REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS DEGREE IN FILM AND THEATRE ARTS STUDIES (AH33)
- Overview
- Entry Requirements
- Programme Structure
- Research
Overview
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
1.1 To provide a supportive environment for both theoretical and applied approaches and open, critical debate on the role of film and performing arts worldwide. (i.e. To provide a teaching, rehearsal and performance space for realising the union of theory and practice)
1.2. To engage students in the creative and critical practices of performance and screen studies in 1.3 comprehensive and broadly-based manner within the collaborative and rigorous learning environment.
1.4. To equip graduates personally and educationally for a variety of careers and their further development by realising their creative potential and developing their critical faculties and transferable skills.
1.5. To foster creativity and research skills that shall deepen and extend knowledge of performance and screen cultures in theory and practice within and beyond the curriculum.
1.6. To develop and advance theoretical, critical and creative aspects of performance and screen studies.
Entry Requirements
NORMAL ENTRY
For normal entry into the Department of Film and Theatre Arts Studies (HFTA), candidates must satisfy the normal entry requirements specified in the Faculty Regulations and General Regulations. In so doing must satisfy the following:
Must have obtained at least five “O” Level passes or equivalent, including English Language. Must have obtained a pass in any two “A” Level subjects. In addition, the Department have auditions to test a student’s engagement with film and/or theatre. Evidence of a real commitment to film and/or acting a long-standing interest in theatre and knowledge of a range of theatrical forms and genres shall be an added advantage.
SPECIAL ENTRY
Refer to Section 3.2 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
MATURE ENTRY
Refer to section 3.3 of the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Theatre Arts Studies is a 4 Year full-time degree programme. Normally, a student shall be required to complete the programme in not less than four years from the date of first registration. Among some modules the student shall do the following: Genres of Film, Film Development in Zimbabwe and Africa, Theories of Film, Global Film Marketing and Distribution, Make-up and Costume Design, Arts Management, Events and Tour Management.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Graduates from the Department of Film and Theatre Arts Studies have career opportunities in the following areas: Acting, directing, photography, lighting and sound engineering, scenic and costume designing, events and institutional management, theatre managers, editing, advertising, graphic designing, consultancy, media industry, education, stage performing industry, public relations, etc. In addition, a graduate from the Department can pursue MA and PhD studies in Film, Theatre, Arts Management, Television and Media Studies.
Programme Structure
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
*HFTA 134 Genres of Film and Theatre 12
*HFTA 142 History and Trends in African Theatre 12
*HFTA 144 Film Development in Zimbabwe and Africa 12
*HFTA 149 Theories of Film 12
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills 12
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology 12
Level 1 Semester 2
*HFTA 161 Cinematography (practical) 12
*HFTA 157 Production Practicum (Play Making) 12
*HFTA 156 Theatre in Zimbabwe 12
*HFTA 162 Global Film Marketing and Distribution 12
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills 12
Level 1 Elective Modules (A student should take two electives in this level
HFTA 158 Radio Performance (practical) 12
HFTA 163 Film, Theatre and Graphic Designing 12
HFTA Make-Up and Costume Design (practical) 12
Level 2 Semester 1
*HFTA201 Script Writing 12
*HFTA 202 Principles of Film/Theatre Directing 12
*HFTA 205 Theatre and Performance Theory (new code) 12
*HFTA 221 Film Editing (Practical) 12
GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies 12
ENT 131 Entrepreneurship 1 12
Level 2 Semester 2
*HFTA 206 Research Methods in Film and Theatre 12
*HFTA 220 Documentary 12
*HFTA 217 Drama in Zimbabwe 12
*HFTA 207 Comparative Theatre Studies in Africa 12
Level 2 Elective Modules (A student should take two electives in this level)
HFTA 205 Film, Theatre and Advertising 12
HFTA 209 Film and Stage Lighting (practical) 12
HFTA 218 Film Sound Effects (practical) 12
HFTA 219 Arts Reporting 12
Level 3 Semester 1 and 2: Work -Related Learning
* HFTA 301 Work- Related Learning Report 45
* HFTA 302 Academic Supervisor’s Report 45
* HFTA 303 Employer’s Assessment Report 30
Level 4 Semester 1
*HFTA 405 Film and Video Production (Practical) 12
*HFTA 401 Advanced Acting (practical) 12
