EQ951-15 Drama and Literacy

Department Education Studies

Level Taught Postgraduate Level

Module leader Cheryl Cane

Credit value 15

Module duration 8 weeks

Assessment 100% coursework

Study location University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introduction

The Drama and Literacy (15 CAT) module is responsive to the stress placed internationally on the development of literacy in educational settings. It looks specifically at theories of literacy that emphasise the importance of cultural semiotics and social context. It considers the close historical relationship between drama and English in schools and explores the specific contribution drama can make to children’s language development including the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Principle Module Aims

• To introduce sociolinguistic and other socio-cultural theories of language and language acquisition that underpin the drama and literacy relationship.
• To assist in the development of coherent learning opportunities for literacy through drama pedagogy.
• To provide students with opportunities to develop skills and understandings applicable to teachers and / or practitioners of drama and literacy within an educational setting.
• To develop understandings of contemporary and international models of theory and practice in drama education and their relevance to the teaching of literacy.
• To provide the opportunity for evaluating the pedagogic claims that have been made for drama as a method of learning in English / a language curriculum.

Syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module in underpinned by an introduction to theoretical perspectives on drama and literacy. Socio-cultural theories of language acquisition are utilised to illuminate the relationship between drama and the development of literacy. The module takes place across 8 practical sessions. In each session we engage with theory and practice to consider approaches to developing literacy (including reading, writing, speaking and listening) through drama pedagogy. The module culminates in an individual workshop plan responding to a particular target group or focus.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the potential relationship between drama education and the development of literacy
• Critically analyse a variety of practical approaches in drama and literacy education
• Demonstrate the skills to integrate literacy education within drama exploration
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills

Study Time

Type	Required
Seminars	8 sessions of 2 hours (10%)
Private study	105 hours (70%)
Assessment	30 hours (20%)
Total	150 hours

Assessment

	Weighting
Coursework	100%
Present a teaching plan for the use of drama education to support literacy development for a particular target group

Module Information

This is a core module for MA Drama and English Language Teaching and MA Drama and Theatre Education, and an optional module for MA Childhood in Society, MA Education, MA Educational Innovation, MA Educational Leadership and Management, MA Islamic Education: Theory and Practice, MA Global Education and International Development, and MA Psychology and Education.