Fall 2018 - ENGL 380 D100

Text and Performance (4)

Class Number: 4646

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Peter Dickinson
    peter_dickinson@sfu.ca
    1 604 908-0993
    Office: GCA 3510/AQ 6117
    Office Hours: Tues, 1:30-2:30, GCA 3510; Thurs, 2:30-3:30, AQ 6117
  • Prerequisites:

    Two 200 division English courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A study of the performative dimensions of literary and other texts, and/or the use of text in performance. May be organized by genre/medium, social or cultural context, or critical approach.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course we will examine the networked relationship between text and performance from a number of different angles. First, we will look at two recent performative adaptations (one theatrical, the other cinematic) of an ancient play, the text of which we will read retrospectively, that is, as a post-script to the other media. We will then study another contemporary work of drama, focusing on how its textual information might be actualized in performance. Next, we turn to a discussion of the performativity of language and identity on digital and social media platforms, looking at how texting, tweeting, posting, and Instagramming have shaped presentations of self in our current moment, as well as how such technologies are shaping new literary genres such as “Twitterature.” We will conclude by discussing the book as a performing object, a handmade version of which students will be asked to make as their final assignment. 

Please note: Students who enroll in this course will be required to attend Bard on the Beach’s production of Lysistrata on one of the following dates: September 11, 12, or 13 (all shows at 7:30 pm). Tickets (at discounted student prices) will be available for purchase from the instructor at the first class.

Grading

  • Attendance and active participation 10%
  • Reading quizzes 20%
  • Argumentative essay on Lysistrata 20%
  • Performance presentation and written reflection on Love and Information 15%
  • Research presentation and written reflection on digital/social media platform 20%
  • Performing book assignment and written reflection 15%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Aristophanes, Lysistrata, trans. Douglass Parker (Signet; reprint edition, 2009)
ISBN: 978-0451531247

Anne Carson, NOX (New Directions, 2010)
ISBN: 978-0811218702

Caryl Churchill, Love and Information (TCG; reprint edition, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1559364409

Jennifer Egan, "Black Box" (2012; posted online to Canvas)

Spike Lee, dir., Chi-Raq (2015; to be screened in class)

Additional critical readings will be posted online to Canvas.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS