Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CA 257W D100

Context of Theatre I (3)

Class Number: 7053

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The detailed structural analysis of dramatic texts and/or performances, their historical context, their development and production histories. May be of interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 257W may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Fleshing out Shannon Jackson’s assertion of “the theatrical knowledge that no act can ever be solo,” this course understands performance as a fundamentally relational form. Of course, relation is not neutral. Relation can mean conflict, care, exploitation, nurturing, neglect, respect, or any number of other qualities of engagement. This course approaches each different performance event as a particular formulation of relation, an invitation to engage with other bodies, ideas, and sites according to a bespoke logic and aesthetic. Throughout the semester, we hone skills in recognizing and articulating the structures of relation that underpin a range of performance practices—from historical productions to local performances to in-class experiments. We work to contextualize performance practice within its various social, historical, and environmental relationships, while examining the vectors of access, power, and intimacy that structure performance’s relationality.

Students can expect to work across theory and practice to: i) explore relevant Performance Studies discourses, ii) experiment with performative writing and auto-ethnographic writing and devising strategies, iii) practice articulating the effects and affects of performance events, and iv) share writing and feedback with peers.

With its “W” designation, this course positions writing as a powerful tool in both its critical and creative capacities. A combination of low stakes writing assignments and larger projects will guide students in the development of key writing and research skills, including active reading strategies, performance analysis, project description, performative writing, peer review, and revision techniques.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • To become familiar with current and relevant writing within and about performance
  • To learn how to identify of key concepts, assertions, and interventions in creative and critical work
  • To practice transposing the central ideas and energies of performance into writing
  • To observe and articulate links between formal theatrical choices, material conditions, and meaning-making
  • To understand performance as culturally, temporally, and spatially specific
  • To develop and articulate critical/creative research questions and project proposals
  • To make use of the SFU Library resources specific to a given topic
  • To practice peer-feedback and revision skills

Grading

  • Participation: attendance and engagement 20%
  • Low stakes writing and learning tasks 20%
  • Performance response paper & research context (source summaries) *Includes revision process 20%
  • Final project—3 options: 1. Research Paper 2. Grant Application 3. Performance/Performative text with accompanying Analysis Paper 30%
  • Presentation / sharing of research 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • All course readings will be provided as PDFs via the course Canvas site.
  • Students will be required to purchase a ticket to one local performance during the semester: TBD.
  • All written assignments will be submitted as Word Documents via the course Canvas site. SFU students can download Microsoft 365 at https://www.sfu.ca/information-systems/services/software/microsoft-365.html.

 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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