Programme: BAHons Drama and Film Studies

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Code Faculty Department
01240483 Faculty of Humanities Department: School of the Arts
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant bachelor’s degree
  2. A weighted average of at least 65% at final-year level
  3. Drama and Film Studies (DFK at the University of Pretoria) passed

Other programme-specific information

The presentation of modules is dependent on available funds, approppriate/available staff and justified by the number of students.

Minimum credits: 120

Core modules

SOA 700 is compulsory.

Choose TWO modules to the value of 80 credits.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This four-part module focuses on the construction of a visual narrative. Autobiographical writing: This part of the module develops creative writing skills through exploring and recording personal narratives. The student also investigates principles of literary theory.
    Stage plays: The module introduces notions of structure, narrative, plot, dialogue and character development. The student is familiarised with various format and conventions of the stage play, as well as the languages of drama and performance. The student will produce at least one stage play script.
    Television writing: Students become familiar with the three-act structure, story, narrative, content, plot and genre (such as soap operas and situational comedy). Students are required to write a sample screenplay of a pre-existing television programme ("show script") as well as an original television script.
    Film writing: The module introduces students to the language and theory of film. Students will watch films, read screenplays and write their own short film screenplay. The module also includes the formalities of screenwriting, such as script formatting and pitching.

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  • Module content:

    This module investigates the theoretical and practical components of different approaches to performance in selected theatrical and media contexts. The module aims to interrogate audience/performer relationships with the view to challenging accepted models in order to promote innovative ways of conceptualising and presenting performances.

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  • Module content:

    This module contextualises and interrogates the roles of the director in contemporary theatre. The investigation includes a critical analysis of selected directors’ contributions to theatre and the opportunity for students to develop their own theoretical and practical approaches to directing.

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  • Module content:

    This module develops strategies for using drama and theatre as modes of intervention in educational and community contexts. The uses of drama in disseminating information, as agents for change, for concientisation and for social empowerment are explored. Existing pedagogical and methodological approaches are investigated and innovative approaches to interventionist performances are encouraged.

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  • Module content:

    This module investigates selected pedagogies relating to physical training and choreography. Students theorise modes of constructing, reading and presenting physical performances in order to contextualise their work within existing paradigms and to encourage discourse around their own creative work.

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  • Module content:

    This module explores performing arts management within local contexts, develops strategies for defining, positioning and pricing performances, formulates marketing strategies, and offers approaches for designing and managing market-effective organisations. The module also includes professional and developmental approaches to events marketing and management.

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  • Module content:

    New and digital media investigates digital film-making, computer media and the internet in relation to performance and culture. The main emphasis is on digital film production and editing, with a secondary focus on distribution and screening.

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  • Module content:

    A research report on an approved topic.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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