| Unit name | Practice-as-Research Project |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THTR30027 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Eleanor Rycroft |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Theatre |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
This unit prepares students embarking on capstone projects using PAR methodologies and/or students going on to MA-level study and research. It offers students the opportunity to co-create research with staff, giving them the skills and confidence to take the next step into independent research.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study:
This unit follows on from and develops the PAR skills students are introduced to in year 2 in courses such as Early Modern Performance Practices, Performing the Archive and Age of the Actress. It allows them to apply subject-level methodologies and competencies to a live research question. It ensures students have the ability and confidence to embark on an independent research project in TB2 and beyond.
Overview
Students will collaborate with staff on a Practice-as-Research Project connected to a live research problem. The specific project(s) will vary each year, but could take the form of, for instance, an exploration of the significance of silent characters in performance; a phenomenological study of movement and perception in early modern drama; an investigation of the impact of AR on immersive performance; or a comparative study of rehearsal practices. Questions may be industry-led or academic.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will develop their PAR skills, building on work done in I/5. Students will develop the skills and confidence needed to embark on independent practical research.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Project-based learning including seminars, workshops and engaged learning, as appropriate.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Practical work (e.g. a rehearsed reading, experimental scratch performance, workshops)
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Group Creative Portfolio of research findings (70%) [ILOs 1,3]
Individual critical reflection on practice (30%) [ILOs 2,3]
The form of the presentation and critical reflection will depend on the nature of the research question and the most appropriate way of showcasing research findings.
When assessment does not go to plan:
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. THTR30027).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
