Introduction

Drama is an aesthetic subject as well as an arts and cultural subject. To study drama as part of a teacher education programme means acquiring specialised skills in various types of dramatic fiction and theatre, as well as planning drama and theatre activities for children and young people. Drama is the school’s theatre subject, but also provides an opportunity to engage in drama pedagogy’s creative learning activities, which can be used in other subjects.

In studying drama, we will work with and investigate various forms of expression which are based upon acting and drama, as they are manifested in the arc from arts to pedagogy. The development of one’s own acting abilities and skills in dramatic creativity is a primary aspect of the study programme. This is a necessary prerequisite for being able to develop practical skills related to the stage and drama and drama-pedagogical work with children and adolescents. The exploration and use of the theatre’s forms of expression and methods in pedagogical contexts are vital aspects of the study programme, in addition to acquiring knowledge of aesthetic learning processes and of the aesthetic dimension as a fundamental approach to all teaching.

A basic knowledge of theatrical arts, both historical and modern, is necessary if the student is to develop an understanding of this field of study.

Target Group and Admission Requirements

The target group includes students undertaking teacher education study programmes who seek basic training in the subject of drama, and/or others who want an introduction to drama and theatre work with children and adolescents.

General admission requirements. Students may also apply for admission on the basis of prior learning and work experience.

Aim of the Programme

Students will develop their knowledge of how theatrical art and play may be combined in drama pedagogy. The study programme will provide students with a basis for carrying out drama and theatrical work with children and adolescents in school and extracurricular contexts. The study programme emphasises training the students’ own skills in various forms of dramatic expression, the artistic-pedagogic use of the expression forms of the theatre and play and an understanding of drama and the theatre. Drama and theatrical work represent differing forms of collective learning processes, and students will be able to practice their ability to cooperate and communicate.

Teaching drama involves using dramatic competence with the intention of achieving goals within dramatic-aesthetic expression. In the elementary/lower secondary school, this is related to school subjects, thematic or project work or in work on various kinds of stage productions.

The learning goals of the study programme are divided into four main areas:

• Forms of dramatic expression
• Theatre production
• Investigative drama work and subject didactics
• Subject theory

1 Forms of dramatic expression

This target area includes fundamental work on the dramatic skills and the development of skills in dramatic design and communication. Students will work on improvisation and various forms of expression related to drama and theatre.

2 Theatre production

This target area includes an introduction to, and work with, different aspects of theatre work, with emphasis on acting and the communication function of the theatre. Achieving a basic understanding of dramaturgy and dramatic tools are central, but there will also be work with theatre’s materiality, visual and auditive aspects.

3 Investigative drama work and subject didactics

In this target area, students will develop insight into, and gain experience of, drama as a subject and as a method of teaching and dissemination. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in using drama to activate pupils in aesthetic learning processes in schools and subjects, as well as in theatre working with children.

4 Subject theory

This target area reflects upon the relationship between drama pedagogical theory and theatre history and theory. Similarly, it focuses on the relationship between dramatic play, the subject drama and theatrical art. Reflection and discussion of the relationship between form and content, aesthetics and ethics in drama and theatre work are central.
For more information, please also see the course description.

Further Education opportunities

The one-year programme, Drama (60 ECTS) provides a foundation for further studies in the subject at Drama 3 level, or may be included as part of a Bachelor’s degree programme. It may also form the basis for studying drama/theatre at the Master’s degree level at university college or university.

Curriculum and structure

The study programme is comprised of two compulsory courses: Drama 1 and Drama 2. These courses run in parallel over a year and provide a total of 60 ECTS credits.
Drama 1 focuses on the course units Basic Introduction to Drama and Theatre and Children, and Drama and Theatre.
Drama 2 focuses on the course units, The Scenic Space of Action and Theatre as Art and Educational Opportunity.
For more information, please also see the course descriptions for Drama 1 and Drama 2.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The study programme includes practical work in groups, the development of individual skills and acquisition of theoretical knowledge, and didactic reflection. Experience of the theatre, and various forms of performing arts are also part of the study programme; this in turn is reflected in the teaching and learning methods.
For more information, please also see the course plans.

Theory and Practical Training

Drama is a practical-aesthetic subject, and it requires thorough practice in the field. All practical work, at college and in work with children and youth / students and the public, is mandatory. This will involve theoretical and didactic reflection, individually and in groups. Drama requires up to 15 hours of practice relating to working with children / young people in school or in an extracurricular context. The duration and organisation of the studies will depend on which study programme students are enrolled.

For more information, please also see the course plans.

Assessment Methods

Evaluation includes both continuous assessment, and supervision individually and in groups, related to the study programme’s various assignments. Most of the instruction is mandatory and the rule of 80% attendance applies.
The final assessment will be related to the various working methods included in the study programme: practical-artistic work, oral presentations, written examinations, and theoretical and didactic reflection.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean