VISU3072: Special Subject: Performance and Topography (40 credits)

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• VISU3xxx Special Subject: Performance and Topography (20 credits)

• To explore interconnectedness amongst humans, topography (surface features of place / object) and environment
• To rethink how individual movements, mobility, or stillness reconfigure an understanding of man-land or human-nature relationship
• To explore how network of objects and people shape a broader environment beyond cultural, social and geographical boundaries
• To approach images, performances and representations with interdisciplinary skills
• To critically engage with the formation and development of cultural theories to reconfigure existing social, cultural and geographical boundaries

• The first part of the module will explore relevant key terms and concepts, which may include: performance and performativity, topography, performance and ethnography, performing race, and performance in everyday life.
• The module will also explore several case studies, which may include: the migration of embodied practices, such as practices of Ballet Russes; performances at the intersection of action painting/Happening/event in a global context; the use of scores in music and performance; and the ideas and practices of improvisation.
• Further topics covered may include: time, space, city; the street and neighbourhood; and land and mapping.
• Multimedia examples will include diaries / memoirs, scores, images, performances (including everyday life such as walking) and maps
• The syllabus will develop in line with the students interests, who will take responsibility for the course content as the module progresses toward their independent research projects

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module, students are expected to possess:
• Critical understanding of texts, images and performances
• An understanding of network of objects, people and communities in a global circulation of ideas and practices
• Knowledge and critical awareness regarding relevant cultural debates such as (post)colonialism, (trans)nationalism and performativity

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of this module, students are expected to:
• Carry out critical analysis of a variety of texts, performances and images with an ability to link them together
• Articulate knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories relating to visual and performance studies
• Have command of a broad range of vocabulary and an appropriate critical terminology
• Undertake independent research projects while proactively thinking about ways to bridge cultural and social differences

Key Skills:

• By the end of this module, students should / will / are expected to:
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Academic writing and oral presentation
• Personal organisation and time management
• Independent learning and research

• This module will be taught weekly throughout the academic year.
• Weekly seminars (2 hours) will facilitate sustained discussion of the key topics, developing students grasp of theoretical material as well as practising visual and performance analysis on a weekly basis. Seminar will be interactive; students will develop their communication skills and skills in critical reasoning. In the second term, students will take responsibility for presenting topics and leading the discussion.
• Small-group tutorials (2 x 1 hour) will allow students to explore and develop their research questions and plans, responding to questions from the group and giving and receiving peer feedback.
• The assessment (dossier in T1 and research essay in T2) will allow students to develop their skills in academic writing, as well as demonstrating other skills and knowledge that the module seeks to develop.

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