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2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PECI1704 Exploring Performance: Cultures and Contexts

20 creditsClass Size: 110

Module manager: Dr Maria Kapsali
Email: m.kapsali@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module asks students to consider performance and other cultural objects in the broad context of cultural studies, sociology and selected theoretical perspectives. Students are encouraged to develop independent thinking and interpretation skills in triangulating between these critical contexts, objects for interpretation or case studies and research questions which they will determine with the support of their seminar tutors.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- define performance and its principal relationships to a range of contexts in the cultural industries, education and community;

- recognise and evidence a foundational understanding of concepts, theories, problems and debates in the study of culture, its production, reception and critique;

-to consider performance and other cultural objects in the broad context of cultural studies, sociology and selected theoretical perspectives;

- recognise and use appropriate conventions of academic writing and verbal presentation.

Learning outcomes
) Critical and contextual insight into the breadth of the conceptual terrain within cultures of performance (eg performance, performativity, ritual, creativity, aesthetics, culture, diversity, practice, cultural industries, critique)
2) Introduction to seminal theoretical traditions (eg structuralism, feminism, semiotics) to cultural objects and contexts across a broad range, including:
performance modes of production (patronage, commerce, state sponsorship, independent, avant-garde, etc);
the relationship of performance and everyday life (social acting, cultural performance, direct theatre)
Performance as representation (mimesis, realism, narrative, deconstruction, etc);

The role of the audience (reception, spectacle, 'spectatorship', live art, etc);

Performance and social impact (specificity of performance efficacy, evaluation, ethics, etc);

Representation of performance (performance meta-knowledge, critical strategies, etc).


Syllabus

10 x 1 lectures (two of which summarise lecture blocks and offer structured preparation for assessment);

10 x 1 seminars (two of which complement subject/concept-driven seminars and advise further on students’ assessment);

Indicative content would include lectures on cultural studies, a range of sociological angles which can be utilised for the interpretation of cultural events and objects (semiotics, phenomenology, dramaturgy) and a range of theoretical perspectives (gender studies, intercultural studies), as well as culture’s relationship with politics and the state;

Seminars are concerned with the application of the topics and concepts raised in lectures, case studies, as well as the exploration of ideas posed by the module’s set reading.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Class tests, exams and assessment13.003.00
Lecture91.009.00
Seminar13.003.00
Seminar91.5013.50
Private study hours171.50
Total Contact hours28.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Preparatory reading for weekly lecture/ seminar: 36 hours
Further reading/ research after each session: 27 hours
Research, drafting and essay writing: 70 hour
Individual research and preparation for group presentation: 34

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Group discussion and small group tasks on the week’s topic in seminars
Q+As in preparation for both assessments in lecture and seminars
Formative feedback on draft essay questions and structure in seminars
Formative feedback on presentation excerpts in seminars

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay 3500 - 400070.00
Oral PresentationIn small groups (4-5), ca 15 minutes per group + individual submission of annotated bibliography.30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Alternative assessment is set according to individual circumstances and approved via Exams Tutor and Pro Dean SE

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 09/10/2018

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