The purpose of this course is to explore theory and practice in
such disciplines as anthropology, literary theory, and cultural
studies that has contributed to the formation of contemporary
Performance theory and practice. The course will provide the
student with the opportunity to critically engage these varied
approaches through discussion, analysis, and creative
reconstruction.
Required Text
Peter J. Rabinowitz., Before Reading, New York: Cornell University Press, 1987.
John Berger, Ways of Seeing, London: Penguin Books, 1985.
Victor Turner, From Ritual to Theatre: The Human Seriousness of
Play, New York: Performing Arts Journal Publications, 1982.
Richard Schechner, Performance Theory, New York: Routledge,
1988.
Rose Lee Goldberg, Performance Art: From Futurism to the
Present, New York: Harry Abrams, 1988.
Methods of Evaluation
Mid Term Exam
20%
Final Exam
25%
Analysis Paper
25%
Reconstruction Presentation
20%
Performance Art Performance
10%
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
Analysis Paper..
Each student will pick a performance event and
prepare a critical analysis of some aspect of that event and/or
its social context utilizing methods of critique drawn from one
of the required texts. This paper should be typed,
double-spaced, and conform to MLA standards of source
documentation. A minimum length of twenty pages is recommended.
Reconstruction Presentation.
Each student will research a
specific performer or performance style mentioned in Goldberg's
Performance Art:From Futurism to the Present and prepare a
creative reconstruction of a performance event in the style of
that group or individual. Work will be graded on demonstrated
quality of research and analysis as well as creativity and
performance skills.
The student will also prepare the following: a concise, one-page
synopsis of the group or individual's career and approach to
performance, and a handout containing five well-formulated
questions on the group or individual to stimulate class
discussion. The student will then be responsible for leading a
fifteen to twenty minute class discussion of the group or
individual.
Performance Art Performance.
Each student will responsible for
designing and performing a performance art piece on the theme of
"Convention". Please do not use alcohol, firearms, or live
animals in your performance. Do not do bodily harm to yourself
or to audience members. Work will be graded through
self-critique and peer review.
