Performance Theory

Communication Studies 4060

Instructor:

Dr. Kelly S. Taylor

Office:

245 Terrill Hall

Course Description

This course exposes students to the variety of theories that inform the practices of literary and cultural performance, as well as performance art. Blending theory with practical application in each of the three major units (literary performance, cultural performance, and performance art), the course facilitates understanding of theoretical bases of contemporary performance practices.

Required Text

C.S. Stern and Bruce Henderson, Performance: Texts and Contexts, New York: Longman, 1987.

Methods of Evaluation

Mid Term Exam	20%
Final Exam	20%
Mini-Lecture #1	20%
Mini-Lecture #2	20%
Performance	20%

Makeup Work

Any classwork missed should be turned in immediately following the student's return to class. There is a 2 point per weekday penalty for lateness -- regardless of the student's excuse. Missed performances cannot be made up.

Attendance

You will be dropped from the class roll after three unexcused absences. Excused absences require a note from the Dean of Students or UNT Health Center.

Academic Integrity

All students are expected to conform to the University's code of conduct. Students who cheat or plagiarize will fail the assignment concerned, will be turned in to the University's Judicial Committee, and may receive a failing grade for the course.

Access Policy

All effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. Students wishing to self-identify should register on the third floor of the Student Union by the third day of the semester.

Grading Scale

100-93 = A
92-85 = B
84-77 = C
76-69 = D
69 and below = F

Summary of Assignments

Presentation.

Over the course of the semester, each student will do three class presentations -- two mini-lectures on a theoretical concept, theorist, or performer and one performance demonstrating a literary or cultural performance or an instance of performance art. The grades for each project will be based on the components listed below:

Mini-Lectures. The stages of completing the mini-lecture assignment are as follows:

Write a paper on the topic and its relation to the type of performance currently under investigation. Papers should be thoroughly researched. They should be written and documented according to MLA or APA style manuals. Papers must be typed and double-spaced. A minimum of four pages is recommended. Prepare a one page handout on the most significant aspects of the topic for distribution to the class. Remember, your classmates will be tested on this material.
Deliver a 12 to 15 minute presentation on the topic. The presentation may include lecture as well as demonstration. Your object in the presentation is to aid your audience's understanding of the topic as well as its relationship to the type of performance currently under consideration. Your presentation need not cover all aspects covered in the research paper. Your research paper and one page handout are due on the day of the presentation.

Grade breakdown for the mini-lectures will be as follows:

Research Paper		50%
One-Page Handout		10%
Presentation		40%

Performances. The stages of completing the performance assignment are as follows:

Keep a journal of the process of creating the performance. In the journal, you may wish to write an analysis of the material with which you are working, describe your preparation for the performance through research and rehearsal, describe the evolution of the performance, ect. The journal should be typed before it is turned in for evaluation. The journal should be no less than four pages.
Deliver an 8 to 12 minute performance reflecting the type of performance currently under consideration. Performances must either be memorized or so well rehearsed that the performer is not overly dependent on his/her script. The journal is due on the day of the presentation.

Grade breakdown for the performance assignment will be as follows:

Performance		75%
Journal		25%