AMSC41114 Theory and methods 1 - Perspectives (Autumn 2018)

T&M 1 Perspectives consists of 1) a series of lectures and tutorials, 2) a writing course, 3) analysis and preparation of individual syllabuses in the student group.

The learning outcome in the first semester of T&M 1 primarily consists of acquiring knowledge about and skills in analysis and reflection on relevant sources of textual and visual material, through viewing theatrical productions and exhibitions, and through improved writing skills. This will give students an opportunity to reassess and reformulate their master's thesis, which is a coursework requirement for this course.

Theory and Methods 1 is designed to develop students' ability to understand contemporary performative scenographic art, to study earlier artistic productions and to analyse them precisely and be able, at the same time, to place their own artistic practice in the context of the performing arts, architecture, film/video and visual art. Students will explore and analyse different existing spaces, for example architectural spaces, urban spaces, installations, exhibitions and stage-related spaces.

Tuition addresses relevant theory and history, as well as dramatic and other literary texts within the subject area in the broadest sense.  The students shall be capable of seeing art in relation to social, political  and economic issues. The course will form the basis for students' own work and for the development of their own methods through reflection on existing methods.

The writing course includes practical exercises and will give the students experience of and knowledge about expressing themselves in writing in different genres to different groups of readers, such as employees, partners, the press/media, at seminars, in various publication channels, and about sources of funding for artistic productions. 

Students submit a portfolio containing documentation of their work and reflections on their attainment of the learning outcomes, and a revision of their Master's Production seen in relation to the course.

• has increased his or her knowledge of the theory and history of architecture, the performing arts and visual art and can utilise it in his or her own textual and artistic production.
• can analyse, reflect on and understand how art reflects society and how scenography and spatial art contribute to society.
• is familiar with the principles for the content, composition / structuring and form of texts, for example in academic articles and applications, and can apply them.
• can, orally and in writing, communicate precisely about his or her own artistic work to various recipients, for example to specialised project staff, but also to the general public, the press and the media.

The work methods will consist of independent work, tuition, written work under supervision, and lectures and discussions, viewing performing arts performances and investigations of architectural and artistic spaces.

Practical writing exercises and the portfolio documentation aim to give the students experience of and knowledge about different ways of expressing themselves, orally and in writing, to different audiences.

Submission of portfolio documentation no later than three weeks prior to the course assessment. The portfolio shall contain:

Part 1:
Collected material consisting of texts, images, references and other material that reflects on the student's studies in Theory and Methods 1. The student's own Master's Production shall be placed in this context. The student shall also reflect on his or her own attainment of the defined learning outcome for the course 

Part 2:
The revised project description of the student's Master's Production based on the project description submitted when applying for admission to the master's programme.

The submitted required coursework must be approved by the subject teacher before the student can put him or herself forward for course assessment.

Oral exam
The assessment of the student's attainment of the learning outcome for the course is carried out at the end of the semester, following a structured discussion between the student, the student's supervisor and one subject teacher who is a member of staff, based on the material in the portfolio documentation submitted by the student for Theory and Methods 1.

Permitted aids: Portfolio documentation.

Oral feedback is given.

The grades Pass / Fail are used.

References to relevant literature, video material, websites, theatrical productions and exhibitions, art catalogues, films, music, art and theatre criticism in the media and other relevant references are provided by the Programme Coordinator and the subject teachers.

An individual syllabus is drawn up in the first semester that is relevant to the work on the student's master's project and critical reflection. It is based on the general literature list for the programme. The individual syllabus is developed further during the course of the programme until submission of the Master's Critical Reflection in the fourth semester.