Contents PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION BA DANCE THEATRE. Date of Approval - October Date of First Intake - September 2007

Transcription

1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION BA DANCE THEATRE Date of Approval - October 2006 Date of First Intake - September 2007 Year of First Award - July 2010 Amended by Minor Change 12/11/14 Contents 1. Programme Title 3 1

2 2. Brief Description of Programme 3 3. Distinctive Features Entry Requirements 4 5. Programme Aims 5 6. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes Skills Plus 8 8. Link to Subject Benchmarks 8 9. Teaching and Learning and Assessment Strategies Programme Structure Exemptions/ Special Academic Regulations Final and Intermediate Award Titles Awarding Institution Teaching Institution Accreditation Bodies UCAS Codes JCAS Codes 16 Appendix Programme Intended Learning Outcomes Map 1. Programme Title 2

3 BA (Hons) Dance Theatre 2. Brief Description of Programme This programme is aimed at students who want to pursue a career pathway in dance and movement related arts and educational activity. The programme promotes collaborative and interdisciplinary practice as this will create the necessary framework to study the tenets of contemporary dance theatre practice. The term Dance Theatre embodies the distinct character of a production or event which sets out to explore the boundaries that separate conventional modes of dance, and elements from other performance disciplines and genres. The programme will provide students with a developmental training in dance and movement throughout the three year course of study to support the key areas of practice. Its core aim is to produce graduates who can apply their creativity, skills and understandings to articulating, making, performing and sharing dance in different social and cultural contexts and spaces. 3. Distinctive features: This programme promotes Dance Theatre as an inclusive activity and hybrid art form and invites students who are fascinated by how dance theatre performances engage the audience differently than other art forms. The programme places emphasis on the whole person and what constitutes wholeness in terms of being able to express ourselves and live with vitality and creativity. The programme embeds a distinct relationship between art and health. The programme will provide students with opportunities to take Theatre and Performance modules and undertake collaborative practice with Theatre students Prime location: Plymouth has a rich theatre and performance scene and is now developing its own dance agency, there is a considerable amount of educational and youth dance activity in Plymouth and opportunities for professional development through Dance Southwest National Dance Agency and Dance In Devon Agency. This programme will be establishing close links with these organisations to enable students to work alongside skilled practitioners and to generate creative projects which facilitate their own independent study and research. Students would be encouraged to develop a professional portfolio of experience over the three period of study. These links would also provide valuable extra-curricular training and workshop opportunities for our students and enable them to become part of a larger artistic community, networking and making connections. 3

4 Partnership: Theatre and Performance department are in partnership with the Barbican Theatre Plymouth and this will extend to the Dance Theatre BA where there is a sharing of practice, teaching and performance platforms. This also extends to applying for research and development funding to enrich the programme and its research culture. This will initiate and support a broad range of practice as research projects from both staff and students and contribute significantly to pedagogic research. 4. Entry requirements 4.1 The Dance Theatre Admissions tutor will co-ordinate recruitment with support from Faculty External Affairs Unit (Marketing and Admissions) Entry qualifications: UCAS Tariff Points required 260 A2 level/vce (6 unit award) minimum of 2 awards including C in Dance/Performing Arts or other arts discipline AS level/vce, (3 unit award) points allowed if subject differs from A2 VCE, Double Award (12 unit award) minimum AB required Students with the required points and references will be offered a conditional place, this can only be translated into a firm offer through their attendance at an interview through workshop and meeting with course team. If there are circumstances where the student is unable to attend interview they can submit a video/ DVD showing an example of their practice and they will also need to provide an explanation as to why they have chosen this course. Direct entry or transfer students will be required to meet with the Programme Leader or discuss course details through telephone or communication. All direct entry or transfer students entering Stage 3 will be asked to submit a sample of written work. Applications will be considered where an applicant can provide evidence of accredited prior learning and relevant experience in the subject field. This strategy will be reviewed in 12 months, following the intake of the first cohort of students. 4

5 4.2. European/Overseas Applicants Students applying from European or overseas institutions should attain minimum test scores of 6.0 for IELTS (International English Language Testing Scheme) or 550 (paper based) or 213 for TEFL or GCSE Grade C or above in English Language. European and overseas students will be advised to contact the University of Plymouth English Language Support Unit for advice and individual support. 5. Programme aims: (those in bold are specific to the subject discipline) The programme is intended to: 5.1 Develop students understanding of the potential for dance to communicate to different audiences. 5.2 Develop an understanding of the centrality of the body in performance. 5.3 Support and provide opportunities for students to be innovative and undertake collaborative and interdisciplinary practice. 5.4 Foster each student s individual creativity and intellectual appetite and growth. 5.5 Develop in students the reflective and analytical skills necessary for them to apply critical and independent thinking. 5.6 Familiarise students, historically, aesthetically and culturally with the key figures, movements and cross disciplinary developments in contemporary dance theatre practice. 5.7 Enable students to articulate and debate creative practice through an understanding of the interdependency between theory and practice. 5.8 Enable students to plan for and reflect upon their personal, academic and professional development and to consider as part of their learning experiences future career opportunities and pathways. 6. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes : Upon completion of the programme the student will be expected to be able to demonstrate: 5

6 Knowledge/understanding 6.1 The ability to engage critically and practically with dance theatre practice, its discourse and theories. 6.2 Their ability to craft and present dance theatre practice in different contexts and settings and understand the role and function of this work for its audience. 6.3 The ability to articulate both the personal and potentially universal themes which are relevant to the development of their creative practice. 6.4 Their embodied understanding of the articulate and expressive body and its centrality in performance through both written and practical assignments. 6.5 A detailed and extensive knowledge of dance history and the development of contemporary dance theatre practice. 6.6 Their understanding of the symbiotic relationship between theory and practice and how this will inform their study and research methodologies. 6.7 Their awareness and understanding of the aesthetic, social and cultural implications for a genre that seeks to resist definition and operate within and respond to new cultural spaces and communities. Cognitive/Intellectual Abilities: 6.8 The ability to apply critical and reflective skills to evaluate the development of their own creative practice, its processes and final outcomes. 6.9 The ability to analyse complex concepts and theories and use these to develop new insights and promote independent thinking The ability to apply an analytical and discursive approach to address how work is made, performed and received The ability to synthesise materials from a range of different sources and to identify relationships or potential links between these The ability to articulate creative practice from an informed perspective and address how practice can embody theory and evidence a physical intelligence Their ability to respond effectively to critical feedback and also be able to provide others with constructive and supportive evaluation and critique. 6

7 6.14 The ability to structure and organise materials effectively and present convincing arguments The appropriate skills and techniques at graduate level to carry out effective research and communicate effectively in written, oral and expressive form Have kept a personal development plan and created a portfolio of work and performance experience and have completed related tasks. Key/Transferable skills: 6.17 The ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally 6.18 To demonstrate creative thinking and work with imagination 6.19 The ability to work effectively in the group context and work to collective goals 6.20 The ability to liaise and negotiate effectively in a professional context and manage partnerships 6.21 The capacity to prioritise and time-manage and meet both personal and set deadlines 6.22 To demonstrate the ability to take initiative and responsibility and work autonomously 6.23 The demonstration of performance, choreographic and workshop skills required to meet the aims and demands of projects 6.24 The ability to reflect on personal development and use this to plan for future development and skills enhancement 6.25 The demonstration and application of a range of presentation skills, use of information and technology Practical Skills: 6.26 The ability to plan, create and organise innovative dance theatre performance and inter-disciplinary and collaborative projects The ability to work effectively with others in the group context. 7

8 6.28 The ability to work safely through the body independently and with others in both the rehearsal context and in performance An awareness of working in different spaces and the importance of preparing and maintaining these spaces to address health and safety issues The ability to prepare all spaces for potential audiences in accordance with health and safety procedures and guidelines. Employment Related Skills: 6.31 Confidence and ability to liaise effectively with outside professional arts practitioners and organisations 6.32 Development of professional development profile and ability to develop new skills and acquire new competences to enable students to prepare for careers in dance such as, performance, choreography, teaching, dance journalism/criticism, dance administration and management, community and educational dance work, dance movement therapy Ability to plan, time manage and organise projects outside of the University context, ability to demonstrate independent thinking, to take on responsibility and decision making 6.34 Awareness of appropriate codes of practice in the professional context 6.35 Capacity to begin to initiate and innovate in new professional arenas 7. Skills Plus: BA (Hons) Dance Theatre offers students the opportunity to engage in Skills plus activities. Skills Plus is the University of Plymouth s Skills, Personal Development Planning and Employability Strategy and encourages a co-ordinated and efficient approach to their delivery and implementation. Arts Skills Plus embeds activities within the programme modules to provide students with the opportunity to: Develop a range of graduate attributes and skills Plan for and reflect on their personal development 8