*HFTA 402 Choreography and Dance Production (Practical) 12
*HFTA 413 Theatre and Film Design 12
Level 4 Semester 2
*HFTA 404 Arts Management 12
*HFTA 415 Events and Tour Management 12
*HFTA 403 Stagecraft 12
*HFTA 430 Research Project 24
Level 4 Elective Modules (A student should do one elective in this level)
HFTA 413 Children’s Theatre and Animation (practical) 12
HFTA 406 Film and Theatre Reviews 12
MODULE SYNOPSES
HFTA104 Genres of Film and Theatre
The module gives an overview of the forms and evolution of film. These include black film aesthetics, feature films, documentaries, comedy and action films among others. An appreciation of the roles or functions of these genres, as well as an understanding of the techniques employed, provides the student with a wide variety of options for film production. Genres of theatre such as Theatre for Development, Children’s Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed are examined.
HFTA 112 History and Trends in African Theatre
This module deals with the history, nature, origins and functions of theatre in African society. It also looks at trends and patterns in African theatre, focusing on African childhood play, music, dance, ritual and African comedies of the colonial and post-colonial eras.
HFTA 114 Film Development in Zimbabwe and Africa
The module provides an overview of the history of film in Zimbabwe and Africa from the early twentieth century to the present day. This overview emphasises on the socio-economic and political contexts, which influenced the evolution of each stage of Zimbabwean and African film in selected countries and/ or regions. The relationship between film production and context is examined.
HFTA119 Theories of Film
The module introduces various theories that inform the growth and interpretation of film. Students should be able to grasp, critique and apply the theories learnt to the various modules taught across the curriculum. Such theories include but are not limited to the following: expressionism, realism, Marxism, semiotics, audience reception theories and black film aesthetics.
CS 131 Basic Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University
HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology
Refer to Faculty of Science and Technology Regulations
HFTA 121 Cinematography (practical)
This module involves the development of skills such as theme or concept selection and analysis, titling, characterising, identity construction, mood and tone creation or identification, analysis and interpretation of the images created. It is both a theoretical and practical module.
HFTA 107 Production Practicum (Play Making)
This is a practical module which offers practical skills and experience to actor training emphasises the creation and production of new theatre and embraces a multicultural and multi-disciplined methodology. This module focuses on-stage performances and students take classes and workshops in voice, movement, dance, acting (including script-based work, storytelling and devised work), improvisation and devising skills. The students explore the expressive potential of the voice and body through observation of the natural world, space, poetry, paintings and people. The semester culminates in a major performance project.
HFTA 116 Theatre in Zimbabwe
This module acquaints students with the emergence of theatre activities; groups and institutions in Zimbabwe from colonial times to date. The module discusses theatre historiography and focuses on the trends and patterns of theatre activities in Zimbabwe. Students will be expected to familiarise themselves with colonial cultural institutions like ZACT, NTO, Reps Theatre etc and the role they played in the life of the nation. A comparative analysis of the colonial cultural institutions and the community theatre, semi-professional and professional groups such as Savannah Trust, Amakhosi Theatre and Film Productions and Rooftop Promotions etc emerging in the post-colonial era is done.
HFTA122 Global Film Marketing and Distribution
The aim of this module is to broaden students’ understanding of the global trends in terms of film financing, production, distribution, marketing and exhibition. Special emphasis is placed on how Hollywood, Bollywood and Hollywood have influenced and continue to influence the global flow of information. The students study the role of multinational Studios such as Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers, Disney Pictures, etc in influencing the politics, ideology and economics of marketing and distribution of film images. Students analyse the factors that hinder effective marketing and distribution in Third World nations paying particular attention to Africa, Latin America and Asia. In this endeavour, students identify and make a critical analysis of the factors that make Hollywood the centre of global marketing and distribution of film images.
