SEL3401 : Theatre Script Portfolio
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Zoe Cooper
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 20.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
1. To prepare a file of work which consists of a self-contained theatre script.
2. To prepare a self-reflective essay.
Outline Of Syllabus
Over the course of one to one tutorials, small group work sessions and independent research and a final workshop students will develop a self-contained play, synopsis of the same and self-reflective essay. In small group work sessions students will explore playtexts, online theatre and live theatre (if available) and discuss this with other students in order to develop their understanding of contemporary theatre and present their findings to the tutor. In the one to one and small group work sessions they will reflect on drafts of their own creative work. In the final workshop they will listen to each other's work and offer critical feedback alongside their peers and tutor. The largest portion of the syllabus is taken up by independent research in which students will develop drafts of their plays and self-reflective essay.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 80:00 | 80:00 | n/a |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Introductory lecture/workshop |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 137:00 | 137:00 | n/a |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | 3 joint presentations given by students of 3 plays read. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | A joint workshop to read work aloud. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | 3 x plays to watch in person or online through a 3rd party platform. Synchronously or asynchronously |
| Guided Independent Study | Reflective learning activity | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | 3 x 1 hour discussion group of the three plays viewed. |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | 6 x 1 hour student led discussion group of 6 plays read or viewed. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 7 | 1:00 | 7:00 | n/a |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 154:00 | 154:00 | n/a |
| Total | 400:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
All students attend the plenary session to be assigned study groups and learn about the structure and expectations for the module.
Each student must consult the module leader with an initial proposal, submitting an opening plan or sketch for comment and discussion.
The specific length of each supervision will vary from student to student depending on their needs, but the total length of supervision hours is listed above with the expectation that the number of supervisions will be approximately seven.
The field work to watch plays and student led discussion groups that follow play an important role in encouraging the students to see their work in the broader landscape of theatre and existing plays. The presentations of the 3 plays read do the same. This activity is also important because it requires students to work cooperatively with others. Theatre is a cooperative business and playwrights are expected to work with a broad range of other artists in the process of creating productions so this is vital for the students, especially those who plan to pursue a career in theatre.
The development workshop aims will vary depending on the needs of each student, where possible students may hear their work with professional/industry support.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 2 | A | 100 | A self-contained one act play (4500-5000 words) and accompanying 300-500 word synopsis, plus 1500 word self-reflective essay. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The self-contained play, accompanying synopsis of the same and the self reflective essay will together evidence processes of drafting, principles of selection, the uses of influence, and playwriting craft techniques acquired throughout the module. The portfolio must include a bibliography of books read and plays read and performances attended or viewed as evidence of research.
The final mark will be a consideration of both the file of original work and the essay with the file of original work being the major factor and the self-reflective essay being the minor factor.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL3401's Timetable