SPACES501 Introduction to drama and theatre pedagogy

Contents and structure

The module covers the theorical groundings and the practice of the different approaches and traditions in drama pedagogy and theatre pedagogy, along with reading and analysing articles. Specific focus is given to the history of the different traditions; the specific contexts that enhanced the development of these traditions; and the challenges of adaptation to other contexts. Students will learn different approaches in process drama, and they will acquire their first experiences with planning and leading. In addition, students will also learn about the practices of theatre pedagogy and the Bergen-based approach "From text to theatre", a way of using drama pedagogy to create preparatory workshops for theatre performances. Similar approaches in different contexts are also discussed.

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge in the theoretical groundings of drama pedagogy
• has advanced knowledge in the development of drama pedagogy, with a specific focus on different contexts and traditions
• has thorough knowledge regarding the role of drama pedagogy in education, society and culture
• has advanced knowledge in the application of drama pedagogy in theatres, with special focus on preparatory workshops

Skills

The student

• can discuss philosophical, pedagogical and artistic traditions in the field
• can reflect in a critical and constructive way on the theory and practice of the field
• is able to facilitate drama pedagogical processes in and outside classrooms
• reads and understands academic texts of the field

Attitude

The student

• has strong motivation towards and professional dedication to the field
• is open to cooperation and teamwork
• is creative and innovative
• is systematic, thorough and accurate in their work

General competence

The student

• can plan, implement and analyse process drama classes
• can explain drama and theatre pedagogical methods in the field of different social arenas

Entry requirements

None

Teaching methods

Methods of instruction in this module will be a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars, usually 4 days a week. The module demands regular attendance and active participation in classes, contribution to workshops and presentations in seminars. Teaching happens both on campus, outside campus and online. Students are also expected to work independently, in pairs and in groups.

Compulsory learning activities

1. Practical group work. Developing, implementing and analysing a process drama aimed at a specific target group. The students devise and implement the initial phase (ca. 1-1,5 hours) of a process drama. The workshop is implemented with either other students or pupils in a school.
2. Practical group work. Developing, implementing and analysing a "From text to theatre" workshop aimed at a specific target group. The students devise and implement the initial phase (ca. 1-1,5 hours) of a workshop. The workshop is implemented with either other students or pupils in a school.

Supportive materials that can be used: anything available on campus.

The obligatory assignments must be approved no later than 2 weeks before the exam. If an obligatory assignment is assessed as not approved, a reason must be given for this. Students who are not approved for an obligatory assignment will, as far as possible within the set deadlines, be given another attempt in the current semester.

Assessment

Individual written home essay, 5 days.

The student will write an academic essay on a topic related to the module. Criteria regarding format, structure and content will be specified.

The exam is graded A-F. F is a failing grade.

Examination support material

Any available literature. The teachers are not allowed to supervise the students during the home exam period.

For information about the use of artificial intelligence, read Submission of home exams and assignments.

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