Performance and performativity between past and present

Performance and performativity present a rich framework for studying ancient civilizations and the ways we engage with them today. First, artistic performances can provide crucial insights into the cultural, social, and political life of a civilization. Second, studying everyday practices, from religious rituals to sports events, presents a comprehensive analytical framework that helps us understand how social and political structures are reproduced, and how power relations and the politics of belonging are negotiated. Third, performances play a vital role in the transfer of knowledge about ancient civilizations, shaping our imaginations about them. Finally, the concept of performativity can challenge some of our common assumptions regarding historiography and provide a critical perspective on methodology.

This course combines discussions on archives and performance with applied performance development. We will study some of the key theoretical debates on performance and performativity. The students will create independent applied projects that reflect our discussions and can communicate their insights to diverse audiences. They will present their projects in a class symposium and will have an oral exam based on their projects.

The students will develop a critical understanding of the concepts of "performance" and "performativity" as well as the complex intellectual and political implications of these terms. They will gain knowledge about the fundamental debates in performance studies, with a specific focus on their implications for the study of ancient civilizations. They will develop analytic strategies of articulating conceptual approaches to given sets of problems.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: The students will gain familiarity with the theoretical and methodological approaches in performance studies through applied learning. They will further their critical thinking and argumentation skills with the aid of in-class exercises and workshops as well as independent projects. They will gain the ability to understand and analyse the scientific literature covered in the syllabus and apply it in their class projects as well as in other courses and in professional life.

Making judgments: The course is designed to advance students' critical and analytical thinking skills in and beyond the context of the contents of the course. Students will learn how to analyse arguments and develop the ability to formulate strong arguments and communicate them in different ways. As they develop a critical approach to methodology, they will gain critical insights into scientific knowledge production and develop strategies for intervention.

Communication skills: Students will gain the ability to develop strong arguments and communicate their ideas in English, using diverse media and genres.

Learning skills: Students will learn how to find, consult, and contextualize resources independently. They will develop a critical perspective on both primary and secondary sources and gain critical insights into the ways we conceptualize and engage with ancient civilizations. They will learn how they can develop applied performance projects that can communicate their ideas to diverse audiences.