9 Recognise the importance of future employability as part of their learning experience. For implementation and Dance Theatre s Arts Skills Plus strategy please refer to Subject Handbook. 8. Link to Subject Benchmarks Relevant QAA benchmark Group: Dance, drama and performance Links to paragraphs within the QAA subject benchmark statements are given in the Programme Intended Learning Outcomes Map (Appendix) 9. Teaching & Learning Strategies and Methods Learning, teaching and assessment are closely related through a variety of different approaches that are designed to facilitate students creative development and their articulation of the symbiotic relationship between theory and practice. The delivery of this praxis is central to the ethos of this award and will promote the understanding that theory can be as much embodied in action as in thinking. Learning and teaching will take place in a variety of continually evolving contexts including an appropriate balance of: workshops, rehearsals, productions, practical classes, laboratory/studiobased practice, screenings; lectures, seminars, tutorials; group and individual learning; tutor-led, student-led, self-directed study; resource-based learning, including library and archive work and attendance at performances. the use of generic technology (e.g. word-processing software, internet, electronic discussion groups, etc.) and, if appropriate, subject-specific technology (e.g computer aided design [CAD], video editing equipment, specialist software facilitating choreography, etc.) Throughout the programme learning will be supported with study packs, handouts and visual aids, and via access to library resources and online materials (especially the student portal). At all times participation in formal and informal group activities and dialogues will be important methods of learning, alongside independent study and critical reflection. 9

10 Sessions will often be taught through practical workshops. The devising and creation of Dance Theatre is both a collective and individual activity which demands high levels of commitment, personal organisation, loyalty, sensitivity, give and take and awareness of other peoples bodies and particular needs. The programme has taken into account the importance of regular physical training and bodily preparation and this will be delivered consistently throughout the three years. The programme embeds a clear relationship with BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance and this encompasses the interdisciplinary and collaborative practice being offered to students through shared modules and in particular the Performance Lab Modules 1 & 2 being offered at Stage 1 & 2. Lecture, seminar and tutorial study will occur at designated points within the modules. Tutors will set regular reading and research tasks and expect students to prepare practical tasks in their own rehearsal time. Coursework will normally reflect the collaborative nature of the discipline and students will experience work on practical performance/projects, participating as appropriate in the process from initial research to engagement with an audience. Students are expected to support, engage and participate in each other s practical work where appropriate. Students will experience both tutor-led learning, including the participation of professional practitioners where possible, and self-directed methods of learning, reflecting independence and encouraging positive attitudes towards life-long learning, as well as facilitating the evolution of effective individual dance theatre practice. In stage 3 students will be expected to liaise with arts organizations and artists outside of the University to plan and prepare for a professional developmental project which will address their own career aspirations. Students will be introduced to the skills enabling them to present work in correct scholarly form and how to document practical research, as well as to different methods of carrying out research. Each year of study may be characterised as follows: Stage One The investment year during which students become aware of the basic elements, skills and discourse of the subject. Stage Two The investigative year where the emphasis is on the particularities of structure - style, form, content, context, cultural significance, etc. 10

11 Stage Three The testing year during which students explore in detail issues of interest raised by their reading and studies. The quality of your research is tested through various modes of presentation to enable you to articulate your understanding. Tutors assume the role of consultants in order to underline your personal responsibility for your own output and create a bridge into the post-university world. Assessment Methods Students will be formally assessed at the end of each module against specified criteria (see individual DMRs). Formative feedback on students progress will be provided by tutors at intervals throughout your studies. The following methods and assignments will be used to assess modules: performative presentations (e.g. in which students demonstrate their understandings of the module content and their responses to it, or else research findings) creative practice as evidenced in the creation of a group performance, a self-directed performance event (or series of events), or a series of practical workshops written analysis, critical reflection and evaluation of both process and performance products. Learning logs, these include specific tasks for the student to complete and students need to evidence recording of ongoing research and reflection on practical and theoretical study on the module essays, making an argument and/or situating own creative practice. portfolios or other appropriate forms of documentation of research processes and performance outcomes. seminar presentations (e.g. about work-in-progress or other research findings) literature reviews, abstracts/proposal for Stage 3 Research Project (written dissertation OR practice-based) Assessment & Progression All modules are 100% coursework. In stage one no marks are carried forward to the second year other than pass /fail. Tutors will give students grades which will be recorded in each student file. These will be accompanied by written feedback. All marks at Stages 2 & 3 contribute towards the final degree classification. Principles of Assessment a) All assessed work in Dance Theatre shall comply with the Academic Regulations of the University of Plymouth. 11

