Skip to content
Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

307003 v.2 Performance Studies Double Degree Major


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


This double degree major provides students with practical theatre training as well as strong critical understanding of theatre and performance. Students are trained in all areas of theatre practice including performance, directing, writing for theatre, stage management and theatre management. Students study a variety of plays and gain an understanding of the different theoretical and historical influences that affect theatre and performance. They are given many opportunities to audition for and participate in public productions.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply knowledge of the field of Performance Studies to creative practice, production, practice-led research and interpretation

2. critically analyse the elements of performance both in theory and practice to generate new knowledge and create original performance

3. conduct both theoretical and practice-led research that evaluates and synthesises diverse sources of information

4. articulate ideas, critically and practically, with an understanding of how voice, gesture, space and other staging techniques communicate meaning

5. operate appropriate theatre technology within creative productions

6. identify and initiate ways to develop their skills and experience in order to continue their learning and development; engage in critical and reflective practice

7. identify and apply international perspectives within the fields of performance and performance making

8. recognise the vital contribution of inter-cultural approaches to performance and performance making and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity

9. initiate individual and collaborative projects based on a sound knowledge of the principles of the Performance Studies field and best professional practice

Major Organisation Note

Electives must be selected from within the School of Communication and Cultural Studies.



Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
1536 v.7   Performance Studies 101 9.0 25.0
311922 v.2   Academic and Professional Communications 100 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 1 Semester 2
303483 v.4   Performance Studies 102 3.0 25.0
311923 v.1   Making Meanings 103 3.0 25.0
  OR  
311924 v.1   Narrating Selves 101 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 1
2592 v.8   Performing Genres 202 3.0 25.0
308856 v.3   The Performer's Voice 211 3.0 25.0
  OR  
3551 v.9   Technical Production for Performance 213 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 2 Semester 2
2593 v.10   Acting Systems 201 3.0 25.0
9349 v.9   The Performer’s Body 212 3.0 25.0
  OR  
3551 v.9   Technical Production for Performance 213 3.0 25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 1
308857 v.3   Devising Performance 311 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 3 Semester 2
308858 v.3   Professional Performance Practice 314 4.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 1
3549 v.8 *   International Theatre and Performance 301 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0
Year 4 Semester 2
3550 v.8 *   Performing Australia 302 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  50.0

*    Two 393 units may be substituted with a 394 or 395 unit, to the value of two full units





Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.