Program Overview

---

Introduction to Performance Studies

The B.A. in Performance Studies builds on a rigorous, writing-intensive, interdisciplinary core curriculum that trains students to understand how embodied actions create social meanings. Designed to be flexible, the BA allows students to double major and/or study abroad.

Performance Studies B.A. Degree Requirements

The Bachelors of Performance Studies consists of 128 points of coursework. Students must earn a course grade of "C" or better in departmental courses (or approved substitutions) in order to receive credit toward the major.

Major (Program start Spring 2024 or prior)

• Core Curriculum (16 points)
  • Introduction to Performance Studies (PERF-UT 101)
  • Performance Theory (PERF-UT 102)
  • Performance of the City (PERF-UT 103)
  • Performance and Politics (PERF-UT 104)
• Electives (20 points) - choose 5 of the following courses
  • Performance Composition (PERF-UT 201)
  • Performative Writing Workshop (PERF-UT 204)
  • Performance Histories (PERF-UT 205)
  • The Performance of Everyday Life (PERF-UT 206)
  • Queer Performance (PERF-UT 302)
  • Theories of Movement (PERF-UT 303)
  • Performance and Technology (PERF-UT 304)
  • Topics in Performance Studies (PERF-UT 305)
  • Critical Approaches to Race and Ethnicity in Performance (PERF-UT 306)
  • Performance Studies Supervised Internship Course (1- 4 points) (PERF-UT 307)
• Capstone Project (PERF-UT 401, 4 points)
  • Students in this course will build on a research paper/project that they originated in another PS course, with the goal of extending, refining, and further developing it in order to synthesize what they have learned, as well as further hone their research, analysis, and writing skills.

Major (Program Start Fall 2024 or later)

• Core Curriculum (20 points)
  • Introduction to Performance Studies (PERF-UT 101)
  • Performance Theory (PERF-UT 102)
  • Performance of the City (PERF-UT 103)
  • Performance and Politics (PERF-UT 104)
  • Performance Composition (PERF-UT 201)
• Electives (16 points) - choose 4 of the following courses
  • Performative Writing Workshop (PERF-UT 204)
  • Performance Histories (PERF-UT 205)
  • The Performance of Everyday Life (PERF-UT 206)
  • Queer Performance (PERF-UT 302)
  • Theories of Movement (PERF-UT 303)
  • Performance and Technology (PERF-UT 304)
  • Topics in Performance Studies (PERF-UT 305)
  • Critical Approaches to Race and Ethnicity in Performance (PERF-UT 306)
  • Performance Studies Supervised Internship Course (1- 4 points) (PERF-UT 307)
• Capstone Project (PERF-UT 401, 4 points)
  • Students in this course will build on a research paper/project that they originated in another PS course, with the goal of extending, refining, and further developing it in order to synthesize what they have learned, as well as further hone their research, analysis, and writing skills.

General Education

• 44 points
• Language/Literature - 8 points
  • Writing the Essay: Art and the World (EXPO-UA 5, 4 points)
  • Writing the Essay: The World Through Art (ASPP-UT 2, 4 points)
• Foreign Language - 8 points confirmed intermediate-level proficiency
• Foundations of Contemporary Culture - 16 points
  • Texts and Ideas (CORE-UA 400, 4 points)
  • Cultures and Contexts (CORE-UA 500, 4 points)
  • Expressive Cultures (CORE-UA 700, 4 points)
  • Societies and Social Sciences (varies, 4 points)
• Foundations of Scientific Inquiry - 12 points
  • Quantitative Reasoning (CORE-UA 100, 4 points)
  • Physical Science (CORE-UA 200, 4 points)
  • Life Science (CORE-UA 300, 4 points)

Related Field Minor or Second Major

• Minimum of 16 points, var.
• Students majoring in Performance Studies must also minor in a second area of specialization – a "Related Field" minor – that would expand their interdisciplinary knowledge base from which to consider performance as a situated, context-specific practice.

Electives

• 28 points, var.
• Total combined with minor/second major = 44 units

Non-Majors Who Would Like to Minor in Performance Studies

Any students interested in pursuing the Performance Studies minor should note the requirements and application process.

Double Major Application Instructions

To double major in Performance Studies, students must apply through the designated process.

Minor Application Instructions

To minor in Performance Studies, students must apply through the designated process.

Performance Studies Students in the Classroom

Performance Studies students engage in a variety of academic and artistic pursuits, both within and outside the classroom, fostering a rich and dynamic learning environment.

Events

Performance Studies hosts various events, including lectures, performances, and workshops, which provide students with opportunities to engage with the field and its practitioners.

News

The Performance Studies department is involved in numerous projects and initiatives, including research grants, publications, and performances, showcasing the department's vibrant academic and artistic community.