Documentary Theatre
Paper details:
Documentary/Verbatim Theatre Project Option #2 (research option)
Students will select a work of documentary/verbatim theatre and write a research essay (approx. 2300 words). This option is a formal academic essay that requires research and integration of that research into the essay – see Research heading below for details.
As students, artists, and scholars, it is important for each of us to explore multiple potential areas of interest and expertise. In this course we hope you will identify cultural objects* that intrigue or puzzle you. Why did the artist (playwright/ensemble/theatre artists) create as they did and for whom? Each artist and object uses specific forms and conventions to address us and create meaning(s). How did the cultural object function in its initial historical moment? How might it speak to us today? [*For our purposes in this course cultural objects include a work of documentary or verbatim theatre (its script and/or performance)].
Steps:
You will begin by selecting a cultural object that compels your interest—maybe because of its subject matter, writing style or character depiction. You will (1) identify research questions the script or performance raises for you; (2) analyze how it uses language, structure, and conventions; (3) investigate the way the play was situated in the genre and culture of its time; (4) formulate a thesis and research problem based on your historical inquiry and textual analysis; (5) create a clearly written and carefully argued essay that explores the research problem you have articulated.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
As you formulate your research problem and the for your paper, make sure the formulation meets several criteria. Does it present your own unique perspective on the existing scholarship on your subject? Your job in this paper is to articulate a new understanding of your subject in some way. Does your research problem answer the “so what?” question? Not only must you craft the argument, but you must also satisfy the issue of why your contribution matters. Finally, remember that a research question or problem that you can answer in a “yes/no” form will not produce an engaging, original thesis.
THE ARGUMENTATION
Be sure that your research advances your own original argument rather than letting the research constitute the argument itself. Be wary of the “parade of sources” paper structure. Feel free to bring me outlines and ideas for argumentation to discuss this distinction.
THE RESEARCH:
This assignment asks you to use a different set of research resources and procedures than you may have encountered in the past.
For option #2, students must cite at least eight (8) sources in the essay; six (6) sources must be scholarly books and/or peer reviewed journal articles.
Encyclopedias of any kind, book reviews (as opposed to the books themselves), and study guide web sites may not be cited for this assignment.
The internet is an incredible tool for research, but you must spend some quality time using the USF Library and exploring the work of other scholars in your subject area. I encourage you to discuss the research you are finding (or not finding) with me. The kinds of sources that will likely be helpful include:
• Scholarly books
• Articles in peer reviewed academic journals
• Historical accounts (reviews, diaries, etc.)
• Performance documentation (texts, recordings, prompt books, etc.)
NUTS AND BOLTS
• The paper or script must be a minimum of 7 pages in length (2300 words) and should not exceed 10 pages (not including the title, header, or bibliography).
• 12-point type, Times New Roman, double-spacing, 1” margins, correct header, and page numbering per MLA guidelines.
• The paper or script must have an original title.
• The paper must be submitted through the CANVAS Turnitin link by the deadline stated above
• WORD DOC or DOCX ONLY – NO PDFS!!
• Outside sources must be cited according to MLA formatting.
• DO NOT use of the first and second person in the esscgoay and DO NOT USE passive voice.
