COMS 301: Performance, Language, and Cultural Studies

Spring 2008

This course examines the dynamic processes by which cultural productions - texts, performances and other representational systems - influence how we see and understand our world and our place within it. We begin from the assumption that "culture" is an ongoing system of meanings, communication practices, and institutions in which language and performance play unique and essential roles. Indeed, culture is a process accomplished in communication.

In this course, we will develop a critical method for analyzing texts, performances and other cultural productions as agents in the ongoing processes of culture.  We will examine how language, performance and other cultural productions generate, reproduce, challenge and negotiate cultural meanings, identities, and differences. We'll explore:

• the various ways that verbal and visual languages encode values, beliefs, and ideologies both explicitly and implicitly 
• how texts and performances both spring from and contribute to the ongoing social system within which they arise
• how these processes drive the cultural system and thus help construct our personal, social, and cultural realities
• how performances by individuals and communities embody and enact particular identities, which can reinforce or challenge prevailing norms for human conduct - indeed, human possibilities
• how diverse individuals and communities choose to present and represent themselves, and how we are represented by others 
• how we use performance to negotiate our social identities as individuals and communities
• ultimately how we embody, infuse, and potentially transform our culture through discourse and performance.

Throughout the semester we will apply theories and methods of analysis learned in the class to examples, case studies and experiences in our daily lives.

TEXTS:

• Richard Schechner, Performance Studies: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Routledge, 2006.
• C. Logan, COMS 301 READER. Available ONLY at Northridge Stationery and Copy Center, 9130 B Reseda Blvd, 775-0255.
• Online readings are listed as links on the online Course Schedule

REQUIREMENTS:

click on the links below for specific assignment guidelines

GRADING:

Read this document for my grading rubric: What Grades Mean. I will post assignment grades on our WebCT course page so you can keep track of your progress in the course. Only number grades for exams & assignments are recorded. These add up to a percentage. Standard curve for the final course grade (plus/minus) is:

COURSE POLICIES:

Contribution to Class (15%): This is an interactive, collaborative classroom. You are graded on the extent and quality of your contribution to class discussions and activities. You are expected to come on time and prepared to engage productively -- to discuss the readings, listen attentively to your colleagues, to respect others’ POV -- in short, to contribute in a constructive way to the ongoing work of the class. Preparation and citizenship, put simply. Excessive (2 or more) absences or consistent tardiness or leaving class early will negatively affect your final grade, even beyond this 15%.

Readings are Due on the Days Listed: I expect you to have completed and understood the reading, and to come prepared for discussion. Students who try to participate in discussion without having completed the readings tend to degrade the intellectual experience for others in the class. In-class Free writes will be based on the reading as well. You must be in class to complete these assignments; you must demonstrate that you’ve done the reading to get credit. Your percentage of credited free writes figures in to your Contribution grade.

We will use WebCT for our COMS 301 newsgroup, for sharing ideas and resources, and for posting your assignments. All papers will be posted to the specified section of the newsgroup, and you are encouraged to read your colleagues' papers. I may post discussion questions periodically, or give them to you in class. I encourage you to initiate your own threads as you respond to class readings and discussions, or postings by your class colleagues. Chat rooms are also available for your use on the WebCT site. To log in to WebCT, use your campus user ID and password (the one you use for SOLAR). Consult the WebCT Posting instructions if you need them. The newsgroup will figure into your class contribution grade.

Due Dates are firm. Papers and presentations are due as listed on the course schedule. There are no makeups of missed presentations or in-class assignments. Papers and other graded work will be reduced one full grade point for each day - not class day, any day - late. Exceptions will be granted in only the most unanticipated or extreme situations (e.g., medical emergency). I will ask for documentation - please don’t take it personally.

Writing: Mechanical & Stylistic Competence: Students are responsible for proper spelling, grammar, usage and syntax in all written assignments. If you need help in these areas, I urge you to use the services of the Writing Lab of the Learning Resource Center located in the Student Services Building, room 408. Workshops and individual tutoring are available free to all CSUN students. All written assignments except for in-class Free Writes will be graded on mechanics.

All papers and presentations should be typed and in appropriate format [double-spaced, with headers, numbered pages and standard fonts & margins]. Use full & correct citations: Consult UC Berkeley's Resource Page for Citing Resources [Print & Electronic] for what's required in a citation. Web pages generally have authors, titles, dates, etc. All the proper information may not be there but you must cite the information that is available rather than just the URL. For this class, use Modern Languages Association [MLA] style manual format - print out this MLA template for citing various kinds of sources.

Academic honesty is expected and required. Academic dishonesty defrauds all those who depend on the integrity of University courses and is a serious offense covered by Section 41301, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code. This section of the Code is covered in the campus Student Conduct Code - also published in the University Catalog, Schedule of Classes, and the Student Handbook.

Any form of cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. Click here for definitions & examples of what your responsibilities are. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing in any form, I will assign you a grade of "F" for the course and will pursue university disciplinary action to the fullest extent. If you are uncertain about the ethical responsibilities of particular assignments, citations, research processes, etc., consult the professor before submitting the assignment.

Always Ask for help when you need it. I am happy to meet with you during office hours or by appointment. Don't hesitate to ask for additional help. And don't wait until you're behind - ask for help as soon as you need it.

301 Home	Course Syllabus	Assignment Guidelines	email Dr. Logan	WebCT Guides
T/TH Day Schedule	T/TH Day Newsgroup	CHOOSE <==========>	Wed 7:00 Schedule	Wed 7:00 Newsgroup

Last Update: January 20, 2008
christie.logan@csun.edu