MRes Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music)

This module considers a number of theoretical and philosophical perspectives that relate to the study of performing arts disciplines. In particular, it introduces students to a range of critical debates and issues regarding gender, ethnicity, sexuality, ethics, politics, cultural materialism, historicity, and authenticity. It will explore how these debates relate to drama, dance and music, and it will consider texts, practices, and performances in relation to these critical dynamics. In particular, it will consider how issues of identity become embodied in performance, how ethical considerations relate to artistic composition and performance, and how cultural dynamics relate to performance texts and practices across the arts. Students will be encouraged to explore texts, practices and performances in their own discipline area, and will share their findings and perspectives to enable cross-disciplinary perspectives to emerge. Not only will this enable students to become proficient critical thinkers at a postgraduate level, but it will also equip students with lateral, interrogative and adaptive intellectual skills that are transferable to a variety of careers.

Research projects require planning in advance in order that a systematic approach can be taken and an appropriate methodology used. This module will guide students through the ins and outs of designing and planning a research project, from establishing a question to delivering the results. Each student will prepare and submit a project proposal serving as the foundation for the research they will undertake in their final project of the programme. This will equip them with fundamental skills in conception, design and preparation that could be transferred to a range of other future careers.

This module provides students with a range of research methods and skills necessary for the undertaking of scholarly research in the performing arts, including practice as research in performance, practice-based research in Drama, Dance, Music or a combination thereof, and more traditional research methods common to the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. A series of tutor-led seminars, presentations, practice-based surgeries and tutorials will allow students to examine and explore the varied and multiple methods involved in researching in the performing arts. Students will be introduced to a variety of research material and resources, including archives, libraries, online resources, and ephemera. Exercises will allow students to rehearse different modes of research such as archival exploration, ethnographic interviews, discourse analysis, and online research. Within this model, students will be able to focus on approaches related to their discipline. Full use will be made of the facilities and resources within the school, including its fully-equipped specialist performance theatre and its rehearsal studios ideal for exploring practice as research in performance; its specialist dance studios ideal for movement-based practice and examining choreography; and its extensive music archive, part of Lincoln Cathedral archive, ideal for advancing skills in musicological research. The module will provide a strong foundation from which to develop a career as a researcher, and by extending the knowledge practices of approaches and methodologies of enquiry, it will equip students with the transferable skills to be able to work in a variety of industries.