Richard Schechner's Introduction to Performance Studies from Coursera

Performance Studies: An Introduction explores the wide world of performance--from theatre, dance, and music to ritual, play, political campaigns, social media, and the performances of everyday life. Performance studies also ranges across cultures--Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas. And it spans historical periods from the art of the paleolithic caves to YouTube and the avantgarde. This course is devised by Richard Schechner, one of the pioneers of performance studies, in dialogue with more than a dozen expert scholars and artists. Performance Studies: An Introduction puts students in dialogue with the most important ideas, approaches, theories, and questions of this dynamic, new academic field.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Articulate and analyze the major concepts of performance studies

Identify and analyze performances within the “broad spectrum of performance”--from everyday life and social media to performance art and global spectacles such as the Olympics

Comprehend key terms of performance studies, including is/as performance, restored behavior, ritual, play, make-belief/make-believe, performance in everyday life, the performative, and intercultural performance

Produce collaborative work that demonstrates teamwork in applying ideas learned in the course

Compare, analyze, and interpret performances of their own and other cultures

Articulate how the major concepts of the course relate to their own experiences and worldviews

Analyze and criticize in a constructive way the work of classmates

The lessons present Schechner’s concept of performance studies along with online assignments. In the assignments, students apply what they are learning by composing short responses to materials, writing in their NYU Classes Forums, and by reviewing other students’ forum posts each week.

Students choose either to work in groups of 3 to 5 on a term-long project maintaining a project portfolio in NYU Classes or to write a research paper. During the term, each group will lead an in-class 25-minute discussion of their project-in-progress. During the last face-to-face class, each group will present their project.

The weekly content is:

What is Performance?

What is Performance Studies?

Performance Processes

From Not Performing to Performing

Ritual

Play

Performing in the Paleolithic

Ramlila of Ramnagar

The Performing Brain

Performativity

Constructing Social Roles

Social Media

Intercultural, Transcultural, Global

Group Projects & Wrap Up

Course Requirements

Each student is required to complete the week’s online lesson prior to the class session, attend and participate in the class sessions, complete the weekly assignments, participate and present the group project or submit a final paper.

Required Readings

See weekly online lessons.

Required Viewings (Videos)

See weekly online lessons.

Written work

Each student will either participate in a group project or write a research paper due at the end of the term, submitted electronically. Your professor will confer online and/or face-to-face during office hours to help students develop their writing and their projects. If you do a group project your professor may ask you to do some writing in relationship to your project.

Academic Integrity

The policy on plagiarism and academic honesty is posted on Classes. Read this document carefully, and be guided by it.

Keep in mind the material you find in the online lessons is subject to copyright. You may not reproduce, reuse, or distribute it without permission outside of your work in this course. For more information on copyright and how it applies to course materials, see the Copyright Basics research guide.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introducing the Course

“Performance Studies: An Introduction” explores the wide world of performance--from theatre, dance, and music to ritual, play, political campaigns, social media, and the performances of everyday life. Performance studies also ranges across cultures--Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas. And it spans historical periods from the art of the paleolithic caves to YouTube and the avantgarde. This course is devised by Richard Schechner, one of the pioneers of performance studies, in dialogue with more than a dozen expert scholars and artists. “Performance Studies: An Introduction” puts you--students--in dialogue with the most important ideas, approaches, theories, and questions of this dynamic, new academic field.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Instructs learners to review course content prior to class attendance, which is expected in most learning environments

Applies Performance Studies principles to real-world events, global spectacles, and everyday life, demonstrating practical applications

Students can choose to work in groups on a term-long project or write a research paper, providing flexibility in learning approach

Taught by Richard Schechner, a pioneer in Performance Studies

Builds a foundation for Performance Studies through topics such as performance processes, ritual, and play

Weekly content includes videos, readings, and short response assignments, promoting active engagement with course materials

Reviews summary

Deep dive into performance studies theory

According to learners, "Richard Schechner's Introduction to Performance Studies" offers a rigorous and intellectually stimulating exploration of a broad spectrum of performance. Students particularly value the pioneering insights from Richard Schechner himself. While it provides a strong theoretical foundation in this academic field, its significant workload with extensive readings and assignments means it's best for dedicated learners. The course fosters valuable critical thinking skills through engaging collaborative projects and forum discussions, though some found certain real-world examples to be less current.

Strongly theoretical, less focused on practical performance skills.

"If you're looking for practical performance skills or acting techniques, this is not that kind of course; it's heavily theoretical."

"I found the course to be an excellent introduction to the academic theories of performance, but not for 'how-to' stagecraft."

"It provides a robust conceptual framework for understanding performance, rather than hands-on artistic training."

Encourages interaction through forums and group projects.

"The forum discussions were lively and added much to my learning, fostering diverse perspectives and deeper engagement."

"Working on the group project allowed me to apply concepts collaboratively, which was a very beneficial part of the course."

"I appreciated the opportunity to critically engage with classmates' work and share my own insights."

Covers a wide range of performance types and cultural contexts.

"I particularly appreciated the exploration of performance beyond traditional theatre, including social media and everyday life."

"The course takes a global perspective, analyzing rituals from various cultures which was incredibly enriching and eye-opening."

"It broadened my understanding of performance, showing how it spans history, diverse cultures, and daily interactions."

Offers a rigorous academic exploration of performance studies.

"This course provides a truly deep dive into performance studies theory, challenging my preconceived notions and offering profound insights."

"I found the content to be highly rigorous and intellectually stimulating, perfect for an academic introduction to the field."

"It requires a lot of reading and critical engagement, but I gained a profound understanding of performance studies."

Benefits from the foundational insights of Richard Schechner.

"Learning from Richard Schechner, a pioneer in the field, was an unparalleled experience that truly deepened my appreciation."

"His lectures and theoretical framework are incredibly insightful and authoritative, making complex ideas accessible and engaging."

"The course provides a unique perspective directly from one of the field's founders, which is its greatest strength."

Some real-world examples feel less current in recent sections.

"While the core theories are timeless, some social media examples felt a bit dated, though the underlying concepts remained relevant."

"I noticed a few cultural or political references that might not resonate as strongly with younger audiences anymore."

"The fundamental ideas hold up well, but specific illustrations of current events might need refreshing over time."

Requires significant time commitment for readings and projects.

"Be prepared for a substantial amount of reading and writing; this is not a light course, so manage your time effectively."

"The weekly assignments and group project demand consistent effort and time management to keep up with the pace."

"While the content is fascinating, the intensity of the workload can be challenging alongside other academic or professional commitments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Richard Schechner's Introduction to Performance Studies with these activities:

Read and review "Performance Studies: An Introduction" by Richard Schechner.

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the field of performance studies.

View Performance Studies on Amazon

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Read the book.
Write a review of the book.
Share your review with others.

Follow a tutorial on how to create a performance.

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This activity will help you develop your skills in creating performances.

Browse courses on Performance Studies

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Find a tutorial on how to create a performance.
Follow the tutorial.
Create your own performance.

Volunteer at a performance venue.

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This activity will allow you to gain hands-on experience in the field of performance studies.

Browse courses on Performance Studies

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Find a performance venue.
Volunteer at the venue.
Gain hands-on experience in the field.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Practice identifying different types of performances.

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This activity will help you develop your ability to identify and analyze different types of performances.

Browse courses on Performance Studies

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Watch a variety of performances.
Identify the different types of performances.
Analyze the performances.

Create a blog post about a performance you attended.

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This activity will help you develop your analytical skills and your ability to communicate your ideas about performance.

Browse courses on Performance Studies

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Attend a performance.
Take notes during the performance.
Write a blog post about the performance.
Share your blog post with others.

Participate in a performance studies workshop.

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This activity will allow you to learn from other people in the field of performance studies.

