This module is only available for postgraduate students on the MA Theatre Dramaturgy, not for the undergraduate MDrama pathway.

 

Undertaking individual and autonomous research, students will creatively apply their previously acquired knowledge and expertise in the field of theatre dramaturgy. The topic and focus of the research investigation will be chosen, framed and developed by the student individually, based on their individual interests. Initially, students will prepare, at the beginning of Spring term, a proposal identifying the focus of the research, the questions the dissertation will set out to explore, and the methodologies to be used in the research as well as a rationale for why the topic is worthy of investigation. The dissertation proposal will be agreed and supervisors allocated, normally by week 8 of Spring Term. The written dissertation which clearly articulates the research questions explored and the outcomes of the investigation will normally be submitted by early September.

 

The research must be independent and original, i.e. not copying or using material from assignments on other modules of the Dramaturgy MA.

 

In line with the advanced nature of this Masters-level project, students will undertake, on this module, primarily independent, self-directed learning and research, framed by individual supervision and group tuition to help and encourage the development of an independent perspective, to advise on reading and other forms of primary and secondary material, and to direct and provide feedback on the organisation, form and content of the dissertation. There will be two introductory seminars for MA dissertation students on the MA Dramaturgy Pathway, and a further group seminar towards the end of summer term at which students will present their initial ideas and findings and outline their plans for research over the Summer. This is designed to help students to articulate their research proposals and to begin to respond to questions about their work. As appropriate for a 60 credit module, students will be expected to devote 600 hours of study to their dissertation project. Self-directed learning and research is indispensable for this module, including continuous theatre visits, the extensive study of playtexts old and new, and keeping up-to-date with the regional, national and international world of theatre performance.

 

Assessment

 

100% Written Dissertation (with accompanying documentation as appropriate) of 12-15,000 words. The Dissertation will be doublemarked by an Internal Examining Panel, and an External Examiner will examine the work of this module.

 

On successful completion of their dissertation, students will have developed

* skills in devising, undertaking, and contextualising original independent research exploring advanced problems concerning the theories and practices of theatre dramaturgy

* comprehensive knowledge and imaginative engagement with the complex discourses of and around dramaturgic practice, and with the relevant methodological and professional tools and techniques,

* through a detailed extended study a wider knowledge of the history, contexts, and configurations of dramaturgic practice and its role within creative theatre production, 

* an ability to frame, articulate, and communicate in writing the evidence base and argument of the research undertaken.

Also, students will develop

        * their independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

        * their autonomous and original initiative in inventing, creating, and executing complex tasks and problems at professional level,

        * their ability to support and supply their inventive work with a thorough research and efficient assessment of available facts and data from all appropriate sources,

        * their ability to engage in and communicate in appropriate style an extended study, and to keep focus and concentration over an extended dense period.