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DRAM20010

Academic Year 2026/2027

Performance in Everyday Life (DRAM20010)

Subject:
Drama Studies
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
English, Drama & Film
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Ashley Taggart
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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.

Week 1: Introduction: What is Performance? What is Performance Studies?
Week 2: Performance Processes
Week 3: The Broad Spectrum of Performance
Week 4: Ritual
Week 5: Play
Week 6: Performing
Week 7: Performativity 1/2
Week 8: Performativity 2/2
Week 9: Social Media
Week 10: Global and Intercultural Performances 1/2
Week 11: Global and Intercultural Performances 2/2
Week 12: Conclusion: Exam Preparation

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (Take-Home): A final two-hour online open-book exam, which looks at two of the key concepts on the module. Week 14, Week 15 Graded No
60
 No
Individual Project: Essay on a "performance" in Everyday life which falls outside the usual parameters of the term (ie a play, show, public display) Week 7 Graded No
30
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Assessment of the contribution made by students throughout the semester. Week 12 Graded No
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
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.

Richard Schechner and Sarah Lucie, Performance Studies: An Introduction (New York: Routledge, 2020).

Name Role
Dr Paul Halferty Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Salome Paul Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 16:00 - 16:50
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