INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module will engage students in independent practice as research on a topic of their own choosing from within the full range of global theatre and performance. Students will be expected to undertake an independent research project and reflect upon work undertaken in written format.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

SHAUGHNESSY Robert (GSA)

Number of Credits: 60

ECTS Credits: 30

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

All modules on the programme are either compulsory or core.

Module content

Indicative content includes: 

• Independent research arising from the module material and Essential Reading texts provided in all previous modules on the course, as laid out in the module reading lists. 


• Seminar sessions amounting to two full days at GSA (also avaiable remotely and online) to include writing skills, personal tutorials and target setting, and writing retreat to complete the formative assessment

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the following through their formal written summative submission, in addition to their engagement with the formative assessment, module content and associated activities: 

• Demonstrate the ability to retrieve and process information and to communicate clearly in writing (T) 


• Knowledge and understanding of a broad range of influential theatrical texts and their contexts (K) 


• Understand the need to take initiative and work independently to further own learning (T) 


• Apply theories of performance and critique to influential theatrical texts and their contexts (P) 


• Apply high levels of personal discipline and time-management, analysing own working practices for self-development (T) 


• Analyse and evaluate key theories of performance, theatrical reception and critique (C) 


• Analyse the impact of past traditions and contexts upon contemporary theatrical practices (C) 


• Evaluate the work of others with critical objectivity (T)

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• 3,000 word Literature Review 


• 10,000 word independent research project

Formative assessment

Formative Assessment consists of: 

• a detailed outline plan, including one draft section and detailed suggested reference list for the summative assignment in the students own choice of form, which may include, but is not restricted to an essay plan, poster, PowerPoint or equivalent software presentation, podcast (3000 words or equivalent)

Feedback

Informal formative feedback from tutors will be provided via, but is not restricted to, the virtual learning environment, email exchange, personal tutorials in person or via Skype, or equivalent software.

Summative formal written feedback will follow submission of the summative assessment.

Module aims

• Theatre as a political, moral, social, cultural, ethical voice
• Critical analysis of theatre
• The relationship between the actor and audience
• The construction of stages and performance platforms
• The construction of theatrical and social meaning

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

• Actively engage online and distance learners in independent research 


• Enable the online and distance learner to access core concepts studied and apply these to selected contexts through their own independent research 


• Allow the online and distance learner to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of selected core concepts, performance possibilities and production history of selected texts, movements and practitioners through their own independent research

The learning and teaching methods include: 

• Independent research arising from the module material and Essential Reading texts provided in all previous modules on the course, as laid out in the module reading lists (586 hours).


• Seminar weekend (14 hours).

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: TDLM003

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.