THEA 333 Performing Dissent: Theater of Activism and Civic Engagement
This course examines how theater and performance can be used to address social issues and cultivate equality and justice in communities and systems. Students will explore the notion of "applied theater," an umbrella term describing a wide range of performance-based practices that share intentionality to provoke or shape social change. Students will explore how performers have used these practices for community building, a means of justice in the wake of violence and oppression, and a catalyst for public awareness and community action. Significant focus is given to issues of class, identity, and racism.
Prerequisites: 30 credit hours of completed undergraduate work.
Prerequisites
Special information
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective August 14, 2023 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Structured and unstructured discussions that introduce students to the broad field of applied theater as it relates to social justice and community building;
- Research projects and presentations that familiarize the students with the creative work of specific practitioners and artists, including their techniques/training;
- Case studies focusing on specific community-based theatrical projects, here in the Twin Cities, in the United States, and abroad;
- Demonstration and practice of various acting techniques and processes inspired by the practitioners and artists examined throughout the semester; and
- Informal performance projects, which may include both solo and group work.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
- Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
- Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
- Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
- Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 9: Ethical and Civic Responsibility
- Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
- Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.
- Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
- Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.
- Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.