Browse courses on Performance Studies

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Find a performance studies workshop.
Participate in the workshop.
Learn from other people in the field.

Attend a performance studies conference.

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This activity will allow you to network with other people in the field of performance studies.

Browse courses on Performance Studies

Show steps

Find a performance studies conference.
Attend the conference.
Network with other people in the field.

Create a performance piece based on your own research.

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This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge of performance studies to your own creative work.

Browse courses on Performance Studies

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Research a topic related to performance.
Develop a performance piece based on your research.
Perform your piece for an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Richard Schechner's Introduction to Performance Studies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cultural Anthropologist

Cultural Anthropologists examine the behavior, language, culture, and material remains of human beings from around the world. They study the similarities and differences among cultures to better understand the human experience. Understanding other cultures can help you understand your own culture better, and Performance Studies: An Introduction teaches about many cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Anthropologist

College Professor

College Professors teach and conduct research at higher education institutions. They specialize in a particular academic discipline, which they teach to students at the undergraduate or graduate level. Performance Studies: An Introduction would be particularly valuable to College Professors interested in teaching performance studies or related disciplines.

See salaries and explore the career path for College Professor

Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and stage exhibits, preserve artifacts, and conduct research. Performance Studies: An Introduction would be a great asset to Museum Curators interested in curating exhibits on performance art, or related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. Performance Studies: An Introduction could help Journalists write and report on performance-related topics, or help them understand the role of performance in culture and society.

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Event Planner

Event Planners plan and coordinate events, such as weddings, parties, conferences, and festivals. They work with clients to determine their needs and budget, and then book vendors, arrange for food and drinks, and coordinate logistics. Performance Studies: An Introduction would provide Event Planners with a solid foundation in understanding how to create and manage events.

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Cultural Heritage Manager

Cultural Heritage Managers oversee the preservation and interpretation of cultural resources, such as historic buildings, archaeological sites, and museum collections. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement preservation plans, and educate the public about the importance of cultural heritage. Performance Studies: An Introduction would be particularly valuable to Cultural Heritage Managers interested in managing cultural resources related to performance art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Heritage Manager

Arts Administrator

Arts Administrators manage the business operations of arts organizations, such as theaters, museums, and dance companies. They oversee budgeting, marketing, and fundraising, and work with artists to develop and produce artistic programming. Performance Studies: An Introduction would provide Arts Administrators with a comprehensive understanding of the arts industry, and help them develop the skills necessary to manage arts organizations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arts Administrator

Archivist

Archivists collect, preserve, and provide access to historical documents and artifacts. They work in a variety of settings, such as libraries, museums, and government agencies. Performance Studies: An Introduction could help Archivists understand the importance of preserving performance-related materials, and develop the skills necessary to manage and preserve these materials.

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Librarian

Librarians provide access to information and resources to the public. They work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries. Performance Studies: An Introduction could help Librarians develop a better understanding of performance-related materials, and help them provide better service to patrons interested in these materials.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to college. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and assess student learning. Performance Studies: An Introduction would be particularly valuable to Teachers interested in teaching about performance art, or related fields.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate social and economic challenges. They work with individuals, families, and communities to provide support, counseling, and resources. Performance Studies: An Introduction may be useful to Social Workers interested in using performance-based approaches to help clients.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address social and economic problems. They work with residents to develop and implement plans to improve their communities. Performance Studies: An Introduction may be useful to Community Organizers interested in using performance-based approaches to engage community members.

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Program Manager

Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services. They work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Performance Studies: An Introduction may be useful to Program Managers interested in developing and managing programs related to performance art, or related fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to clients on a variety of topics. They work in a variety of settings, such as businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Performance Studies: An Introduction may be useful to Consultants interested in providing advice and expertise on performance-related topics.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge in a particular field. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, government agencies, and private research institutions. Performance Studies: An Introduction may be useful to Researchers interested in conducting research on performance-related topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher