Overview
In this unit you will study the development and structure of post-modern theatre styles: cabaret, absurdism, verbatim theatre and documentary drama. You will analyse the theatrical devices apparent in each style while studying the broader political, social and cultural contexts that have influenced the development of each of these post-modern theatre styles.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: Minimum of 18 credit pointsAntirequisite: Students who have completed THTR13127 Theatre Studies 6: Dada to Post-Modern Theatre cannot enrol in this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2024
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student feedback
The in-class live presentation as the final assessment was a useful capstone assessment.
Continue to incorporate an in-class live presentation in one of the assessments in this unit to allow students to demonstrate deep knowledge of the subject mater.
- Explore the origins of cabaret and analyse the theatrical devices and techniques used in contemporary cabaret
- Analyse the theatrical devices and techniques used by playwrights associated with the Theatre of the Absurd
- Investigate the theatrical devices and techniques used in verbatim theatre and documentary drama
- Contextualise various post-modern theatre styles with the important political, social and cultural movements of the twentieth century.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Presentation - 35% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Presentation - 35% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.brown@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 08 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Topic 1: Origins of French cabaret
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2
Begin Date: 15 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Topic 2: Origins of German cabaret
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3
Begin Date: 22 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Topic 3: Influential cabaret performers
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4
Begin Date: 29 Jul 2024Module/Topic
Topic 4: Modern cabaret styles and performances
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5
Begin Date: 05 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Topic 5: The Theatre of the Absurd
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 12 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6
Begin Date: 19 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Topic 6: The Theatre of the Absurd
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 26 Aug 2024Module/Topic
Topic 7: Recent absurdist playwrights
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8
Begin Date: 02 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Topic 8: Verbatim theatre/Documentary drama
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9
Begin Date: 09 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Topic 9: Preparation for in-class presentations
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10
Begin Date: 16 Sep 2024Module/Topic
Topic 10: In-class presentations
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11
Begin Date: 23 Sep 2024Module/Topic
No tutorial this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12
Begin Date: 30 Sep 2024Module/Topic
No tutorial this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review/Exam Week
Begin Date: 07 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 14 Oct 2024Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Presentation
Task: Create a 5 - 7 minute pre-recorded presentation with PowerPoint that compares a current Australian or international cabaret performance with the written and visual accounts of the Weimar cabaret scene and the French cabaret scene in the early 20th century.
- Use of the stage and general staging elements
- Costuming
- Type of music accompaniment
- Use of satire or humour
- Cabaret content/structure
You may use YouTube clips (appropriately referenced and included in the reference list) to support your argument. You cannot use any of the examples that were discussed in the tutorials.
- 5 - 7 minute pre-recorded spoken presentation, uploaded to YouTube and a link provided in Moodle.
- The presentation should include a PowerPoint including a title slide with your name and title of the case study.
- The final slide should include your reference list.
- You may use text, images and video files (no longer than 60 seconds in length)
- At the end of the presentation, you must submit a PDF of the PowerPoint slides through Moodle.
- Do not just read your document to the audience, but use your notes only as a guide.
- All technological issues are your responsibility.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
- Gen AI can be used for content editing
WORD COUNT for written assignments: The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 5 Monday (5 Aug 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 7 Monday (26 Aug 2024)
- Clear introduction and conclusion for the presentation (10%)
- Accuracy of information and depth of treatment of the topic (25%)
- Appropriate and clear PowerPoint presentation to support the argument (20%)
- Ability to present the argument clearly and logically during the spoken presentation (25%)
- Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and clear-lay-out of slides (10%)
- Correct use of APA 7th edition style for the Reference list final slide (10%)
- Explore the origins of cabaret and analyse the theatrical devices and techniques used in contemporary cabaret
- Contextualise various post-modern theatre styles with the important political, social and cultural movements of the twentieth century.
2 Written Assessment
Task: Find 3 Youtube performances of plays by any 3 of the followings playwrights, one per playwright:
- Samuel Beckett
- Eugene Ionesco
- Jean Genet
- Arthur Adamov
- Harold Pinter
- Caryl Churchill
- Christopher Durang
- Edward Albee
- Tom Stoppard
- Sam Shepard
Discuss how each of these 3 performances is considered absurdist, providing direct timed links to particular parts of the video. You should also directly link your observations to the concepts of post-modernism and existentialism, with reference to key philosophers in these fields.
Presentation:
- This assignment is to be saved as a Word document and submitted online through the course website.
- Use 12 point Times New Roman font.
- 1.5 spacing throughout
- Sub-headings may be used as appropriate.
- All excerpts from primary sources, including diagrams and pictures should include an in-text reference, and full details included in the Reference List.
- Include links to the videos as part of your Reference List.
- Do not rely solely on web-based sources. On-line research sources obtained from peer reviewed journals or academic databases are acceptable. Any internet sources used must be scholarly and accredited. Citations from Wikipedia, Sparksnotes, or similar websites are not to be used under any circumstances.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
- Gen AI can be used for content editing
WORD COUNT for written assignments: The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 8 Monday (2 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10 Monday (16 Sept 2024)
- Clear introduction and conclusion (10%)
- Accuracy of information and depth of treatment of the topic (25%)
- Appropriate use of primary and secondary sources to support the argument (20%)
- Ability to present the argument clearly and logically (25%)
- Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and clear lay-out (10%)
- Correct use of APA style for the in-text referencing and reference list (10%)
- Analyse the theatrical devices and techniques used by playwrights associated with the Theatre of the Absurd
- Contextualise various post-modern theatre styles with the important political, social and cultural movements of the twentieth century.
3 Presentation
Task Description:
Present a live, 5 - 7 minute, in-class presentation with PowerPoint, of a case study on a verbatim theatre/documentary drama playwright. In your presentation, answer the following questions:
- Describe their unique creative processes and influences.
- Give an account of the social and cultural factors that influenced them.
- What made their work truly innovative?
- How did their work affect society and subsequent artistic practices?
You may use YouTube clips (appropriately referenced and included in the reference list) to support your argument. You cannot use any of the examples that were discussed in the tutorials.
- 5 - 7 minute live, in-class spoken presentation
- The presentation should include a PowerPoint including a title slide with your name and title of the case study.
- The final slide should include your reference list.
- You may use text, images and video files (no longer than 60 seconds in length)
- At the end of the presentation, you must submit a PDF of the PowerPoint slides through Moodle.
- Do not just read your document to the audience, but use your notes only as a guide.
- All technological issues are your responsibility.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence agents (Gen AI)
Within this assessment, the use of Microsoft Copilot, Chat GPT or other Gen AI agents is as follows:
- Gen AI can be used for content editing
WORD COUNT for written assignments: The word count is considered from the first word of the Introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Week 10 Monday (16 Sept 2024) 11:45 pm AEST
In class live presentation
Week 10 Monday (16 Sept 2024)
- Clear introduction and conclusion for the presentation (10%)
- Accuracy of information and depth of treatment of the topic (25%)
- Appropriate and clear PowerPoint presentation to support the argument (20%)
- Ability to present the argument clearly and logically during the spoken presentation (25%)
- Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation and clear-lay-out of slides (10%)
- Correct use of APA 7th edition style for the Reference list final slide (10%)
- Investigate the theatrical devices and techniques used in verbatim theatre and documentary drama
- Contextualise various post-modern theatre styles with the important political, social and cultural movements of the twentieth century.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
