Performance Theory and Philosophical Aesthetics II
Brief course description
The course illuminates a selection of topics and problems within performing practices and contemporary philosophical thinking. The course will use a critical perspective to focus on relevant concepts and analytical approaches to art based on the Western heritage of the humanities (including aesthetics and cultural studies) and social science. Particular attention will be paid to approaches such as intersectionality, critical race theory, postcolonial studies, queer theory and other relevant perspectives that reflect the students’ specific interests.
The course provides an introduction to various approaches to writing, including academic essays, logging and fieldwork notes, project descriptions and reports, and blurbs (i.e. short texts that are used to market projects).
Semester 3 (year 2) focuses on
- contemporary discussions within the arts and culture
By providing insight into current debates within the arts and culture, the course will illuminate critical problems that are a large part of the contemporary discourse in the field.
The course’s learning outcomes
The course’s learning outcomes are described as follows:
Knowledge
Upon completing the course, students shall
- have knowledge of contemporary debates in the arts and culture
Skills
Upon completing the course, students shall
- be able to argue for various positions within the contemporary field of the performing arts, and relate critically to various sources of information
General competence
Upon completing the course, students shall
- be able to contextualise, situate and discuss others’ performances and their own artistic work in the light of current discourses.
Teaching and learning methods
The course’s working methods will consist of teacher-led instruction, supervision and independent work/independent study. Teacher-led instruction will primarily take place as lectures, seminars and performance analysis.
The students are expected to read a selection of articles and books in preparation for seminars and lectures and for their work on the written assignments. During the course, the students will submit an essay on a selfchosen topic and literature approved by the teacher. Students will receive guidance on how to work on literature and writing assignments.
The teaching is adapted to the group’s composition and other salient factors. Dialogue and discussion of key problems related to important topics and professions will be central.
The course requirements are
- mandatory attendance and active participation in the course
- completed reading
- submission of written assignments
Assessment
All course requirements must be approved in order for a student to receive a final course assessment. Written assignments will be assessed by the teacher on the basis of the course’s learning outcomes.
The course is graded pass/fail.