Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces the key thinkers and concepts in the discipline of Performance Studies from its origin in the anthropology of theatre and performance to the emergence of the main threads, debates and schools of thought which characterize the field today. The ideas of theorists such as Schechner, Turner, Conquergood, Austin, Butler and others will be covered, detailing concepts of ritual, everyday social performance and performativity. Examples from political performance, protest, institutional and environmental performance will be analysed.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course students will:

1. understand the meanings and applications of the concept of performativity and be able to make considered arguments concerning its worth and scope;
2. be able to analyse everyday activities and broader social events in their performative dimensions;
3. apply and argue the key concepts and debates in contemporary performance studies;
4. be able to employ a variety of theoretical approaches to the analysis of everyday and ritual social and cultural performances;
5. apply concepts of the self, gender, subjectivity and identity viewed as performances;
6. develop a sense of the cultural relativity of their own and others' everyday practices, becoming more open-minded and understanding of the diversity of cultural practice;
7. be able to demonstrate an understanding and employ techniques of ethnographic writing.

Assessment

Group class presentation (15 minutes equiv.900 words): 20%
Individual ethnographic description (minimum 1350 words): 30%
Exam: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Anna Scheer

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Anthropology
Communications
Comparative literature and cultural studies
Theatre
English
Performance
Sociology

Prerequisites

1st year sequence in Theatre