EQ952-15 Storytelling Drama for Education

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

There is no requirement for previous experience in order to take this module, but if you are new to drama study and would like to discuss the performance assessment with the module leader, please contact Cheryl Cane at C dot Cane at warwick dot ac dot uk.

Introduction

The storytelling drama for education module offers an opportunity to explore the potential for learning through practical drama exploration. The module explores a range of theoretical lenses through which narrative and culture can be critically examined making links between practical drama exploration and theoretical positioning. Due to its emphasis on practical drama exploration, it encourages students to consider how storytelling exploration can offer learning opportunities, and to consider how meanings are made, communicated and / or constructed through story.

Principle Module Aims

Through this module, students will explore the role of story and narrative in contemporary and historical traditions relevant to performance and education. They will develop understanding of the didactic and pedagogic claims of storytelling with particular reference to the notion of traditional stories arising from the oral tradition. It is a module that offers opportunities to develop systematic understanding whilst applying practical techniques for real-world situations. The module concludes with a self-selected storytelling challenge planning a storytelling drama workshop for a particular target group.

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 introduces students to relevant theories and practices examining the use of story and storytelling drama for education. Through a series of practical workshops and individual tasks, students will discuss sources and versions of traditional tales to examine the particular cultural narratives that they build. The module will consider the various choices open to the practitioner or teacher that can present educational potential. The module is highly practical with all students engaging in workshops examining traditional tales from various cultures. The work of Professor Joe Winston is an integral part of this course. This module will appeal to anyone who is interested in storytelling for educational purposes whether as a practitioner or a teacher.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse stories from the contemporary and historical oral traditions of various cultures
• Demonstrate awareness of the theories and practices of contemporary and historical performance traditions which use storytelling as the basis of their dramatic art
• Can work co-operatively in complex and unpredictable contexts to present a plan for an educational drama performance that uses traditional myth, folk or fairy tale storytelling for educational purposes
• Can critically analyse practical exploration communicating judgement about application of technique for particular educational and / or performance effect
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of relevant dramatic techniques, and conceptual understanding, to plan effective and sensitive storytelling drama

Study time

Type	Required
Seminars	8 sessions of 2 hours (10%)
Other activity	35 hours (23%)
Private study	100 hours (67%)
Total	150 hours

Assessment

	Weighting	Study time
A proposal for a piece of storytelling for educational purposes	50%	20 hours
Present a proposal for a storytelling performance in response to a real-world challenge suitable for a particular educational context. Your proposal will consider the choices and decisions made to create a piece of dramatic impact and educational potential.
Present an educational storytelling performance	50%	15 hours
Create a piece of storytelling building on the theme of the module. Each performance piece will reflect the choice of story and educational purpose outlined in the storytelling proposal.