LITT06015 2019 Literature: The Critical Voice

Understand and evaluate the factors underlying the generation of meaning in writing and performance

Critically evaluate and apply vocabulary of literary and performance analysis in seminar discussions and in critical reviews

Revise, edit and peer-edit critical reviews

Present research and communicate ideas through structured oral presentations 

Collaborate with colleagues in research and analysis and engage in process of giving and receiving feedback for professional development

apply primary research skills by interviewing creative practitioners

Attending live performances is integral to this module. Seminars and workshops build upon the performance (dance, music, theatre, performance art etc) as the source material. Seminars designed to elucidate topic areas, clarify critical terms and to provide contextual background. Workshops provide learners with opportunity to practically apply skills and engage in collaborative and peer-learning, including presentations and peer editing workshops.

Week 1 

Introduction to Critical Writing

Week 2

visit to Dublin Theatre Festival and praparation

Textual and Performance Concepts

• reading the theatrical performance as text
• exploration of the work in terms of genre and cultural and theoretical movements
• narrative structure
• theatrical movements

    Performance Concepts

• acting styles
• character
• analysis

Week 3

 Production and staging concepts

• direction
• style
• governing idea

• the material theatre
• costume
• design concept
• technology
• lighting
• space
• scenography
• symbolism

Week 4

 Critical Concepts and the experience of witnessing

• experience of attending
• audience
• analysis
• contextual study

Week 5

Researching

• library resources
• online journals
• visual research
• documenting research and recording research

7. Review Writing

strategies for writing reviews 

structure

content

analysis/argument

tone

style

voice

Week 8

Books Journalism

Week 9 

Learning to give and receive critical feedback

writing a literary review

Week 10

Interviewing skills

pre-interview strategies

research, preparation of questions

interview

post interview

the write-up

Week 11 

presentation skills

Week 12

giving constructive feedback