Module Identifier
PFM0130
Module Title
CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OF PERFORMANCE
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Heike Roms
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Essay  3,500 words. To analyse the conceptual structure and staging of a chosen performance, live or on video.  50%
Semester Assessment Presentation  formal, class presentation of 20 minutes maximum duration that may include live and/or mediated elements. On a theme, practice or genre introduced in the module, demonstrating an understanding of precepts of performance. The presentation may include the use of video, slides, sound, data projection, OHP and elements of live demonstration and performative practice. Presentation: mid January This presentation will be videoed for scrutiny by the external examiner and departmental records.   50%
Supplementary Assessment Presentation Resit  Resit as presentation with alternative title Resits of assignments when necessary and in accordance with the conditions and timetable set by the university.   50%
Supplementary Assessment Written Essay Resit  Resit as written essay with alternative title  50%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able:
1. to demonstrate an advanced critical awareness of the nature of performance as an aesthetic practice
2. to evaluate complex conceptual differences selected performance modes and genres
3. to articulate mastery of a particular range of theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of performance
4. to demonstrate a critical understanding of the potential of performative presentation in an academic context
5. to demonstrate a high level of understanding and achievement in the employment of performative means in the live exposition of intellectual material.

Content

Module content is expected to include origins and definitions of performance; contemporary genres of performance; theoretical, critical and analytical approaches to performance; aesthetic, conceptual and operational strategies of devising; structure and composition; exposition and documentation. Content may be adjusted to capitalize upon the specific expertise of those delivering the module.

Indicative sessions might include:
1. Origins of performance: play, ritual and proto-theatre
2. Definitions of performance: contemporary genres and practices
3. Theories of performance 1: anthropological/archaeological models
4. Theories of performance 2: schools of theory
5. Analysis of performance: form and structure; documentation
6. Concepts of performance: strategies
7. Concepts of performance: aesthetics
8. Dramaturgy 1: devised performance
9. Dramaturgy 2: principles of ordering
10. Staging performance

Brief description

This is an academic module that introduces genres of performance and explores a range of interdisciplinary approaches to their appropriate description and analysis through a series of innovative staged presentations. Students will examine forms of performance (genre, generation, rehearsal, and presentation), conceptual principles, theoretical and analytical approaches and issues of documenting and criticising performance. Particular critical attention will be paid to the practices and practitioners associated with the department, particularly those originating in Wales.

Aims

The aim of this module is:
a) to introduce and explore selected definitions of the phenomenon of performance as
both aesthetic practice and mode of cultural production, and to examine approaches to the analysis of a range of manifestations of performance and non-textual genres of performance
b) to provide a secure grounding in exemplary theories of performance and in a range of
conceptual methodologies, including compositional, structural, spatial, temporal and narrative composition.
c) to address and evaluate the form and function of certain forms of contemporary performance, through the development of appropriate vocabularies in the assessment of aesthetic practice.
d) to enable students to understand and critically apply the terminology of particular approaches to performance theory and application.
e) to enable students to contribute to topical debate on the nature of performance

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Encouragement of student participation in seminar component of lecture/presentations. Assessment of application of performative means in presentation of intellectual argument to peers in second assignment.
Improving own Learning and Performance Development of learning skills in order to complete original assessment assignments.
Information Technology Used in research and essay writing: assessment requires evidence of individual research and appropriate presentation. Used in presentations as data handling and projection
Personal Development and Career planning Exposure to visiting professional practitioners
Problem solving Assessment of design and implementation of personal performative presentation.
Research skills Both assessment assignments require independent library and archive research.
Subject Specific Skills Application of performative means in the exposition of intellectual argument Creative functioning

Reading List

Recommended Text
Auslander, Philip (1997) From Acting to Performance Routledge Primo search Bial, H (2003) The Performance Studies Reader Routledge Primo search Carlson, Marvin (1996) Performance: A Critical Introduction Routledge Primo search Diamond, E (1996) Performance and Cultural Politics Routledge Primo search Elam, K (1980) The Semiotics of Theatre and Drama Routledge Primo search Goodman, L and De Gay, J (1998) The Routledge Reader in Gender and Performance Routledge Primo search Hilton, J (1987) Pefromance London: MacMillan Primo search Huxley, Michael & Witts, Noel (eds) (1996) The Twentieth Century Performance Reader Routledge Primo search Pavis, Patrice (2003) Analysing performance: Theatre, Dance and Film University of Michigan Press Primo search Pearson, M & Shanks, M (2001) Theatre/Archaeology London: Routledge Primo search Phelan, Peggy (1993) Unmarked Routledge Primo search Phelan, Peggy & Lane, Jill eds. (1998) The Ends of Performance New York: University Press Primo search Read, A (1995) Theatre and Everyday Life Routledge Primo search Rheinhelt, J and Roach J, R (1992) Critical Theory and Performance Ann Arbour: University of Michigan Press Primo search Schechner, R (2002) Performance Studies - An Introduction Routledge Primo search Schechner, R (2003) Performance Theory Routledge Primo search Schechner, R (1995) The Future of Ritual: Writings on Culture and Performance Routledge Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7