Trevor Martin

This studio seminar examines an evolving discourse around socially engaged artworks as they intersect with live performance. With particular emphasis on Chicago and its extended community of social practitioners?both artists and activists?and informed by the legacy of Chicago's own Jane Addams and John Dewey, this course investigates the social and communal realms of performance through the works of both local and international artists. Through the class, students will become familiar with the fields of performance and social practice and gain skills for engaging communities in their own practice.

This course considers a variety of sources including the writings and scholarshop of Erving Goffman, Arnold Van Gennep, John Dewey, Shannon Jackson, Tom Finkelpearl, Mary Jane Jacob, and Grant Kester as well as the creative practices of Tania Bruguera, Michael Rakowitz, Suzanne Lacy, Rhodessa Jones, Augusto Boal, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Emmanuel Pratt, Theaster Gates, Rick Lowe, and others.

Course work includes the creation of two individual performance projects, a mid-term research presentation with written critical response, readings and screenings with attendant discussion and written reflections.