Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/richard-schechners-introduction-to-performance-studies
Performance is a fundamental aspect of human life, spanning from theatrical productions to daily social interactions, rituals, and digital expressions. Richard Schechner’s ‘Introduction to Performance Studies’ on Coursera offers a comprehensive and engaging journey into this expansive field. Devised by one of the pioneers of performance studies, the course invites learners to explore what performance truly is, its functions across cultures and history, and how it shapes our understanding of identity, society, and politics.
The course covers an impressive range of topics, including the origins of performance in Paleolithic cave art, rituals like the Ramlila of Ramnagar in India, and contemporary digital performances on social media. It discusses vital concepts such as performativity, social roles, and intercultural exchanges, providing tools to analyze performances in diverse contexts.
What makes this course particularly valuable is its interdisciplinary approach. It combines theory with practical insights, encouraging students to observe and analyze performances in everyday life, art, and media. The inclusion of case studies like paleolithic cave paintings and modern social media personas enriches understanding and demonstrates performance’s pervasive nature.
Moreover, Schechner’s dialogue with scholars and artists offers a nuanced perspective that bridges academic inquiry with artistic practice. The course’s flexible online format makes it accessible to a global audience eager to deepen their understanding of human actions and cultural expressions.
I highly recommend ‘Introduction to Performance Studies’ for students, artists, educators, and anyone interested in the social fabric of human life. It nurtures critical thinking and provides a fresh lens to view the performances shaping our world today.
Whether you’re a performer, a cultural enthusiast, or simply curious about how human actions constitute meaning and identity, this course will expand your horizons and inspire new ways of observing the world around you.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/richard-schechners-introduction-to-performance-studies