The course aims to provide students with tools for observation and critical analysis of the broad field of contemporary cultural and artistic performance, encompassing both live and mediated forms of spectacle. This context can be examined through the lens of societal evolution, allowing for an understanding of how communication transforms through spectacular practices — ranging from ritual to theatre and extending to the complex and hybrid forms of the contemporary stage.

The course is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand transformations in live communication in light of performance theory; advanced theoretical tools to observe the structural homology between forms of performance and socio-communicative structures; the terminology of media languages for the analysis of contemporary performance; the ability to analyze a live performance event, both in written and/or oral form, identifying its dramaturgical elements, media languages, and the formats of contemporary live performance.

The course is structured in two parts. The first part is dedicated to introducing the core concepts of the course — as presented in the reference text and assigned materials — starting with an overview of performance theory and its main characteristics. This includes the analysis of the structural homology between forms of performance, social structures, and communication, in order to observe the ideal-typical forms of ritual and theatre from the perspective of their predominant functions: efficacy and entertainment. Special attention will also be given to the fundamental relationship between orality and writing.

The course will then introduce the social system of art and the relationship between art and technology, to investigate the transformations in 20th-century art and the evolution of performing arts into hybrid forms such as multimedia and intermedial arts, postdramatic theatre, and digital liveness.

The second part of the course will focus on the project Scuola di Platea all’Università, developed in collaboration with AMAT – Associazione Marchigiana per le Attività Teatrali. Students will have the opportunity to actively participate in the project through the following phases: an in-class presentation by AMAT director Gilberto Santini, introducing two performances scheduled at the Teatro Sanzio in Urbino attendance at both performances; an in-class discussion with the artists; group work in class based on the analysis of the performances; final presentation, which will be assessed as part of the course evaluation.

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1. Knowledge and Understanding: Knowledge and understanding of performance theory; Knowledge and understanding of the theoretical frameworks used to analyze media languages and dramaturgical processes as forms of communication; Knowledge and understanding of empirical research methods applicable to the study of contemporary live and mediated performance. 1.1. Students acquire this foundational knowledge through participation in lectures and seminars, the study of assigned texts, and in-class exercises.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Ability to analyze live and media-based performance products; Ability to apply media theory concepts to performance events; Ability to understand methodological differences in relation to research objects; Ability to make empirical generalizations and to use theoretical concepts in interpreting results and analyzing performance works. 2.1. These skills are acquired through hands-on classroom exercises and the study of assigned materials.

3. Making Judgements: Critical and analytical ability to identify differences across various performance and spectacular contexts in terms of liveness; Ability to identify researchable objects within the field of contemporary performance and spectacle; Ability to select appropriate research methodologies for different contexts; Ability to formulate adequate research questions and working hypotheses; Ability to interpret the dramaturgical dimensions of performance events in the context of mediatized liveness. 3.1. These judgement skills are to be applied through classroom discussion with the instructor and peers, during practical activities, and in preparation for the final exam through the study of course materials.

4. Communication Skills: Ability to present analyses produced during in-class exercises; Willingness to engage actively in class through questions and comments; Ability to write a review of a performance event; Ability to analyze a performance event and deliver an in-class presentation; Ability to work collaboratively in groups; Ability to produce and share in-depth materials on course topics. 4.1. These communication skills are developed through classroom discussions, group work, and participation in the course’s social media channels.

5. Learning Skills: Ability to apply and correctly use theoretical terms and concepts related to performance events and liveness; Ability to critically analyze and assess, both methodologically and in terms of outcomes, empirical research conducted in the field of performance; Ability to locate and use the necessary sources for analyzing performance events; Ability to connect and integrate learned concepts. 5.1. Skills to be strengthened through discussion with the instructor, with classmates, and/or through the study of the assigned texts and provided materials.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The course makes use of teaching materials, power point presentations and video materials, reading and study materials made available to students on the dedicated blended learning platform.
The course organises seminars and meetings with representatives of the performing arts world, experts and external experts in order to provide students with the tools to access professional and research dimensions in the field of performance and entertainment.

Teaching

Lectures and in-depth seminars with the aid of audiovisual materials. 
The course includes in-class, individual and group practice phases.

Innovative teaching methods

The course adopts teaching methods that go beyond a purely lecture-based approach, integrating active and participatory strategies to promote applied and critical learning. Specifically, the following methodologies will be used:

• Brainstorming: students are actively encouraged to share their ideas, knowledge, thoughts, and proposals, facilitating the learning process and enhancing collaboration.

• Learning by doing: knowledge and skills are acquired through their application in classroom exercises, the presentation and discussion of work with peers, and the comparison of outcomes.

Attendance

Study of the indicated texts, participation in seminars and meetings with experts, participation in classroom exercises.

Course books

Gemini L. (2003), L'incertezza creativa. I percorsi sociali e comunicativi delle performance artistiche, FrancoAngeli, Milano.

Additional recommended materials.

Assessment

The assessment of learning will take place 1. by means of an individual oral interview based on the reference texts for the examination, aimed at assessing both the student's learning of the contents and his or her ability to rework and argue; 2. by assessing the level of participation in class in lectures, seminars, oral and written classroom exercises.

The following will result in excellent marks: the student's possession of good critical and in-depth study skills; the ability to link together the main themes addressed in the course; the use of appropriate language with respect to the specific nature of the discipline.

The following will result in fair marks: the student's possession of a mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relative critical capacity and the ability to connect the topics dealt with; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient marks will be awarded: the student's attainment of a minimal knowledge of the topics dealt with, even in the presence of some formative gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

The following will result in negative assessments: difficulties in the orientation of the student with regard to the topics dealt with in the examination texts; formative gaps; the use of inappropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

This course does not differentiate between “attending” and “non-attending” students with regard to teaching methods, attendance obligations, course books or assessment.