Yearbooks

Program: Bachelor of Drama [BDram]

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
01130117 Faculty of Humanities Department: School of the Arts
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 3 jaar Totale krediete: 386 NQF level:  07

Programinligting

This programme is directed towards the study of performance in relation to theatre, drama/theatre in education, performing arts management, film and television and the interface between technology and performance. The programme guides the student towards an understanding of the academic discourses and the practical skills required to interrogate, create, manage and promote multiple forms of performance.

Admission requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2023

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

APS

(Grade 11)

APS

(NSC/IEB completed)

 

5

30

28

Applicants must complete and pass an audition process.

* To retain admission, you must obtain an APS of at least 28 in the NSC. 

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

You will be considered for final admission to degree studies if space allows, and if you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree studies, and comply with the minimum subject requirements as well as the APS requirements of your chosen programme.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2023: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

  • Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
  • Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
  • Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

 

    Additional requirements

    Prospective students from other universities, who successfully passed the first year of study, may only register at the beginning of the second year of study.

    Admission is subject to the presentation of a programme, as well as the successful completion of a preliminary examination.

    Audition:

    During August the Department conducts an audition (practical and theory) in order to admit the most eligible candidates to study for this degree. The Department will communicate the date for the audition directly to the prospective students. The Department reserves the right to exclude a candidate based on the outcome of the audition.

    Other programme-specific information

    Note:

    • Choices within the particular third-year level modules will be made in consultation with the programme coordinators and the lecturers involved.
    • Productions: Requirements will be determined by the head of department.

    Academic literacy

    The academic literacy of all students who enrol at the University of Pretoria for the first time and all new students enrolling with the Faculty of Humanities for the first time will be assessed at the start of the academic year by means of their NSC marks Grade 12 English mark.
    Students who have obtained a mark of 4 or lower in English Home Language are deemed at risk in terms of academic literacy and must register for ALL 110 and ALL 125.
    Students who have obtained a mark of 5 or lower in English First Additional Language are deemed at risk in terms of academic literacy and must register for ALL 110 and ALL 125.
    All students in the Faculty of Humanities who are not at risk in terms of their academic literacy, are compelled to obtain at least 12 credits in language modules

    Department of English
    ENG 110 Introduction to literature in English (I) 
    ENG 120 Introduction to literature in English (II) 
    ENG 118 English for specific purposes 

    Departement Afrikaans
    AFR 110 Afrikaanse taalkunde en letterkunde 
    AFR 120 Afrikaanse taalkunde en letterkunde 
    AFR 114 Afrikaans vir sprekers van ander tale (I) 

    Department of African Languages
    NDE 110 Introduction to isiNdebele grammar – Capita selecta 
    * Students who want to take isiNdebele in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)
    ZUL 110 IsiZulu for beginners 
    ZUL 111 Introduction to isiZulu grammar – Capita selecta 
    * Students who want to take isiZulu in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)
    SEP 110 Sepedi for beginners 
    SEP 111 Introduction to Sepedi Grammar – Capita selecta
    * Students who want to take Sepedi in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)
    STW 110 Setswana for beginners
    STW 111 Introduction to Setswana Grammar  – Capita selecta
    *Students who want to take Setswana in the second semester, should also register for AFT 121 (African languages literature: Capita selecta)

    Department of Modern European Languages
    DTS 104 German for beginners 
    DTS 113 German: Cultural-professional (1) *Prerequisite: Grade 12 German
    FRN 104 French for beginners 
    FRN 113 French: Cultural-professional (1) *Prerequisite: Grade 12 French
    SPN 101 Spanish for beginners 
    SPN 102 Spanish for beginners 
    PTG 101 Portuguese for beginners

    Department of Ancient Languages and Cultures
    HEB 110 Hebrew 
    LAT 110 Latin 
    GRK 110 Greek

    LANGUAGE GROUPS FOR SELECTION IN PROGRAMMES

    Note: Consult the yearbook for module-specific requirements/prerequisites by searching for the relevant language module.

    Module group 1 – Afrikaans
    Year level 1
    • As a first language: AFR 110, 120
    • For speakers of other languages (also for speakers of other languages who are registered for qualifications in education and law) AFR 114

    Year level 2
    • As a first language: AFR 214, AFR 210 ,220
    • For students following a programme in education: AFR 214, AFR 220

    Year level 3
    • As a first language: AFR 311, 321
    • For students following a programme in education: Any modules with alpha codes AFR offered at year level 3.

