work that SafeAssign has access to. If required, details of how to submit via SafeAssign will be provided on the Blackboard site of the course. Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying: a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4% b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale c) You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

5.4

Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks will be penalised at the following maximum rate:  5% (of the assessment task’s identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task.  10% (of the assessment task’s identified value) for the third day  20% (of the assessment task’s identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task.  A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

6. How is the course offered? 6.1

Directed study hours

3 hour workshop per week (weeks 1 – 13) 1 hour lecture per week (weeks 1 – 7)

6.2

Teaching semester/session(s) offered

Semester 1

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6.3

Course activities Teaching Week / Module 1

2

3

4 Friday, 25th March Good Friday Public Holiday 5

6

7

8 Monday, 25th April ANZAC Day Public Holiday

What key concepts/content will I learn?

What activities will I engage in to learn the concepts/content? Directed Study Independent Study Activities Activities Lecture and Complete set readings Workshop Preparation for Assessment Task 1

Defining applied performance Understanding the principles of critical pedagogy social transformation, sustainability and ethical practice Community and cultural Lecture and development through applied Workshop performance Understanding Theatre of the Oppressed in action Exploring social, economic or ecological issues through image theatre. Introducing the arsenal: leading games and exercises. Theatre of the Oppressed and the Lecture and work of Augusto Boal Workshop Understanding Theatre of the Oppressed in theory and action Exploring social, economic or ecological issues through image theatre Understanding Theatre of the Lecture and Oppressed in action Workshop Exploring social, economic or ecological issues through forum theatre Devising and leading forum theatre Mid Semester Break Developing an anti-model for forum Lecture and theatre Workshop Performance making Framing for forum theatre The limitations of forum theatre Rehearsing and leading forum Lecture and theatre Workshop The role of the actor Rehearsing and leading forum Lecture and theatre Workshop The role of the joker The arsenal of the oppressed Workshop

Complete set readings Preparation for Assessment Task 1

Complete set readings

Complete set readings Assessment Task 1

Complete set readings Research and preparation for Task 2 Assessment Task 1 Research and preparation for Task 2 Assessment task 2

Rehearsal

Page 7 Course Outline: DRA201 Applied Performance 9 Monday, 2nd May Labour Day Public Holiday 10 11

The arsenal of the oppressed

Workshop

Forum theatre practice runs Workshop Rehearsing and leading forum theatre Workshop Responsiveness to intervention Ethical practice 12 Forum Theatre assessment and peer Workshop evaluation 13 Forum Theatre assessment and peer Workshop evaluation Please note that the course activities may be subject to variation.

Rehearsal

Rehearsal Assessment Task 3

Assessment Task 3 Evaluation and reflection

7. What resources do I need to undertake this course? 7.1

Prescribed text(s)

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below: Author Year Title Publisher Boal, A. 2002 Games for Actors and Non-actors Psychology Press

7.2

Required and recommended readings

Lists of required and recommended readings may be found for this course on its Blackboard site. These materials/readings will assist you in preparing for tutorials and assignments, and will provide further information regarding particular aspects of your course.

7.3

Specific requirements

You are expected to wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement and rehearsal purposes to all workshops. You must supply their own costuming and rehearsal props for all performance tasks.

7.4

Risk management

There is minimal health and safety risk in this course. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas.

8.

How can I obtain help with my studies?

In the first instance you should contact your tutor, then the Course Coordinator. Student Life and Learning provides additional assistance to all students through Peer Advisors and Academic Skills Advisors. You can drop in or book an appointment. To book: Tel: +61 7 5430 1226 or Email: [email protected]

9.

Links to relevant University policies and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:  Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs  Review of Assessment and Final Grades  Supplementary Assessment  Administration of Central Examinations  Deferred Examinations

Page 8 Course Outline: DRA201 Applied Performance  Student Academic Misconduct  Students with a Disability http://www.usc.edu.au/university/governance-and-executive/policies-and-procedures#academic-learningand-teaching

10.

Faculty specific information

LOCATING JOURNAL ARTICLES If you have been notified that the journal articles in this course are available on e-reserve, use the on-line library catalogue to find them. For journal articles not on e-reserve, click on the "Journals and Newspapers" link on the Library Homepage. Enter the journal title e.g. History Australia, then search for the volume and issue or keyword as needed. ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEETS The Faculty of Arts and Business assignment cover sheet can be found on Blackboard or on the USC Portal at: Faculty of Arts and Business (Students) > Forms. It must be completed in full identifying student name, assignment topic, tutor and tutorial time. This must be attached securely to the front of each assessment item prior to submission. Claims of loss of assignments will not be considered unless supported by a receipt. HELP: If you are experiencing problems with your studies or academic work, consult your tutor in the first instance or the Course Coordinator as quickly as possible. DIFFICULTIES: If you are experiencing difficulties relating to teaching and assessment you should approach your tutor in the first instance. If not satisfied after that you should approach in order your Course Coordinator, Program Coordinator then Head of School. General enquiries and student support Student Central Tel: +61 7 5430 2890 Fax: +61 7 5430 2882 Email: [email protected]