Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module VISU3111: Special Subject: Performance and Topography (20 credits)

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Visual)

VISU3111: Special Subject: Performance and Topography (20 credits)

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • VISU3xxx Special Subject: Performance and Topography (40 credits)

Aims

  • To explore interconnectedness amongst humans, topography (surface features of place / object) and environment
  • To rethink how individual movements, interactions and confluences reconfigure an understanding of human-land or human-nature relationship, as well as the consciousness of the space.
  • 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.

Content

  • 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

Learning Outcomes

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
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 will develop:
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Academic writing and oral presentation
  • Personal organisation and time management
  • Independent learning and research

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module will run in Term 1 if offered concurrently with the 40-credit version of the module, or in either Term 1 or Term 2 if the 40-credit version is not being offered in a given 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.
  • Small-group tutorials (1 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 will allow students to develop their skills in academic writing, as well as demonstrating other skills and knowledge that the module seeks to develop.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminar 10 weekly 2 hours 20
Research Essay Preparation Tutorial 1 once 1 hour 1
Student preparation and reading 179
Total SLAT hours (20 credits 200, 40 credits 400) 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Dossier Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dossier (response papers on reading materials) 1,000 words 100% No
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Research project 4,000 words 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Seminar presentations and tutorial will involve both peer- and lecturer feedback.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University