Performance History: The Twentieth Century ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

This course surveys the development of avant-garde performance, aesthetics, and culture from the late nineteenth century to beginning of the twenty-first century. Students will learn about seminal figures and innovative practices in modernist movements including Symbolism, Expressionism, Futurism, Constructivism, and Surrealism. We will explore the exciting world of early twentieth-century cabaret and follow its progression in major cities throughout Europe. Our investigation of postmodernist art and performance in the late twentieth-century will address the evolution of avant-garde theatre, Happenings, Fluxus, body art, and performance art. Throughout, students will consider contested definitions and theories of performance while reflecting on the social responsibility of performance history scholars. Prior to taking this course, students should have some practical and/or critical understanding of the arts.