    Module group 2 – English
    Year level 1
    • For special purposes: ENG 118
    • For academic purposes: ENG 110, 120

    Year level 2
    ENG 210, 220

    Year level 3
    • ENG 310, 320
    • ENG 311, 322

    Module group 3 – French
    Year level 1
    • For beginners: FRN 104
    • Cultural-professional (for students who have passed French in Grade 12): FRN 113, 123

    Year level 2
    FRN 211, 221

    Year level 3
    Cultural-professional: FRN 361, 362, 363, 364

    Module group 4 – German
    Year level 1
    • For beginners: DTS 104
    • Cultural-professional (for students who have passed German in Grade 12): DTS 113, 123

    Year level 2
    DTS 211, 221

    Year level 3
    Cultural-professional: DTS 361, 362, 363, 364

    Module group 5 – Greek
    Year level 1
    GRK 110, 120

    Year level 2
    GRK 210, 220

    Module group 6 – Hebrew
    Year level 1
    HEB 110, 120

    Year level 2
    HEB 210, 220

    Module group 7 – Latin
    Year level 1
    LAT 110, 120 (students who passed Latin in Grade 12 may start immediately with Latin at year level 2)

    Year level 2
    LAT 210, 220

    Year level 3
    LAT 310, 320

    Module group 8 – IsiNdebele
    Year level 1
    For speakers of isiNdebele as home language or first or second additional language
    NDE 110, AFT 121

    Year level 2
    NDE 210, AFT 220

    Year level 3
    NDE 310, AFT 320

    Module group 9 – IsiZulu
    Year level 1
    • For beginners: ZUL 110, 120
    • For speakers of isiZulu as home language or first or second additional language: ZUL 111, AFT 121

    Year level 2
    • For students who did ZUL 110, 120 at year level 1: ZUL 210, 220
    • For students who did AFT 121: ZUL 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, ZUL 211

    Year level 3
    ZUL 310, AFT 320

    Module group 10 – Sepedi
    Year level 1
    • For beginners: SEP 110,120
    • For speakers of Sepedi as home language or first or second additional language: SEP 111, AFT 121

    Year level 2
    • For students who did SEP 110, 120 at year level 1: SEP 210, 220
    • For students who did AFT 121, SEP 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, SEP 211

    Year level 3
    SEP 310, AFT 320

    Module group 11 – Setswana
    Year level 1
    • For beginners: STW 110, 120
    • For speakers of Setswana as home language or first or second additional language: STW 111, AFT 121

    Year level 2
    • For students who did STW 110, 120 at year level 1: STW 210, 220
    • For students who did AFT 121, STW 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, STW 211

    Year level 3
    STW 310, AFT 320

    Module group 12 – Spanish
    Year level 1
    For beginners: SPN 101, 102

    Year level 2
    SPN 211, 221

    Year level 3
    SPN 311, 321

    Module group 13 – Portuguese
    Year level 1
    • For beginners: PTG 101
    • Portuguese language and culture (for students who have passed Portuguese in Gr 12): PTG 113, 123

    Year level 2
    PTG 211, 221

    Year level 3
    PTG 311, 321

    Promotion to next study year

    Promotion to the second year of study:

    Obtain 12 credits from the fundamental modules, including all ALL modules, as well as 50 credits from the core modules in the first year of study.

    Promotion to the third year of study:

    Obtain all first-year credits as well as 90 credits from the second year.

    Any deviation from these requirements may only be done subject to the approval of the Dean, on the recommendation of the head of department.

    Pass with distinction

    A student must obtain a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded) in all the theoretical modules as well as 75% in the TNP praxis module at third-year level.

    Minimum krediete: 100

    Fundamental modules

    Core modules

    • Module-inhoud:

      The languages of drama and film
      This module introduces the languages of drama and film as well as approaches to drama and film analysis. In addition, historical and contemporary drama and film theories will be used to read various drama and film texts.

      A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      Drama and film genres: This module introduces the notion of genre as part of a wider concept of narrative building and storytelling in both drama and film. Different types of genre are introduced and discussed with regard to film and drama and furthermore linked to the idea of emerging identities in contemporary storytelling. All these parts are conceptually introduced and provide an introduction to reading, interpretation and giving meaning to various discourses in film and drama narratives.

       
      A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Text analysis and performance
      The self in relation to role, character, persona, embodiment and the creation of performance metaphors will be explored through analysis of prose, poetry and drama texts in order to establish a relationship between structural and aesthetic contents of the text and the construction of meaning in performance.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Bodied Spaces
      This module explores the ways in which the elements of scenography engage with the body to make meaning in a theatrical performance. The course demonstrates how visual codes can be used as narrative devices and how components of the spatial field can be used to support the primacy of the body as a maker of meaning in theatrical performance.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      *Students have to pass all components of this module in order to be promoted to the next year level
      Basic techniques of acting will be introduced. Aspects of self, other and space will be explored and applied by means of acting exercises, theatre games, improvisation and interpretation of applicable material. The notions of storytelling/narrative/playmaking/construction and interpretation/recreation will be explored.
      The module further introduces experiential somatics for the actor and performer. Students will engage with the building blocks of body/voice integration towards the safe, interactive and heightened use of the body and voice in performance. Students will apply these building blocks in discipline-specific skills training and in performance, including acting.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Performing arts management
      In this module students will be introduced to the current state of the performing arts in South Africa. Students will explore the language and technical aspects of theatre. It includes the processes involved with creation and performance of theatre productions. Focus will be placed on the ways in which the creative vision of the director is supported and manifested, to consolidate the aesthetical quality and conceptual framing of the production. The skills and responsibilities of the technical and creative theatre practitioners will be explored and put into context.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Theatre and performance studies
      In this module students will explore the fundamental principles of role play and important elements are identified and described. The framing of a role play in various social, cultural and political arenas and the strategies applied forms the point of departure for this investigation. Students develop the skills to draw lines from the duality of text as well as life during the process of character development.

      Sien meer

    Minimum krediete: 126

    Core modules

    • Module-inhoud:

      Historical modes of Western performance
      The module involves a study of the socio-political contexts of Western Classical and Renaissance theatre, redirecting the focus to the notion of violence in performance during the age of Enlightenment.

      A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

       

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      Realism and contemporary South African performance
      Concepts of naturalism and realism will be interrogated in relation to dramatic texts and performance values in both drama and film. Ways in which dramatic realism emerges from and reflects historical perspectives since the "Age of Reason" will be offered. Against this background, the concept of "realism" will be interrogated in relation to performance texts and performance values in the emergence of interdisciplinary framework of performance studies. Ways in which dramatic realism emerges from and reflects historical perspectives will be offered and discussed, so as to draw connections between realism, and contemporary South African performance.

      A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Performance: body/ voice studies
      There are many points of convergence between the foundational principles of various voice and body movement pedagogies for performers. These commonalties pivot around the organic principles of kinesiology and vocology (function) that can be applied to performance (expression). This module will identify these common principles across a range of voice and body movement pedagogies and explore the ways in which they inform performance.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Digital media
      This module trains students to utilise available hardware and software used in filmmaking processes. With its emphasis on camera and editing technologies, the module introduces students to studies of mise-en-scene, decoupage and haptic criticism in engaging with the visual image. Students will also be introduced to radio as medium for fiction by interrogating the dynamics and processes of radio as a medium for communicating fiction.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      Programme-specific execution of a community-related project.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      *Students have to pass all components of this module in order to be promoted to the next year level
      Performance techniques will be explored and located within selected modes of performance linked to the notions of enactment and embodiment by way of acting exercises, improvisation and interpretation of suitable material.
      Students will further apply somatic principles to various modes of performance involving the heightened use of the body and voice in the context of discipline specific skills training. This module will facilitate the development of heightened physical and vocal dynamics in expression and communication in performance.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Directing
      In this module students will interrogate the ritual mode of performance as the embodiment of self-expression versus role-play as a representational mode of performance. The purpose of the course is to explore the dialectical notion between these differentiated modes of performance and directing. The aim is also to conceptualise the dynamic position of the director in the application of a multidimensional approach to the process of directing.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      Applied theatre
      The module investigates the use of theatre as methodology and participatory practise in a variety of socio-cultural and educational contexts. The module frames applied theatre as a medium of communication that stimulates action, reflection and transformation. The module culminates in practical applied theatre programmes.

      Sien meer

    Minimum krediete: 160

    Core modules

    • Module-inhoud:

      Reading cultural representation
      Against the framework of post-colonialism, issues of signification, representation and meaning in performance will be considered in relation to selected theoretical approaches to performance and their concern with gender in theatre and film. Representation and subjectivity and how they are revealed as gendered fictions rather than "natural", inevitable realities will be explored through various drama and film texts. The student will explore how the body, as codified cultural product, can become a symbolic battleground for cultural supremacy in and through performance.

      A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      Counter discourses
      Social relations, material conditions, discursive practices, identity and representational structures will be studied in relation to Marxist Materialism, cross-cultural theatre, postmodern discourse and post-theory ideas. Key figures and ideas from relevant critical theory will guide an interrogation of popular performance and cinema as well as non-dominant cinemas and modes of performance.
       
      A & B: For students who enrolled for the BA Drama programme prior to 2016, as well as for students entering the BDram programme in 2016. 

