1. Gain a basic knowledge and understanding of key research skills and research methodologies used in practice-based research.
2. Apply these skills in a series of research tasks relevant to the development and performances in theatre and theatre making.
3. Communicate theatre concepts and ideas accurately, reliably and with structure and coherency in both written and oral forms.

1. Research Presentation [LOs 1, 2]
1x 5 – 8-minute research presentation to the group with visual aids (40%)

2. Research Report [LO3] - 1 x 1500 word report on a research topic of your choice related to acting, performance and drama, negotiated with the module tutor (60%)

All individually assessed.

In this module you will gain the skills to help you transition into level four learning. You will acquire tools and academic framing to assist with your studies and remain on target with your work, whilst always planning for success. The module is made up of short activities so that you can get feedback quickly and understand how to work at the right level.

Everything you do in this module will be placed in the context of your chosen creative subject. You will explore the differences between critical analysis, self-reflection, and persuasive communication and when they should be used for different contexts and audiences. You will be expected to contribute to group discussions and create a rolling portfolio of work that you will submit for your final assessment. You will also be undertaking sessions around the creative and cultural industries and its eco-system and workflows.

Research methods will form a core part of the module. You will learn how to use Staffordshire University library facilities and how to integrate research into your own work to support your opinion. This will include how to write using Harvard referencing to acknowledge the sources you have used for your research, as Harvard referencing is the University's expected method. This will help you establish a good approach to writing and help you avoid plagiarism, which will also be explained as part of the module.

It will be necessary to carry out a substantial amount of work in your own time, and you may draw upon a wide range of sources for the assessment material, including information from your workplace and personal experience.

Kickstart your journey into higher education in this focused module that provides you with the tools you need to succeed. Learn how to clearly present yourself, critical consider performance work and gain the research skills that you need to support your ideas.

Learning in this module will be facilitated through a combination of mixed-media workshops and demonstrations followed by hands-on practical communication activities. There will be a mix of group and independent work, both in-class and through independent directed study. The emphasis will be on the acquisition of a diverse range of study skills and learning will be monitored through your response to three tasks in order that you can gain frequent prompt formative feedback.

Baim, C. (2020) Staging the Personal: A Guide to Safe and Ethical Practice. Palgrave Macmillan.
Bannon, F. (2018) Considering Ethics in Dance, Theatre and Performance. Palgrave Macmillan.
Beckley, R. (2014) Open Book Theatre Management: Ethical Theatre Production. Zero Books.
Cottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. London: Macmillan Education.
Cottrell, S. (2017) Critical Thinking Skills Effective Analysis and Reflection. Third Edition. Palgrave.
Drew, S. & Bingham, R. (2010) The Guide to Learning and Study Skills: For Higher Education and at Work. Farnham: Routledge.
Moon, J. (2013) Reflection in Learning and Professional Development: Theory & Practice. Taylor & Francis.
Smith, M. (2013) Writing and Keeping Journals. A Guide for Educators and Social Practitioners. Available at: https://infed.org/mobi/writing-and-keeping-journals-a-guide-for-educators-and-social-practitioners/

Staffordshire University Online Resources:
Academic Skills Guides:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/infoservices/learning_support/academic_skills/
Harvard Referencing Guide:
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/infoservices/learning_support/refzone/harvard/index.jsp

Students will have access to lecture and workshop space and online library resources. We also have study support opportunities available on campus.
http://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/libraryresources