Australian Theatre, Film and Learning (EDUF3034)

Theatre performances and films are significant and exciting components of Australian culture and an understanding of Australian society is enhanced by knowledge of Australian theatre and film. Drama and film are also integrated components of Australian education curricula. This unit of study will examine the nature of theatre and film in Australian cultural and educational settings. A particular focus will be placed on theatre and film for and by young people, and the range of learnings that take place through young people’s engagement in, and appreciation of, theatre and film. In addition, the role and nature of Australian film and theatre will be placed within an international context so that students can examine the international forces influencing Australian culture. Australian Theatre, Film and Learning will provide first hand experiences of Australian films and theatre performances through field trips to significant theatre performances and festivals, Australian school performances and the viewing of Australian films studied by young people. These field trips involve attending and analysing performances at such places as the Australian Theatre for Young People, the Opera House and significant Sydney Theatres. The unit will also view and critique Australian films that are studied in Australian schools. This unit will examine Indigenous issues in theatre and film. By attending Australian theatres and viewing Australian films students will gain an enhance appreciation of theatre and film’s contributions to the wider Australian society. For international students this unit of study will provide valuable insights into Australian society and culture. It will also encourage students to reflect on the role of theatre and film in the learning experiences of all societies.

Students will attend four field trips and see three screenings of films. Field trips will be to places such as:

• Australian Theatre for Young People
• The Sydney Opera House
• The Sydney Theatre Company
• Griffin Theatre
• Street Theatre at Sydney Harbour

Course Coordinator - Dr John Hughes Contact Dr Hughes...

Dr John Hughes is the Associate Dean Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Education and Social, and lectures in drama and theatre. He has a particular research focus on youth performance festivals, and young people and music theatre. He is Chair of the Shakespeare Globe Centre, Australia’s Education Committee and has been educational consultant to the Opera Australia and the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House. Dr Hughes has published many books and articles on theatre, and in 1997 he was selected as one of four international master teachers of drama at the International Drama/Theatre and Education Association Conference in Canada. In 2007 he received a Faculty Teaching Excellence Award.

Dr Michael Anderson Contact Dr Anderson...

Dr. Michael Anderson is coordinator of Secondary Education in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney where he teaches and researches in arts education, teaching and learning. He has previously worked as a Creative Arts and a Secondary Teacher. In 2002 he completed his PhD that explored the professional development journeys of arts educators. His thesis Journeys in Teacher Professional Development won the American Association for Theatre Educators Distinguished Dissertation award in 2003. In 2003 Michael also received the NSW Minister for Education and The Australian College of Educators Quality Teaching Award. Michael is currently working on several research projects and publications including a book on technology and drama education.