DRAM20010 Performance in Everyday Life

Academic Year 2024/2025

This course will introduce the theory of performance, analyzing how an understanding of performance in everyday life, and in culture, gives a context for the study of performance in theatre. Students will have the opportunity to equip themselves with the basic tools of performance analysis, to develop the practice of analysis in practical sessions, and to discuss lecture materials in small group teaching. The course aims to offer an introduction to ways of examining, reflecting on, and critically evaluating the phenomenon of performance in a highly technologised and globalised world.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

- Identify and categorise performance in life and culture
- Analyse and discuss ritual structures, play and framings of performance
- Understand and critically analyse structures of performance in theatre
- Practice basic performance analysis in a critical context

Indicative Module Content:

Using Richard Schechner's book on Performance Studies as a primary text and starting-off point, students will be guided through a number of topics relating to concepts of performance, and performance studies. Amongst other topics we will address

Performativity as a key concept.

The functions and many aspects of Play - both for adults and children. Why it has evolved, and its relevance to performance.

Ritual and its role both in society, and in individual habits and individual behaviour.

The complex interaction between the two in theatre, film and everyday social interaction.

The difference between "make-believe" and "make belief".

The effects of globalisation on performance.

Performance Art, "happenings" and social media as a platform.

Dark tourism, dark play and the performativity of politics - terrorism, PR and narratives.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Tutorial

12
Specified Learning Activities

16
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A weekly lecture will address the topic to be analysed.

SGT's will then further expand on this, and help students to participate and engage with the discussion.

A mid-term project will involve an analysis, by each student of a "performance" that does not fall under the usual meaning of that term - street art, a game of sport, going to a dance, a political discussion etc

A final exam will cover the essential components of the module, and allow discussion of the main ideas. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

None


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Finola Cronin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Paul Halferty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Noelia Ruiz Lecturer / Co-Lecturer