CS 132 Extended Communication Skills
Refer to Faculty of Arts and Humanities Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees of the Midlands State University.
HFTA 118 Radio Performance (practical)
The module introduces students to the principles of radio performance. It establishes and reinforces the similarities and differences between radio, stage and television performances. Students are expected to make a critical evaluation of radio performance and also present a practical radio performance piece at the end of the semester.
HFTA 108 Film, Theatre and Graphic Designing (practical)
This module introduces how elements of graphic designing such as audio, video, colour, lighting, sound, and written texts as forms of multimedia are combined with acting in film and theatrical productions.
HFTA 120 Make-up and Costume Design
This is a theoretical and practical module that enables students to be able to apply make-up and design costumes for different actors and situations determined by particular moods, characterisation, settings and genres.
HFTA 201 Script Writing
The module teaches students script writing of dramatic texts and/ or ideas of performance for the stage, small screen and big screen. Focus may be placed on the conventions required for the theatrical performance of dramatic texts and/or the explorations of putting performance theory into practice and historical contexts. In consultation with the instructor, the student develops a study and work plan appropriate to his/her interests.
HFTA 202 Principles of Film/Theatre Directing
The module introduces students to the principles of film directing. It outlines and discusses the responsibilities of a director during the preparation and shooting stages. Students familiarise themselves with principles such as directing, budgeting, managing cast and channels of communication between director and producer. It prepares students for onset film/theatre directing.
HFTA 205 Theatre and Performance Theories
This module introduces students to theories that inform the growth and interpretation of theatre studies. Students should grasp, critique and practically apply the various theories as espoused by various theatre scholars such as Stanislavsky’s realist acting, Grotowski’s poor theatre, Brecht’s epic theatre, Augusto Boal’s theatre of the oppressed and invisible theatre, Scott’s, the hidden transcript, Taylor’s theory of scenarios, Sandi- Diaz’s theory of anti- scenarios, Zenenga’s Hit- and- run among others.
HFTA 221 Film Editing (practical)
The aim of this module is to prepare students to use visual still and moving imagery to communicate filmic messages. Upon completion of this course, students define a story, provide reasons why and how stories are constructed, integrate storytelling concepts into photography and moving image mediums. The students are expected to apply the visual concepts of photography and moving image communication. Students are expected to become proficient with capturing and manipulating digital image, sound, and video. Integrate different media (text, images, sound, and video) into a coherent narrative. Students formulate an effective storytelling strategy to articulate one’s design; from conceptualisation, planning and visualisation to development and execution. By the end of the module, students are expected to self-reflexively offer a critique of their work and use different perspectives in analysing different film narratives
GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies
Refer to the Department of Gender Studies.
ENT 131 Entrepreneurship 1
Refer to the Faculty of Commerce Regulations
HFTA 206 Research Methods in Film and Theatre
This module introduces students to research methods useful in the study of film and theatre Arts. It is aimed at acquainting students with some major research methodological aspects of the discipline and its practice. These research skills assist students’ preparation for their dissertations and life after college as researchers.
HFTA 220 Documentary
The module focuses on appropriating indigenous stories/physical environments, myths, legends and autobiographies in developing and appreciating the documentary genre. It also seeks to turn students into documentary practitioners in the various genres of research, scripting, interviewing, analysis, recording and editing among others.
HFTA 217 Drama in Zimbabwe
This module introduces students to the study of written and published drama, also known as plays written in English by Zimbabwean dramatists. An attempt is made to cover both female and male dramatists from different epochs in the history of Zimbabwe. Factors shaping the content and form of the drama are analysed and grasped by the students at each period in their learning.
