Course coordinator
Associate Professor Rob Pensalfini
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course will develop your public presentation and performance skills. Taught in a workshop environment, it will provide essential training in physical and vocal communication, argument structure, and pitching to an audience.
Presentations and other forms of performative communication are an important part of all professions today. Despite, or perhaps because of, the increased prevalence of digital communication, the ability to engage with and communicate to an audience is increasingly valued. This course hones your ability to structure an argument, be physically and vocally commanding and engaging, and pitch a presentation or performance to an audience. The course draws from a variety of methodologies, including (but not limited to) classical rhetoric, Alexander and Feldenkrais techniques, the Linklater voice method, theatre clown, scenic improvisation, and role-play.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course has no assumed background.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
DRAM2400
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Rob Pensalfini
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures are accessed through the course E-learning (Blackboard) site. There are no in-person lectures for this course.
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
This course will improve both your ability to communicate in a performative context (presentations, performances of all sorts, public speaking, debating), and to understand and analyse the factors that make up performative communication.
You will come to know the differences and interactions between rhetorical structure, physical/stage presence, vocal strength and flexibility, gesture, audience engagement, thinking on your feet, and choosing a style that fits the audience.
You will gain a working undertstanding of a variety of methodologies which explore and develop each of these, such as somatic/movement training, voice training, improvisation, clowning, and register. You will have sufficient knowledge to embark on further exploration of any or all of these areas should you choose to.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Structure a presentation of any length.
LO2.
Engage with an audience and keep their attention while communicating clearly to them.
LO3.
Interact with an audience as a presenter and a listener.
LO4.
Choose and adapt presentation styles to different audiences and contexts.
LO5.
Employ a variety of communicative and presentational methods.
LO6.
Critically analyse presentations and performative communication across a range of modalities in terms of their structure, strategy, and effectiveness.
LO7.
Work with others both with preparation and spontaneously to communicate collectively with an audience.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Critical Paragraph | 5% |
13/08/2024 5:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Performance |
Tutorial Activities
|
35% 5% Haiku; 10% Improvisation; 10% Role Play; 10% Tutorial participation |
Recital of a haiku 3/09/2024 Group improvisation 10/09/2024 Role-play in pairs 1/10/2024
Tutorial exercises presented in class, plus participation across all tutorials. |
| Presentation |
Presentation
|
30% |
15/10/2024
Presentations completed in tutorials (regular time). |
| Essay/ Critique | Critical Research Essay | 30% |
25/10/2024 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Critical Paragraph
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
13/08/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L06
Task description
A half page analysis of rhetoric in a speech. Students will be provided with several options of speeches to analyse and will choose one.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit through TurnItIn in Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Tutorial Activities
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Performance
- Weight
- 35% 5% Haiku; 10% Improvisation; 10% Role Play; 10% Tutorial participation
- Due date
Recital of a haiku 3/09/2024
Group improvisation 10/09/2024
Role-play in pairs 1/10/2024
Tutorial exercises presented in class, plus participation across all tutorials.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07
Task description
This assessment item consists of three assessable tutorial exercises, plus a further 10% total for participation in tutorials across the semester, including impromptu readings and presentations, improvisations, pedagogical exercises, and discussion. The three specific assessable exercises will take place in the tutorials in weeks 7, 8, and 10.
The first will consist of reciting (from memory) a classical haiku (in translation) or short poem. A selection will be given to students in the previous weeks' tutorials. This is worth 5% of the final mark.
The second will consist of a short scenic improvisation in small groups. This is worth 10% of the final mark.
The third will be a short role-play in pairs. This is worth 10% of the final mark.
These will each follow on from a number of practice exercises in the tutorial itself, leading up to the assessment.
These assessments are conducted in person and in real time. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
In class
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
With appropriate medical documentation, the performance assessments may be re-scheduled if a student is unable to present in the assigned week.
Please note: students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your tutor directly to see if alternative arrangements are available. Students with a legitimate documented reason for being absent from a tutorial in which activity is assessed will be offered the opportunity to make up the assessment at a time to be negotiated with the tutor and course convenor.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Presentation
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
15/10/2024
Presentations completed in tutorials (regular time).
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
A five-minute presentation, with visual aids if appropriate, on any topic of the student’s choice, to be determined in conjunction with the tutor. Presentations are assessed on the skills explored and developed in the course, including choice of material suited to length and audience, rhetorical structure, use of voice and body, engagement and interaction with audience, and tone and style.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Recording of Oral and Practical Assessment
- All presentations will be recorded for marking purposes via recording facilities available where the assessment takes place (eg. ECHO360, Zoom, camera device)
- Recordings will be retained by the School of Communication and Arts for at least 12 months from the release of the final grade for the course.
- Recordings will be stored in a secure manner and will only be accessed by authorised school staff for the purposes of:
- Moderation of marking;
- Provision of feedback to the student(s) recorded; and/or
- Re-marking following a successful re-mark application.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
With appropriate medical documentation, the performance assessments may be re-scheduled if a student is unable to present on the assigned date.
Please note: students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal. Please contact your tutor/course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Critical Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
25/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L06
Task description
A critical research essay on one of the major topics explored in the course (specific topics will be offered, but students may suggest another similar in scope by arrangement with their tutor). Essays must make use of critical, academic and pedagogical literature on the topic, but may also use experiential observations and ethnographic and/or auto-ethnographic methodologies. See assessment brief for suggested topics, essay length, and further details.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Week 1 - Introduction
Learning outcomes: L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 1 No tutorials No tutorials in week 1. |
|
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2 - Rhetoric in Action
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 - Rhetoric in Action
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3 - Poise and Presence LECTURE: What is presence?; The importance of proprioception and physical awareness in presentation/performance. READINGS: - Alexander: the man and his discovery (17pp) from Body Learning by Michael Gelb. - The Self-Image (15pp) from Awareness Through Movement by Moshe Feldenkrais. - The Attainment of Poise (16pp) by Raymond Dart (1947), South African Medical Journal. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 - Poise and Presence TUTORIAL: Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Pure Movement work Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4 - Image Theatre
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 - Image Theatre
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5 - Voice and Communication
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 - Voice and Communication
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6 - Vocal Ease and Freedom
Continue working on haiku or short poem. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 6 - Vocal Ease and Freedom
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7 - Vocal Range and Clarity LECTURE: Resonance and the different personalities in every voice; Articulation as clarity of thought and intention; Why not 'enunciation'? READING: - Introduction from Voice in Modern Theatre by Jacqueline Martin (Routledge 1991). TBA. Continue working and then present haiku or short poem (ASSESSED) Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 - Vocal Range and Clarity
Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8 - Improvisation
Improvised scenes (ASSESSED) Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Week 8 - Improvisation
Improvised scenes (ASSESSED) Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9 - Register
Students start working on their final presentations. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 - Register TUTORIAL: Explore register differences between different performative activities. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK - NO CLASSES |
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10 - Role-Play
Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 - Role-Play
Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L07 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11 - Preparing for a Presentation
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 - Preparing for a Presentation TUTORIAL: Exercises to help prepare for presenting any presentation. Includes some specific tasks to help prepare for the final course presentation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L07 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12- No lecture |
Tutorial |
Week 12 - Presentations TUTORIAL: Students each give a 5 minute presentation (ASSESSED). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 13 No lecture |
Tutorial |
Week 13 No tutorials |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.