Critical and Analytical Thinking

This module aims to equip students with skills in critical and analytical thinking, which includes the ability to evaluate different perspectives, articulate a point of view and support it with relevant and credible evidence. The module also provides students with opportunities to practise information literacy, and critical and analytical thinking skills through the exploration of contemporary local and global issues.

Devised Drama

Equips students with a theoretical and practical knowledge of dramatic forms and styles. Students will develop a range of performance skills using improvisation and devising.

Drama Conventions

Introduces students to the different drama techniques that are commonly used in the many forms of applied drama. Practical sessions on the integration of these techniques on specific applied drama forms would be demonstrated in this module.

Industry Immersion

Exposes students to the type of work that students from the Diploma in Applied Drama and Psychology could engage in upon graduation or after further studies. It will introduce students to how applied drama and/or psychology could be applied in authentic contexts in the workplace.

Introduction to Applied Drama

Introduces students to the forms, methodologies and uses of Applied Drama. Students will learn about the history of such practices and their development both abroad and locally. Students will analyse and critique the practices of an applied drama practitioner / theatre company.

Introduction to Drama and Performance

Introduces students to foundational performance skills and teaches them the basics of acting and directing stage performances through scripts and improvisations. Students will experience being part of a theatre ensemble either as an actor and/or a director.

Introduction to Psychology

Introduces students to psychology as a whole, exploring the main approaches to the scientific study of human behaviour. It endeavours to show students the practicalities of psychology and how its theories, concepts and ideas connect with issues in the educational, social and health settings.

Lifespan Psychology

Introduces students to a view of human development that examines the phases of life from birth to death. Students will be able to describe the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional aspects of human development - as a child, adolescent, adult and an elderly individual.

Narrative Thinking

This module aims to equip students with the skills to critically evaluate the elements of narratives used in a variety of contexts, and to appreciate and harness the power of storytelling in our daily life. Students will analyse narratives to connect and contextualise self to society, and learn to craft impactful personal narratives to inspire or influence others.

Social Psychology

Provides students with an overview of theories, methods and ethical concerns related to social contexts of an individual’s behaviour. Students will be able to apply social psychology theories and concepts to interpret and explain individual human behaviour across social situations.

Understanding Research and Ethics

Introduces students to the concept of ethics and research. Students will examine the ethical practices in applied drama work and in psychological research. They will learn the basic theories and practices of different forms of research.

Community Psychology

Allows students to explore physical, social and mental health issues within communities of individuals. The field of community psychology thus focuses on the quality of life of individuals, communities, and society. Its aim is to enhance quality of life through collaborative research, education and intervention. The module will allow students opportunities to explore a range of theoretical and practical perspectives.

Drama-in-Education

Provides students with a broad overview of drama as it is used in the educational system in Singapore and introduces students to how drama is used as pedagogy in the classroom. Students will examine how practitioners use drama to promote holistic learning in the classroom and across the curriculum.

Elective 1

Elective 2

Forum Theatre

Introduces students to the form of Forum Theatre as a method of theatre for intervention. They will learn how to use Forum Theatre as a responsible tool to facilitate thought and action. Students will create and perform their own original Forum Theatre play.

Methods of Inquiry

Introduces students to the basic concepts of quantitative and qualitative research methods and report writing. Students will be equipped with basic skills of data collection using techniques such as observations, questionnaires, interviews and experiments. Students will design and conduct simple research projects, analyse data and write up their findings according to a formal report format.

Process Drama

Introduces students to the principles of Process Drama, a method of teaching where the teacher and student are working in and out of role. Students will develop skills in planning, implementing and evaluating process drama lessons for participants of specific age groups and learning needs. They will do so through practical sessions and projects.

Psychology-in-Education

Introduces students to effective learning for learners in different contexts. Students will examine ‘who’ is taught and ‘how’ something is taught. It also highlights the interactive nature of ‘what’ is taught and ‘why’ it is taught as well as the importance of assessment. The content of this module will incorporate aspects of Educational theories focusing on cognitive, psychosocial, socio-cultural and personality factors of learning.

Social Innovation Project

This module aims to equip students with a Design Thinking mindset in a social innovation context. Students collaborate in multi-disciplinary groups to apply Design Thinking tools and methods to create innovative prototype solutions for local social issues. In the process, they will develop a better understanding of themselves, and empathy for a local community in need.

Theatre-in-Education

This module introduces students to the origins, principles, influences and evolution of Theatre-in-Education. Students will learn about the process of creating a Theatre-in-Education programme for a specific target group, from researching the issue, analysing the purpose and need for teachers’ resource packs, to devising and performing the piece. At the end of the module, students will be able to understand the educational and theatrical underpinnings of Theatre-in-Education. They should also be able to devise and execute a fragment of a Theatre-in-Education programme and create pre-or post-resource materials in support of the programme.

Working with Children (Story Drama & Developmental Issues in Childhood)

This module will be co-taught by an applied drama lecturer and a psychology lecturer. Students will learn the principles and practices of Story Drama where the elements of drama are used to explore written literature (for example, storybooks, poems and folktales). Students will also identify and debate important local and global developmental trends and issues in childhood. Students will design a story drama workshop for children and take into consideration how children progress in the areas of cognition, language and socio-emotional development.

Working with Elderly (Reminiscence Theatre & Psychological Perspectives in Ageing)

This module will be co-taught by an applied drama lecturer and a psychology lecturer. Students will learn the principles and practices of Reminiscence Theatre, where memories (often from the elderly) form the basis of performances. Students will also study the physical, social and emotional effects of ageing and the impact on mind-sets and behaviour in older adults as well as those around them. Students will develop a better understanding of the perspectives of older adults to effectively create a piece of Reminiscence Theatre.

Working with Youth (Participatory Approaches & Adolescent Psychology)

This module will be co-taught by an applied drama lecturer and a psychology lecturer. In this module, students will understand contemporary developmental issues and challenges in youth (adolescence and emerging adulthood). This framework will be used to discuss how different media forms such as Participatory Photography and Participatory Video projects have been used for social outreach projects.

Communicating for Project Effectiveness

Equips students with the essential communication and interpersonal skills necessary for work and the pursuit of further studies.

Elective 3

Graduation Project

Focuses on researching, conceptualising, planning and facilitating and applied drama programme for a target audience. Students are expected to integrate skills, knowledge and practices of applied drama and psychology. They will research, create and facilitate a relevant programme for different communities to educate, communicate and intervene.

Grants, Proposals and Evaluation

Introduces students to non-profit organisations in the arts and community services sectors. Students will be introduced to funding and grants available for projects that serve these sectors. Students will be required to put together a proposal applying for funding / grant for a hypothetical applied drama project.