Course Information

Sorry - We have no record of any course with the code 'MID1'.

Module information for course: 'MID1'


Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required DT6100: Dissertation


15 months long | Credits: 30

Students carry out a research project, through theatre practice and/or conventional library or archive-based research. They will produce a work of original research on any aspect of Drama, Theatre and/or live performance.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Carry out an independent research project on a topic in the area of drama, theatre, performance
  2. Access and analyse relevant research materials in print and digital format in libraries, public institutions, digital resources, and/or archives
  3. Make use of research conventions in relation to citation and bibliography, in line with best international practice.
  4. write an extended work of up to 15,000 words on an original topic.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module DT6100: "Dissertation" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DT6106: Thinking about Theatre


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

'Thinking about Theatre' introduced students to a selection of key thinkers on Western theatre and performance. Texts to be considered include extracts from Plato's 'The Republic,' Aristotle's 'The Poetics,' Sidney's 'Defense of Poesy,' Diderot's 'The Paradox of the Actor,' and Schiller's 'On the Tragic Art.' A range of contemporary thinkers--including Alain Badiou and Jacques Rancière--will also be considered.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify key features of western theatrical theory from the Greeks to the present day
  2. Analyse and relate strands of debates in critical discourse regarding theatre and performance over time
  3. Apply theoretical knowledge to the completion of an original research essay
  4. Situate theories of theatre in their historical contexts
  5. Formulate a coherent idea of the social and functions of theatre
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Republic, The" by Plato, Melissa Lane (Introduction), Desmond Lee (Translator)
    ISBN: 9780140455113.
    Publisher: Penguin Classics
  2. "Mimesis" by Matthew Potolsky
    ISBN: 9780415700290.
    Publisher: New York ; Routledge, 2006.
  3. "The aesthetics of mimesis" by Stephen Halliwell
    ISBN: 0691092583.
    Publisher: Princeton University Press
  4. "Art in theory, 1900-2000" by edited by Charles Harrison and Paul Wood
    ISBN: 9780631227083.
    Publisher: Malden, Mass. ; Blackwell Publishing, 2003.
  5. "Modern theories of drama" by edited and annotated by George W. Brandt
    ISBN: 0198711395.
    Publisher: Clarendon Press ; 1998.
  6. "Passionate amateurs" by Nicholas Ridout.
    ISBN: 9780472119073.
    Publisher: Ann Arbor; The University of Michigan Press
  7. "An Actress Prepares" by Rosemary Malague
    ISBN: 9780415681575.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module DT6106: "Thinking about Theatre" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN584: Writing about Theatre and Performance


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN584: "Writing about Theatre and Performance" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN613: The Abbey Theatre Digital Archive


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN613: "The Abbey Theatre Digital Archive" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DT6101: Irish Drama and Theatre from Beckett to the Present


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This course explores the history of Irish theatre from 1950 to the present, placing emphasis on the importance of Beckett for an understanding of Irish drama.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify key moments in Irish theatre history since 1950
  2. Describe and analyse the importance of social, cultural and economic factors in the development of Irish theatre history since 1950
  3. Produce a written research essay that deploys the skills of archival research, textual analysis, and performance analysis.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Modern and Contemporary Irish Drama" by John Harrington
  2. "Contemporary Irish Plays." by Patrick Lonergan
The above information outlines module DT6101: "Irish Drama and Theatre from Beckett to the Present" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DT6107: Research Methods for Theatre and Performance Studies


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This course surveys core research methodologies in the field of theatre and performance studies focusing on the key areas of archival research, ethnography and practice-as-research.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify core research methodologies in the field of theatre and performance studies
  2. Execute key research tasks related to working with original archival materials in digital and hard copy formats
  3. Analyse key debates over research ethics regarding the use of ethnographic methods for theatre and performance studies
  4. Formulate a research plan to pursue original research through combined ethnographic methods including the ability to engage with institutional ethics standards
  5. Distinguish between key approaches to practice-as-research as an academic methodology
  6. Devise a framework for a practice-as-research approach to their area of research specialisation
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Research Methods in Theatre and Performance" by Baz Kershaw and Helen Nicholson, eds.
  2. "The Cambridge Introduction to Theatre Historiography" by Thomas Postelwait and Tracy Davis, eds.
  3. "The Archive and the Repertoire" by Diana Taylor
  4. "Critical Ethnography: Methods, Ethics and Performance" by D. Soyini Madison
  5. "Practice as Research in the Arts" by Robin Nelson
  6. "Blood, Sweat and Theory" by John Freeman
The above information outlines module DT6107: "Research Methods for Theatre and Performance Studies" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN6109: From Globe to Globe: Contextualising Shakespeare on stage and on screen


