Why do we write performance history? How do we document, interpret, and tell histories about performance? What is the relationship between history and theory? How can performance act as a method of historical inquiry? Approached from an interdisciplinary perspective, Performance Historiography will engage with these questions, among others, in our study of the methods and craft of historical research and writing, philosophies of historiography and history, and disciplinary development of theatre and performance history and historiography. Since theatre and performance scholarship draws on a range of fields, we will examine trends in sociology, anthropology, and political science, in addition to history, that influence the conceptualization, research, interpretation, and writing of theatre, performance, and cultural history. Students will analyze major historiographical trends, reflect on their own approaches as scholars, and practice applying different historiographical methods to their own research.
Fall 2024 (2251)
THEA 2216-30981
Number of Credits
3