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2013/14 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

COMM5155M The Politics of Personal Performance

30 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Professor Stephen Coleman
Email: s.coleman@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2013/14

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

This module will introduce students to main theories of interpersonal communication as they relate to the performance of self; introduce students to micro-political analysis as it relates to performances of power, sincerity, activism and ordinariness; enable students to think critically about episodes of interpersonal communication; and enable students to engage in practical exercises in which they will develop and assess one another’s interpersonal communication techniques

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of main theories of interpersonal communication as they relate to the performance of self
- Knowledge of micro-political analysis, emanating from the work of Goffman
- Skills involved in enacting, interpreting and critiquing episodes of interpersonal communication

Skills outcomes
Subject specific skills: Students taking this module will develop their understanding of interpersonal communication, techniques of political presentation and practical ways of presenting themselves to others. This will help to develop their confidence as future employees and citizens.

Syllabus

This module explores the ways in which interpersonal communication is based upon a series of performances in which we play ourselves and come to recognise others through their performances. It is based upon the theories of Goffman and Garfinkel, but also takes into account contemporary theorists of discourse (Tolson), rhetoric (Billig, Finlayson) and drama (Schechter, Turner). Students will engage actively in practical as well as theoretical work. Topics include: introduction to interpersonal communication; the performance of self; interpreting political performances; sincerity and authenticity; power; and disagreement. The module also involves workshops and group performances.

Students taking this module need have no prior knowledge of political communication, political psychology, interpersonal communication or performance studies, but will be prepared to i) engage with each of these areas at an empirical and theoretical level; and ii) participate in activities in which they will learn to develop, interpret and critique forms of interpersonal communication.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	6	2.00	12.00
Practical	4	2.00	8.00
Private study hours			280.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Students are required to prepare for each lecture (est. 12 hours reading per lecture), prepare for practicals (est. 10 hours) and rehearse for group performances (est. 20 hours). The remaining private study time should be dedicated researching, preparing and writing the essay.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Attendance will be monitored and meetings arranged with any absent students who have not given a clear reason in advance.

There will be weekly drop-in sessions and opportunities for students to meet with the module tutor before and after each class. Essay structure or plan is due mid-semester (feedback will be provided to inform the final submission).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	4,500-5,500 word essay	70.00
Group Project	Exercise in interpersonal communication skills, interpretation and critique	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 22/05/2014

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