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      *This module offers a choice between writing for stage and film and intermediate body, voice and movement studies
      Performance: intermediate body/voice studies
      This module investigates selected voice and body movement pedagogies related to physical theatre, dance, theatre voice, acting and music theatre in depth. Referring to the common principles amongst these pedagogies, the module further explores the differing ways in which each pedagogical approach engages with these common principles in a performance context.
      or
      Writing for stage and film
      Writing allows a choice between writing for stage and screenwriting. These options are exclusive from one another.
      Admission requirements: to register for this option of SBT 311 you need to have successfully completed DFK 110, 120, 210 and 220.
      Screenwriting (one quarter) introduces students to narrative construction and narrative theory that draws mostly on classical dominant story modes. Certain film and television texts will be studied in order to guide discussions and analyses of the narrative modes and genres under discussion.
      Intermediate screenwriting (one quarter) immediately follows basic screenwriting and explores alternative narrative modes that deviate from and subvert dominant storytelling modes. Critical theory will guide students in explorations of seminal film movements and their positions in film studies with direct relevance for screenwriting.
      The writing for stage component of this module takes on the notion of play and improvisation as a key to activate creative impulses within the practice of writing for stage. Theatre Sport's improvisational skills will be explored along with other methods of writing that articulate ideas of "play". Improvisation is the key dramaturgical focus of method and practice that suggests ways of unleashing creativity, play and observational skills as a fundamental to the world of storytelling. The module then moves to writing as and from the self as in autobiographical and testimony writing/theatre. Themes of obsession, witnessing, time, space and identities will be explored. The module will culminate in written and performed monologues.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      *This module offers a choice between intermediate digital media and presenting for the media
      Intermediate digital media
      This module explores the use of technology and media in film and theatre through a conceptual engagement with notions of intermedial performance and frameworks of non-fiction filmmaking. Selected case studies guide an interrogation of intermedial performance theory while also engaging with image ontologies.
      or
      Presenting for the media
      This module will focus on advanced radio techniques and TV presentation within the broader context of the South African digital media practices.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      *Students have to pass all components of this module in order to be promoted to the next year level
      Live performance and digital performance
      This module employs the notions of making, appreciating and performing to explore selected modes of contemporary live theatrical performance as well as performance for the digital media.
      This module further offers discipline specific skills training in relation to selected voice and body movement pedagogies in the context of making, appreciating and performing. Students need to select two of the four available skills training options (physical theatre/dance; singing voice, theatre voice, movement for the actor) in consultation with lecturers.
      This module consolidates the conceptual, vocal and physical skills acquired in the previous two years and focuses on the application of heightened physicality and vocality in performance.
      NOTE:
      Students will have to align their TNP 310 praxis choices with their choices within each third-year level theory module. Choices within TNP 310 are:
      • Performance (Acting)
      • Theatre voice
      • Singing
      • Movement for the actor
      • Physical theatre and dance
      • Digital media
      • Directing/Theatre making
      • Writing for stage and film
      • Music theatre (musical theatre and cabaret)
      • Radio
      • Camera acting
      Students who want to proceed to the Drama department's honours programme need to consider the following:
      • DRA 702 (Performance studies) needs Performance (Acting), Theatre voice and Movement for the actor as entry level requirements
      • DRA 705 (Physical theatre) needs Performance (Acting), Physical theatre and Theatre voice as entry level requirements
      • Musical theatre needs Physical theatre and dance, Performance (Acting) and Singing as entry level requirements
      • Cabaret needs Performance (Acting), Movement for the actor and Singing. (TNT 211 and TNT 311 [Directing] will be favourable)

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      *This module offers a choice between Applied drama and Intermediate directing
      Applied drama
      The module investigates the use of drama as methodology in educational, community and corporate contexts. The interface between applied theatre and applied drama will be explored. The module culminates in a practical project.
      or
      Intermediate directing
      This module investigates the notions of concept, space, style, method and aesthetic in order to harness a praxis in directing. The module aims to activate conceptualisation skills and refers to contemporary directing methodologies in its aim to develop a directorial praxis. The module further provides the opportunities to begin to develop a distinctive directing style and voice while studying contemporary directing methods and concepts. The module culminates in a short directing scene.

      Sien meer

    • Module-inhoud:

      *Closed – only for BDram students
      *This module offers a choice between intermediate performance studies and intermediate performing arts management
      Intermediate performing arts management: Managing the production and managing the artist
      Being subjected to constant flux and change, the current state of the performing arts industry in South Africa (as introduced in TNT 111), will be reconsidered in this module. Aspects of production management, including organisation and administration, the writing of proposals and budgeting for productions/performances will be investigated. To enable students to secure a career in the industry, they will be introduced to the notion of managing the self/the artist as a business/product. This will include, amongst others, negotiating contracts, compilation of CVs and portfolios and preparation for interviews and auditions (interacting with TNP 310).
      or
      Intermediate theatre and performance studies
      In this module students will explore and interrogate selected western and non-western theories, paradigms and practices of actor and performer training with particular emphasis on embodiment by the performer. The work of key contemporary practitioners will be examined in order to establish how their training systems and approaches relate to performance traditions and how they have changed our perception of the artist's body/instrument in contemporary performance.

      Sien meer


    Regulations and rules
    The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

    The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

    University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
    The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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