Course Outline for Communication Studies 6
Introduction to Performance Studies

Effective: Fall 2011
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016

Catalog Description:

COMM 6 - Introduction to Performance Studies

3.00 Units

Exploration of historically influential activist performances and contemporary performance art/installation pieces. Development of an understanding of basic interdisciplinary performance theories from everyday life, ritual, and on-stage. Emphasis on creating and observing performances as tools for social critique.
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Total 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. define, identify, and recognize basic performance theories
  2. critically evaluate performance art/installations in contemporary America
  3. utilize performance as a “voice” to connect their ideas/perspectives to diverse audiences
  4. demonstrate critical and mindful listening skills to provide constructive criticism
  5. identify links between cultural studies, sociology, psychology, drama, folklore, mythology, disability studies, political science, and communication fields
  6. demonstrate an understanding of the differences of performing social, professional, academic, theatrical, and other contextually-defined roles
  7. demonstrate an understanding of how to utilize site-specific, multi-media, and ensemble performances for diverse audiences

Course Content:

  1. Survey of contemporary performance art/installations
  2. Definitions of social criticism and social justice (religious, philosophical traditions)
  3. Historical and cultural influences on performance artwork  
  4. Critical and active listening
  5. Basic performance theories and their interdisciplinary overlaps 
    1. performativity  
    2. performance ethnography  
    3. speech-act theory  
    4. invisible theater   
    5. homo performans  
    6. communitas
    7. liminality  
    8. dramatism  
    9. social drama theory

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Lecture/Discussion
  2. Distance Education
  3. Multi-media presentations
  4. Peer evaluations
  5. Roleplays/Activities
  6. Student Performances, including but not limited to: Site-specific, Individual, Ensemble, Multi-media, Installation

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Keep a performance diary to reflect on everyday performances, as well as, theatrical and public performances. 1. Take one performance example from your journal and develop a performance that focuses the audience’s attention to a particular social issue that is impacted by the performance described in the diary.
  2. Choose a public space (on- or off-campus) for a site-specific performance. You may perform solo, with an ensemble, or develop an installation piece. The performance/installation must be announced in-class so that the class can observe and provide feedback on the work. The installation/performance should address a major social issue and be relevant to the site selected.
  3. Observe a fellow classmate’s performance and write a 1-2 page typed criticism on their work exploring their use of site, effectiveness in bringing attention to social issues, and their use of voice, body, and or multi-media tools to reach diverse audiences.
  4. Write a monologue from the perspective of a part of your body. The monologue should address an issue of social justice (e.g. hands – labor; hair – racial stereotypes; nose – ethnic stereotypes). Perform the 5 minute monologue for class.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Instructor critiques of performances
  2. Quizzes
  3. Journal/Diary
  4. Research or concept papers
  5. Roleplays, activities, discussion participation
  6. Critiques of peers or outside work
  7. Final Examination
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Appraise, analyze, and synthesize traditional and nontraditional texts for performance and production.
  2. Listen to, evaluate, and respond appropriately to the ideas and performances of others.
  3. Recognize, define, and apply the principles of aesthetic communication and performance theory.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Elizabeth Bell (2008). Theories of Performance SAGE.
  2. Richard Schechner (2006). Performance Studies: An Introduction (2nd). Routledge.
  3. Augusto Boal (2000). Theatre of the Oppressed Pluto Press.
  1. Note: Some texts may be older than 5 years, since this course has a historical component..
Additional Materials:
  • Flash drive
  • Binder/Journal