HFTA 207 Comparative Theatre Studies in Africa
The module traces the history and development of theatre activities in different regions of Africa and the world. It focuses on pre-colonial theatre to contemporary theatre assessing the similarities, differences and influences that different regions have to the present day. Students are expected to analyse the different levels of development and the possible causes of the disparities.
Work-Related Learning
HFTA 301: Work-Related Learning Report
HFTA 302: Academic Supervisor’s Report
HFTA 303: Employer’s Assessment Report
HFTA 205 Film, Theatre and Advertising
The module interrogates the role of film and theatre in advertising. The focus is on film and theatre in relation to the history of advertising as an ideology, advertising as a cultural industry and marketing function. Forms of advertising in cultural and critical theory as well as ethical concerns in advertising are examined. Students are expected to come up with an advertisement of their own.
HFTA 209 Film and Stage Lighting (practical)
Students are expected to know and experiment with different types of lighting systems in film and on stage. The lighting is designed to draw different moods, feelings, and emotions as well as define characterisation.
HFTA 218 Film Sound Effects (practical)
This is a practical module that introduces to students different ways of creating sound effects, unloading and synthesising it with visuals. Students experiment with different sounds to evoke different moods, feelings and emotions in film.
HFTA 219 Arts Reporting
This module focuses on developing skills in identifying and writing or articulating stories and events in arts, culture and entertainment for both the print and electronic media. It also involves reviewing performances such as dance productions, musicals art exhibitions etc.
HFTA 405 Film and Video Production (practical)
This is a practical module that helps students with hands-on approach to film and video production. Students are expected to come up with their low-budget production(s) by the end of the semester.
HFTA 401 Advanced Acting
In this module acting theory is put into practice as students implement theories and techniques of acting. This is achieved through fully-fledged production, in-class workshops and acting pieces. Candidates are expected to produce at least one practical project by the end of the semester.
HFTA 402 Choreography and Dance Production (Practical)
This is a practical module that explores dance aesthetics from different historical periods to contemporary times. It explores the fundamental concerns of the performer’s art: relaxation, concentration, movement, voice production, space and expression. It is designed to provide a detailed overview of all aspects of dance movements, encompassing lighting, sound, set, props, and costume procedures. The semester culminates in at least one polished dance production from the class.
HFTA 413: Theatre and Film Design
The module explores fundamentals and techniques used in theatre and film design. Students are introduced to basic design aspects of lighting, costume, scenic lighting and sound design.
HFTA 404 Arts Management
The thrust of this module is to prepare students to be entrepreneurs in the film and theatre industry. They are equipped with skills on how to develop and run theatre and/ or film production companies. Aspects such as concept design, constitution formulation, management theories, recruitment and selection, motivation theories, advertising and marketing are examined.
HFTA 415 Events and Tour Management
This module seeks to develop in students the skills of conceptualising and managing arts events that include the arts and other non-artistic events. The module provides an overview of the event and tour management industries focusing on the techniques and procedures for producing successful and sustainable events and tours.
HFTA 403 Stage Craft
The module explores fundamentals and techniques used in theatre/performance and performance spaces. Students are introduced to basic stagecraft i.e. lighting, models of performance spaces and stage anatomy. Material may focus on classic or contemporary drama or original creations. The module is both theoretical and practical.
HFTA 430 Research Project
This is a project of between 15 000 -20 000 words, based on wide research with the assistance of a supervisor. The research should give evidence of independent enquiry and familiarity with the literature of film and/ or theatre arts. Its weight is equivalent to that of two core modules. The dissertation is presented to a panel of the Departmental Board, which determines part of its score.
HFTA 413 Children’s Theatre and Animation
This module introduces students to the characteristics of children’s drama. Students are introduced to theories of animation and are expected to analyse the ideological underpinnings of selected animated products and suggest factors that encourage and/ or inhibit the growth of the animation film industry in Zimbabwe.
HFTA 406 Film and Theatre Reviews
Students are expected to use the correct language/diction to make a critical appreciation of film and theatrical works of art and suggest ways the works can be improved.