Department Education Studies

Level Taught Postgraduate Level

Module leader Rachel Turner-King

Credit value 30

Module duration 10 weeks

Assessment

Study location University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introduction

This module introduces students to relevant theories and practices across three key interrelated areas: youth studies, theatre-making and performance and creative learning in education. The module invites critical questions about young people’s access to cultural and creative education, highlighting issues of social justice and equality, asking, 'where do young people feel welcome?’ Working with contemporary real-world case studies drawn from regional, national, and international sites, students will investigate the social, geographical, cultural and economic contexts that have inspired and impacted the development of many creative projects. Students will review and evaluate the ways theatre-makers, practitioners and young people have responded to a range of complex and contentious issues in society drawn from the global north and south. This module draws on the expertise available within the department and its network of educational and practitioner contacts (national and international). Weekly sessions will involve theory-building through discussion and workshop-based practical explorations. Students will be introduced to methodologies associated with practice-based research and reflective practice, and they will design an interactive exhibition or performance experience for others as part of their group assessment. This module is particularly suitable for students who may be interested in careers in teaching, educational and cultural policy or as an arts practitioner or facilitator. This module also appeals to anyone with an interest in exploring the interdisciplinary connections between youth studies, theatre/performance and education.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the wider context of ‘youth studies’ and notions of youth identity and citizenship.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how artistic and creative processes of theatre-making and performance could relate to educational theory.
• Work independently to research other cognate examples of theatre-making and performance processes and review why they are significant.
• Work collaboratively and creatively to curate either a unique group exhibition or a produce a short group performance using live theatre and/or low-cost digital media.
• Record and reflect on the development of the creative project, both through face-to-face and online discussion, supporting each other in evaluating and reflecting on progress.
• Critically analyse differing definitions and manifestations of ‘theatre-making’ and ‘performance’ by focussing on relevant theory and practical examples.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological context of youth by analysing a range of cultural and educational policy documents alongside the creative processes of leading arts organisations, artists and educators across the UK and from international sites.
• Critically analyse the theoretical, ethical and practical aspects (i.e. the material conditions such as the structure of the organisation/company and access to funding) of making theatre with/for/by young people.