Teaching Responsibility
LJMU Schools involved in Delivery:
LJMU Partner Taught
Learning Methods
Lecture
Seminar
Workshop
Module Offerings
4603ATCD-SEP-PAR
Aims
This module centres on the social function of stories, and their expression through theatre and related performing arts. Students will explore the ways in which stories have, and continue, to be used to communicate and engage. Consideration will also be given to the manipulation of narratives which, whilst offering both accessible and profound ways to articulate and explore how society functions, also provides opportunities to influence and shape perception.
Learning Outcomes
1.
Understand and interrogate the social role of story, ritual and myth and the ethics of responsible story telling.
2.
Articulate a broad understanding of the timeline of performance history and its relationship to narrative and story.
3.
Demonstrate an ability to analyse and critically assess the impact of past traditions on present practices.
4.
Identify and apply techniques to improve vocal performance as a storyteller, performer and/or facilitator.
5.
Devise and deliver seasonal celebratory theatre events.
Module Content
Outline Syllabus:
Unit 1: Ritual, Story and Myth
This unit focuses on the function of Mythology and its evolution into recognisable narrative structures. Practical exercises provide an opportunity for students to engage in story making and story telling before developing Celebratory Performances to be performed in community contexts. Particular focus will be given to the notion of responsible storytelling and the role stories play in shaping perceptions of history.
Unit 2: Story and Theatre
This unit of the module will be characterised by a series of weekly lectures on key developments in early theatre history each of which will be followed by student led seminars on related play texts. Notions of containment, celebration and liminality will also be explored through an analysis of the role of ritual, carnival and popular entertainment. At the end of the unit students will complete an essay analysing the impact of a specific historical theatre practice on contemporary theatre/drama.
Unit 3: Voice and Speech
This unit begins with a personal assessment, through which students can free the natural voice and explore strengths and limitations. There is a segment on vocal anatomy and physiology, so students will discover how the voice works. The student will work on their vocal presence and energy as a story teller. This phase concludes with students delivering story-time to pupils in local schools.
The work is then applied to a variety of texts, defining vowel and consonant sounds, addressing common errors of speech, verbal dynamics, sight reading, prepared readings in both verse and prose, testing diction in read and memorised texts for the purpose of specifics in articulation. Continued exercises to strengthen breath, tone and resonance in tandem with narrative and dramatic texts to test and confirm the connection between the body and the voice, language and imagery and text and structure.
Unit 1: Ritual, Story and Myth
This unit focuses on the function of Mythology and its evolution into recognisable narrative structures. Practical exercises provide an opportunity for students to engage in story making and story telling before developing Celebratory Performances to be performed in community contexts. Particular focus will be given to the notion of responsible storytelling and the role stories play in shaping perceptions of history.
Unit 2: Story and Theatre
This unit of the module will be characterised by a series of weekly lectures on key developments in early theatre history each of which will be followed by student led seminars on related play texts. Notions of containment, celebration and liminality will also be explored through an analysis of the role of ritual, carnival and popular entertainment. At the end of the unit students will complete an essay analysing the impact of a specific historical theatre practice on contemporary theatre/drama.
Unit 3: Voice and Speech
This unit begins with a personal assessment, through which students can free the natural voice and explore strengths and limitations. There is a segment on vocal anatomy and physiology, so students will discover how the voice works. The student will work on their vocal presence and energy as a story teller. This phase concludes with students delivering story-time to pupils in local schools.
The work is then applied to a variety of texts, defining vowel and consonant sounds, addressing common errors of speech, verbal dynamics, sight reading, prepared readings in both verse and prose, testing diction in read and memorised texts for the purpose of specifics in articulation. Continued exercises to strengthen breath, tone and resonance in tandem with narrative and dramatic texts to test and confirm the connection between the body and the voice, language and imagery and text and structure.
Module Overview:
This module focuses on the social function of stories, and how they are expressed through theatre and related performing arts. Students will explore the ways in which stories have, and continue, to be used to communicate, engage, shape perceptions and even manipulate social values.
This module focuses on the social function of stories, and how they are expressed through theatre and related performing arts. Students will explore the ways in which stories have, and continue, to be used to communicate, engage, shape perceptions and even manipulate social values.