TP6006 - Digital Futures

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will engage in a research driven exploration of future artistic, social and political opportunities and uncertainties presented by the ‘digital century’. The precise focus and thematic direction of this exploration will be devised in line with staff expertise and interests. You will consider in what ways theatre and performance cultures will shift in the next 50 years and propose creative ideas in preparation for a leading role in the cultural sector. You might look at the importance of live encounters in digital futures, or at processes of performance for digital recordings, or the ethics of digital representations that last ‘forever’ such as ‘digital death’ and digital footprints. Theoretical and cultural influences may include the impact of fourth wave feminism, posthumanism, online activism, artificial intelligence, and other responses or rejections of digitally-orientated frameworks. In response to a provocation provided by staff, the overall focus will be on speculating future contexts, opportunities and interdisciplinary practices that will confront practitioners in the digital century.

How will I learn on this module?

This module is taught via seminars and workshops that scaffold your learning clearly, building on staff expertise and responding to your areas of interest as the module develops. Typically, one week will introduce a key critical or creative concept during a seminar that will include engagement with structured reading, tutor-facilitated debate and discussion, and small-group or individual tasks. In the following week you will explore related ideas in a tutor-facilitated task-oriented workshop that will afford you an opportunity to put theory into practice, share your work with peers and tutors, and receive feedback on that work through group discussion and debate. The workshops are an opportunity to test our ideas as well as get hands-on experiences with methodologies, techniques, and approaches to making digitally-orientated performance practices.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will receive informal feedback via the tutor and peers during the task-orientated workshops and seminar discussions. The workshops are designed to allow you to explore theoretical ideas in practice.

Information and resources will be available to you on Blackboard and the 'Reading List' contains links to websites and online video material which can help you develop appropriate knowledge and understanding.

Written assessment feedback will be provided within 20 working days of summative assignment submission. Access to library facilities is available 24-7 all year round.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
? Interrogate creative and critical responses to the provocation of the ‘digital century’ and its impact on theatre and performance cultures

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
? Propose future-orientated problems, opportunities and practices that confront the uncertainties of theatre and performance in the digital century

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
? Critically examine the ethical impacts of the digital century and articulate an awareness of managing uncertainty

How will I be assessed?

Formative
Students will share their argument in response to the set provocation as an oral presentation. Staff and peers will offer feedback in class.

Summative
Practice Research project (100%) comprising:
• A demonstration of practice (c. 5 – 10 minutes, as appropriate to form of practice and in discussion with tutor);
• A 1000-words (or equivalent) statement contextualising the practice research demonstration.

In response to a staff provocation or live brief, you will work in small groups to develop, rehearse and realise a practical response (such as performance, workshop, installation or another agreed other format) that investigates the intersection of practice and theory.

The format of the practical demonstration will be agreed in discussion with the module convenor. The 1000 word (or equivalent) research statement will outline the critical and creative references that have informed the project, and how they have done so

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

What will the future look like and how will theatre and performance makers operate in it? In this module you will engage in a research driven exploration of future artistic, social and political opportunities and uncertainties presented by the ‘digital century’. Led through staff research expertise, you will consider the ways theatre and performance cultures might shift in the next 10-20 years and propose creative ideas in preparation for a leading role in the cultural sector. You might look at the importance of live encounters in digital futures, or at processes of performance for digital recordings, or the ethics of digital representations that last ‘forever’ such as ‘digital death’ and digital footprints. In response to a provocation provided by staff, the overall focus will be on speculating future contexts, opportunities and interdisciplinary practices that will confront practitioners in the digital century.

Course info

UCAS Code W405

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

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