12 b) All assessment will concentrate on those areas that can be taught e.g. knowledge, craft, skills, etc. Originality, though a necessity for high achievement, is not a requirement towards the gaining of a good honours degree. c) Assessment in Dance Theatre includes elements of interpretation, critical awareness and observations. However objectivity can be secured through clear assessment criteria and shared understanding of those criteria developed through discussion and debate. d) That assessment is constructed from a combination of a range of methods appropriate to the nature of the subject. e) That practice and theory are considered to have a symbiotic relationship within the study and assessment of Dance Theatre 12

13 SEMESTER TWO SEMESTER ONE Programme Stucture Dance Theatre Stage 1 (Level 4) DATH401 (20 credits) Dance Making and Knowing DATH403 (20 credits) Training for Dancers 1 THPF403 (20 credits) Performance Praxis 1 Christmas Vacation DATH403 Training (assessment) THPF403 (assessment) THPF406PP Plymouth Plus: Performance Lab 1 (20 credits) DATH404 (20 credits ) Training for Dancers 2 DATH402 Ensemble (20 credits) Easter Vacation DATH404 (assessment) DATH402 Ensemble (assessment) 13

14 SEMESTER TWO SEMESTER ONE Dance Theatre Stage 2 (Level 5) THPF503 (20 credits) Performance Practices DATH501 (20 credits) Dance Theatre Practice DATH503 (20 credits) Training for Dancers 3 Christmas Vacation THPF502 (20 credits) Performance Lab 2 DATH502 (20 Credits) Experimental Digital Dance Practices DATH504 (20 credits) Training for Dancers 4 Residency Intensive making Easter Vacation 14

15 SEMESTER TWO SEMESTER ONE Dance Theatre Stage 3 ( Level 6 ) THPF605 (40 credits) Performance Research DATH 601 Option (20 credits) Advanced Training for Dancers THPF604 Option (20 credits ) Performance Praxis 4: Cultural Embodiment THPF602 Optional (20 credits) Digital Performance Practice Christmas Vacation THPF606 (20 credits) Professional Development Project THPF603 (40 credits) Performance Lab 3 Easter Vacation 15

16 11. Exemptions None Special Academic Regulations A student s final degree classification is calculated from weightings at each stage of the programme and is as follows: The highest marks achieved against 80 credits from Level 4 are selected (Stage 1) and given a weighting of 0.1 (10%) Level 5 (Stage 2) marks of 120 credits are given a 0.3 (30%) weighting Level 6 (Stage 3) marks of 120 credits are given a weighting of 0.6 (60%) 12. Final and Intermediate Award Titles BA (Hons) Dance Theatre may be awarded to a student who completes 360 credits, including at least 120 credits at level 3, and a further 120 credits at level 2 or above. A Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) may be awarded to a student who completes 240 credits, including at least 120 credits at Level 2 or above, but does not continue to Stage 3. In addition, a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) may be awarded to a student who completes 120 credits at Level 1 or above but does not continue to Stage 2. A student s final degree classification is calculated from weightings at each stage of the programme and is as follows: The highest marks achieved against 80 credits from Level 4 are selected (Stage 1) and given a weighting of 0.1 (10%) Level 5 (Stage 2) marks of 120 credits are given a 0.3 (30%) weighting Level 6 (Stage 3) marks of 120 credits are given a weighting of 0.6 (60%) 13. Awarding Institution University of Plymouth 14. Teaching Institution University of Plymouth 15. Accreditation Body N/A 16

17 16. UCAS Codes W JACS Codes W542, W400 17