SPACES502 Art and research

Contents and structure

The module covers the dramaturgical strategies in drama- and theatre pedagogy, the theory of artistic research and arts-based research, and the theory of aesthetics and creativity. Special emphasis is given to an introduction to qualitative research methodology and academic writing.

Students conduct arts-based theatre exploration through creating multilingual monologues. Exploration begins with a course on storytelling covering fantasy stories, personal stories, multicultural stories and traditional fairy tales of different cultures, and a course on research-based theatre (RBT) with a specific focus on transcultural storytelling, narratives and performativity. Students develop their own RBT-based monologue projects and connect that to research design.

Learning Outcome

After completing the course, the student will have the following total learning outcome:

Knowledge

The student

• masters drama- and theatre-related qualitative research approaches and tools,
• has obtained advanced understanding about science-theoretical research traditions,
• has obtained thorough insights about different methods within artistic research.

Skills

The student

• writes in an analytical and academic manner,
• can apply knowledge in a critical manner,
• can analyse and discuss academic texts,
• can describe, make use of and discuss different research methods and traditions,
• can communicate in an analytical and critical manner about artistic research, in writing and orally.

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 employ a research approach in relation to drama and theatre practice,
• can discuss research ethics,
• can analyse and relate critically to various information sources,
• can utilise science concepts and apply them in professional discourse

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

Mandatory assignment 1:

Individual practical work: exploration with storytelling / research-based theatre.

Each student prepares a short individual presentation or monologue with an artistic/arts-based research approach.

Assessment: approved/not approved.

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

Mandatory assignment 2:

Individual written task and oral presentation.

• The students will be requested to individually analyse an academic article from the reading list. In the written assignment, the student will be asked to analyse and reflect on the article's intention, research question, chosen methodology, use of argumentation and what sources the writer has made use of.
• The students will have to make an oral presentation of the article to peers in a seminar.

Assessment: approved/not approved.

Supportive materials that can be used: any available literature.

Assessment

Individual written home essay, 5 days.

The student will create a research design 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.

More about examination support material