COMS 301: Performance, Language, and Cultural Studies
Spring 2010

This course examines the dynamic processes by which performance and other cultural productions 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 performances and other cultural productions as agents in the ongoing processes of culture.  We will examine how these generate, reproduce, challenge and negotiate cultural meanings, identities, and differences. We'll explore:

• 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:

• Elizabeth Bell, Theories of Performance (2008). Sage Publications. ISBN: 978-1-4129-2638-6
• Online readings are listed as links on the online Course Schedule
• Additional course materials may be put on reserve in Aronstam Departmental Library [MZ 240]

REQUIREMENTS:

• Class Participation: (10%) This is an interactive, collaborative classroom. Students are expected to engage actively in class discussion, learning exercises, and group activities. There are many ways to participate including active listening, thoughtful inquiry, as well as verbal and non-verbal communication. Attendance is absolutely critical to meeting the overall requirements of the course.

Your participation grade will be assessed based on the extent and quality of your contribution to class discussions and activities. During the semester, we will engage in a variety of in-class exercises including group discussion, writing exercises, and reading responses. It is very difficult to productively participate if you are not here and if you have not completed the reading assignments.

• Reading Presentation: (20%) Students in small groups will sign up to deliver an in-class presentation based on the course content on a given day, beginning in week 3. Presentations will involve not just a summary of the assigned reading but applications and extensions of the material in the chapter. Start with the companion web site for our textbook: Theories of Performance for additional online resources for each chapter, and add your own ideas for ways to engage us in activities to bring the material to life. Also see me for additional resources related to your chapter. Hand in an outline, power point, script or detailed lesson plan on the day you present.
  

• Identities Performance: (20%) 3-5 minute performance using any medium (language, movement, visual imagery, music etc.); any mode (individual performer, communal performance; live, mediated, etc). Develop a performance that is a dynamic expression of your individual identity in relation to a social or cultural system of your choosing - in other words, your identity as a member of a community with which you identify, affiliate, or one you must endure. Post on the newsgroup your performance plan and rationale on the day you perform.

• Exam (20%) The exam will consist of short answer and essay questions that require you to synthesize material covered in class lectures and discussions, and in the required readings. Emphasis will be placed on the ability to apply theory and concepts and to use methods of analysis/interpretation learned during the semester.

• Case Study Research Project/Paper: (20%) This assignment is an individual research project that requires each student to explore in-depth a particular case through ethnographic research methods, semiotic and performance analysis. During the project, students will examine and engage with a specific site, performance, event, community, or “text” in the Los Angeles area.

Using theories, concepts, and methods presented in course readings and class discussions, as well as outside research on the particular case, students are expected to write an eight (8) page, double-spaced paper plus bibliography as a culmination of their research.

Earlier in the semester, you will turn in a one-page prospectus identifying the following:

1. Focus of the research: what is the specific site, text, performance, or event?
2. Relevance and importance of this site or text: why choose this site/event?
3. Method of approach: how will you explore the site?
4. Preliminary bibliography: at least 3 sources at this point
   

• Performing Ethnography: Integrated Group Presentation:(10%)

Students will be placed into groups based on common themes, issues, or sites examined in the individual case research projects. Groups will develop a presentation/performance that integrates individual case studies into a cohesive whole. NOTE: This is not intended to be a string of individual presentations. Rather, participants are expected to find common threads, overarching themes, and/or points of difference that will contribute to the continuation of learning in the class. Evaluation of the Group Presentation includes peer assessment of individual students’ contributions to the group along with an assessment of the panel presentation.

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: You are expected to commit to the collaborative work of the class -- come ready to discuss the readings, to listen attentively to your colleagues, to respect others’ POV -- 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 10%.

Readings are Due on the Days Listed: Unannounced quizzes or 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 posting your assignments and sharing ideas and resources. All papers will be posted to the specified section of the newsgroup, and you are encouraged to read and respond to 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.

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 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 an offense with serious consequences, covered by Title 5 of the California Administrative Code. Information and guidance to avoid dishonesty is 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 the university's policy on violations. 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., always 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.