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This module focuses on reading Shakespeare’s plays, and their adaptations, contextually. Students will be encouraged to locate their readings of the plays amid early modern discussions of a variety of religious-political topics before moving to consider the shaping influence of historical and cultural contexts on recent filmic and theatrical translations of Shakespeare’s plays from across the globe. In this regard, the module will investigate the malleability of Shakespeare as a cultural icon across a variety of languages and cultures, and focus particularly on adaptions in languages other than English. * Seminar discussion of the adaptations will attend to political and linguistic context and cultural tradition, and confront issues of location, translation, representation and generic difference. Across the course, students will be invited to consider the complex speaking positions that reside within these intercultural exchanges and investigate Shakespeare’s status as a global signifier of cultural capital.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. read texts in their historical contexts
  2. understand recent developments in the digital and global interpretation of Shakespeare’s work
  3. demonstrate awareness of how Shakespeare is performed across nations and cultures.
  4. critically assess the plays of Shakespeare and the processes through which they have been appropriated
  5. offer intelligent analysis of literary texts and visual samples
  6. engage with post-colonial criticism and performance and film criticism
  7. demonstrate research skills appropriate to postgraduate study
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "The Norton Shakespeare" by Stephen Greenblatt
  2. "Shakespeare in China" by Murray Levith
    Publisher: Continuum
  3. "Post-Colonial Shakespeares" by Loomba and Orkin
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module EN6109: "From Globe to Globe: Contextualising Shakespeare on stage and on screen" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN513: Playwright's Workshop I


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

A weekly writer’s workshop under the guidance of a playwright-in-residence. At the end of the semester, the students may select one or more scripts to stage for public performance at the university Theatre.

Learning Outcomes
  1. To be confirmed
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN513: "Playwright's Workshop I" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN515.II: Reviewing Theatre in Ireland


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Brief Academic Description After introductory classroom sessions on the qualities of the review as a genre, the class regularly attend plays in Galway, and sometimes elsewhere, in order to write about them. Class-meetings are workshops centered on these writings and their revision for publication. In addition to reviews, students write feature-articles on playwrights, directors, etc., studies of reception, and more speculative pieces on ’the state of the stage’.

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN515.II: "Reviewing Theatre in Ireland" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DT6109: Applied Theatre


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This course introduces students to core concepts and practices in the field of applied theatre techniques which includes but is not limited to educational theatre, Theatre for Social Change, community arts/theatre,Theatre of the Oppressed and other Boalian techniques, theatre for development, and prison theatre.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify key working methods and genres in the practice of applied theatre.
  2. Distinguish between different working methodologies and genres within the larger field of applied theatre.
  3. Analyse key debates over ethics and collaboration in this field of practice.
  4. Building on our practical classroom exercises, lead basic exercises from each major genre of applied theatre discussed in class.
  5. Interrogate the role of the faciliator in applied theatre work.
  6. Propose a framework for their own independent applied theatre project.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of a more advanced repertoire of activities and techinques from one targeted area of specialisation in applied theatre.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "The Applied Theatre Reader" by Sheila Preston and Tim Prentki
  2. "Theatre of Good Intentions: Challenges and Hopes for Theatre and Social Change" by Dani Snyder-Young
  3. "Games for Actors and Non-Actors" by Augusto Boal
  4. "Community Performance: An Introduction" by Petra Kuppers
  5. "Local Acts: Community-Based Performance in the United States" by Jan Cohen-Cruz
The above information outlines module DT6109: "Applied Theatre" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN520: Fieldwork And Theatre Business


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

A schedule of backstage, participative internships with theatre companies, in order to work with members of the company in dramaturgy, set design, lighting design, costume design, mask and puppet design, directing, improvisation, collaboration, mime, funding, publicity, and other practical elements of theatre business. The written work for this course be a journal submitted weekly (by paper or E-mail), and the whole revised for final presentation at the end of the semester. Attendance at the Friday guest speaker seminars is also an essential part of this course.

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN520: "Fieldwork And Theatre Business" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN537: Playwright's Workshop II : Adaptation


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This workshop-based module not only explores dramatic adaptation across different media but also uses the concept of adaptation to explore a range of playwriting strategies and dramaturgical approaches. Through the examination of play texts and writing tasks, students will learn ways to adapt fiction and documentary materials for the stage and for radio. Similarly, in two hour sessions, they will also examine the adaptation of established dramaturgical models such as the hero’s journey and the fairytale along with the more radical adaptation strategies of contemporary theatre. Students should be prepared to read work aloud in class and will learn to critique each other’s work. The module is assessed by the completion of a short analysis of a play in terms of the hero’s journey and fairytale structures; the writing of a short scene for radio and the completion of a longer scene of adaption for the stage. Students are encouraged to think of these scenes as the beginning of larger projects that could be developed and are encouraged to enter writing competitions such as RTE P.J. O’Connor Awards or to submit work to The New Theatre play reading sessions.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Compare styles of dramatic adaptations across different media.
  2. Analyse recurring dramatic structures in theatrical adaptation including the hero's journey and fairytale structures.
  3. Execute original adaptation of fictional and documentary materials for the stage and/or radio.
  4. Apply critical reflection strategies to self-assessment of original creative work within a lineage of artistic practice.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN537: "Playwright's Workshop II : Adaptation" and is valid from 2016 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN583: Playwriting


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN583: "Playwriting" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EN585: New Approaches to Performance


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module EN585: "New Approaches to Performance" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional DT6102: Irish Drama and Theatre from Wilde to O'Casey


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This course explores the history of Irish drama and theatre from 1890 to 1930
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify, describe and analyse key moments in Irish theatre history from 1890 to 1930, with special focus on the Irish literary revival.
  2. produce a substantial research paper that deploys the skills of archival research, textual analysis and performance analysis.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Modern and contemporary Irish drama" by edited by John P. Harrington
    ISBN: 0393932435.
    Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co.
  2. "The Irish Dramatic Revival: 1899-1939" by n/a
    ISBN: 978-140817528.
The above information outlines module DT6102: "Irish Drama and Theatre from Wilde to O'Casey" and is valid from 2016 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.