Introduction to Musical Theatre

Description

Module summary: This module will provide a guide to the history and development of the Hollywood, Broadway and West End musical. You will listen to and study examples of musicals from a range of twentieth century composers. There will be an exploration of the relationship between cinematic and theatrical narratives and musical structures. You will consider the impact of economic, political, social and technological factors upon the musical/ film industries. This module will also examine the social/political propaganda in the musical, narratives and sub-texts, 'dream sequences', the 'exotic musical', non-mainstream musicals and recent trends of the musical, the ‘mega musical’, ‘juke-box musical’, etc. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module. Objectives: On completion of this module, you will be able to understand the historical development of the musical, explore the relationship of song and dance as performative gestures and engage with the complexities and hidden narratives of the genre. Learning outcomes: On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject: 1. Understand and be able to utilise the basic vocabularies of the form appropriately 2. Recognise the structural conventions of a range of examples of the genre 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the music and the dramatic components of the genre 4. Explain key socio-political contextual themes within their analysis(es). Skills Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes: 5. Demonstrate the ability to apply genre-specific terminology appropriately in written and verbal communication, facilitating clear and accurate expression within the field. 6. Demonstrate proficiency in explaining how musical elements enhance and interact with the narrative aspects, contributing to the overall impact of musical theatre. 7. Contextualize socio-political factors within analyses, showcasing a nuanced understanding of how broader themes influence and intersect with the genre. 8. Acquire and demonstrate proficiency in effective presentational skills. Teaching Methods: Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours Lectures 10 2 20 presentation 1 4 4 Private study hours 176 Total Contact hours 24 Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200 Opportunities for Formative Feedback: The two hour lecture/seminar includes small group activities, with formative feedback from teaching staff, to supporting learning and assessment. Students are further regularly reminded to make use of staff office hours. Methods of Assessment: Coursework Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment Coursework presentation 100 Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 100 Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated