Skip to Main Content
Catalogue Link
<a href="/ords/r/dev/fed_occ/home" class="t-Header-logo-link"><span class="apex-logo-text">Handbook</span></a>
Hidden Page Items
New
5
New
HE Unit Template
New
Critical Studies in Theatre 4
New
PAATC2004 - Critical Studies in Theatre 4
New
20250600
New
New
New
New
Course
New
Unit
New
New
3.2
New
New
2026-06-16
New
2026-06-16
New
Arts Academy
New
New
New
New
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
New
Arts Academy
New
Undergraduate
New
15
New
New
.125
New
100103
New
Drama and Theatre Studies
New
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/paatc2004">100103 - Drama and Theatre Studies</a>
New
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
New
7
New
Bachelor Degree
New
Intermediate
New
New
New
New
1
New
New
New
New
New
false
New
New
New
<p>This unit follows the development of Naturalism and Realism from the C19th to C21st, in theatre in Europe, the US and Australia. Students examine what it means to ‘act naturally’ and consider the limits of a style of theatre that aspires to hold the ‘mirror up to nature’ and reflect real life on stage. Students research the broad social contexts and philosophical shifts that underpin the development of naturalism and realism in the theatre. As a result of this unit students analyse and reflect upon the continuing dominance of realism in theatre to contemporary times. Key theorists, playwrights and plays will be studied along with the rise of the director.</p>
New
New
<p>Topics may include:<br>
1. The development of Naturalism and Realism from the C19th to C21st, in play/script writing and staging in Europe, America and Australia. <br>
2. Changing notions of ‘reality’ through modernity into contemporary times. <br>
3. The philosophical, economic, technical, social and political threads running through and influencing the development of realism. <br>
4. Playwrights such as Ibsen, Chekhov, O’Neill, Miller, Williams, O’Casey, Pinter, contemporary drama, post drama and documentary theatre. <br>
5. The rise of the director, particularly the methods and influence of Stanislavsky. <br>
6. The ‘marketplace’ in which theatre is created</p>
New
true
New
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
New
true
Hidden Page Items
Semester
Semester
0200
Year
Year
2026
Current Year
2026
Breadcrumb Positioning
Handbook
PAATC2004 - Critical Studies in Theatre 4
Pseudo Breadcrumb
PAATC2004 - Critical Studies in Theatre 4
Breadcrumb Type
Unit
Catalogue Term and Year
Version Text
You are viewing a version for
Semester
Semester 1
Semester 2
Summer Semester
Year
2026
Download PDF
RDS Holder
Overview
Key information
Requisites
Learning outcomes
Assessment
FedTASK
Parent Region
Overview
Unit description
<p>This unit follows the development of Naturalism and Realism from the C19th to C21st, in theatre in Europe, the US and Australia. Students examine what it means to ‘act naturally’ and consider the limits of a style of theatre that aspires to hold the ‘mirror up to nature’ and reflect real life on stage. Students research the broad social contexts and philosophical shifts that underpin the development of naturalism and realism in the theatre. As a result of this unit students analyse and reflect upon the continuing dominance of realism in theatre to contemporary times. Key theorists, playwrights and plays will be studied along with the rise of the director.</p>
Unit content
<p>Topics may include:<br> 1. The development of Naturalism and Realism from the C19th to C21st, in play/script writing and staging in Europe, America and Australia. <br> 2. Changing notions of ‘reality’ through modernity into contemporary times. <br> 3. The philosophical, economic, technical, social and political threads running through and influencing the development of realism. <br> 4. Playwrights such as Ibsen, Chekhov, O’Neill, Miller, Williams, O’Casey, Pinter, contemporary drama, post drama and documentary theatre. <br> 5. The rise of the director, particularly the methods and influence of Stanislavsky. <br> 6. The ‘marketplace’ in which theatre is created</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Arts Academy
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/paatc2004">100103 - Drama and Theatre Studies</a>
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Camp St (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Requisites
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Exclusion
None
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
<p>On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to gain the following [K]nowledge, [S]kills and [A]pplication of knowledge & skills</p>
Learning Outcomes
Ref
Outcome
K1
<p>Define the development of naturalism in writing and performance from the 19th century to the 21st century.</p>
K2
<p>Recognise significant playwrights, practitioners, teachers, theorists, companies and their contribution to the development of naturalism/realism.</p>
K3
<p>Recognise the key elements and developments in the system of performing formulated by Stanislavsky and his followers.</p>
K4
<p>Identify the philosophical, social, cultural and economic forces contributing to the development of ideas expressed in Naturalism and Realism on stage.</p>
S1
<p>Apply methods of research, response, discussion, collaboration and reflection, as a basis for lifelong learning</p>
S2
<p>Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking, oral and written expression and contemporary research approaches</p>
S3
<p>Show evidence of individual, self-organisational work practices</p>
S4
<p>Display collaborative and co-operative work practices</p>
A1
<p>Apply Stanislavsky’s system to rehearsal texts</p>
A2
<p>Analyse scripts, rehearsal and production processes for live performances</p>
A3
<p>Contextualise practical learning and aesthetic production within the history of naturalism/realism in theatre from the 19th Century to the 21st century</p>
A4
<p>Evaluate the contribution of key artists and theorist and the relationship of their work to the history of naturalism/realism.</p>
A5
<p>Apply self-reflexive reflection and decision making to the creative process</p>
A6
<p>Apply critical analysis to live performance in the context to naturalism and realism</p>
Assessment
Learning Tasks and Assessment
Ref
Learning task
Assessment type
Weighting
Learning outcomes assessed
1
<p>Tutorial participation, completion of hurdle tasks as required and class attendance as measured by written notes brought to class</p>
<p>Tutorial participation, completion of hurdle tasks as required and class attendance as measured by written notes brought to class</p>
<p>5-15%</p>
S1, S3, S4, A5
2
<p>Reflective critical essay on Naturalism including annotated bibliography.</p>
<p>Individual research with performance analysis</p>
<p>30-50%</p>
K1
3
<p>Researched group presentations during tutorials with written notes to be handed in.</p>
<p>Oral presentations</p>
<p>10-30%</p>
K1
Supplementary assessment available:
Yes
Supplimentary assessment information:
<p>Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment.</p>
FedTASK
FedTASK
<p>Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FedTASKs (<strong>T</strong>ransferable <strong>A</strong>ttributes <strong>S</strong>kills and <strong>K</strong>nowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key, transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and co-operative learning opportunities.</p>
FedTASK
Description of FedTASK outcome
Level
FedTASK 1: Interpersonal
The ability to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK 2: Leadership
The ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others.
<p>Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines</p>
FedTASK 3: Critical Thinking and Creativity
The ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using imagination to create new ideas.
<p>Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines</p>
FedTASK 4: Digital Literacy
The ability to work fluently across a range of tools and applications to achieve a range of skills.
<p>Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context</p>
FedTASK 5: Sustainable and Ethical Mindset
The ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions.
<p>Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Arts Academy
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
15
EFTSL:
0.125
Field of education:
<a href="http://www.federation.edu.au/locate/unit/paatc2004">100103 - Drama and Theatre Studies</a>
Offering:
<p><strong>Semester 2</strong><p>Ballarat - Camp St (On Campus)</p></p>
Grade scheme:
Graded (e.g. HD, D, C, etc)
Placement component:
No
Disclaimer
<em>Information in the Federation Handbook is correct at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to alter any course, unit, procedure or fee.</em>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: PAATC2004 - U3.2