Syllabus is done

Well it has been ten long years since I last offered the Performance Art class. I have been thinking about ripping the class apart and rebuilding it on the project-based framework for some time. Tim Miller’s return to campus last year was just the kick I needed to pull the trigger. Given the nature of the material, approaching it the way Bob and I approached the Generative Art class makes a great deal of sense. My only concern is that this material can get, well can get a bit weird. In the past my goal with the class was to discover the student’s boundaries – at what point will they no longer accept something as a work of art. For some that is a fairly accessible line, for others, a bit more complex. Ultimately a discussion of Chris Burden or Orlan was usually enough to send most students round the bend. But with the project approach, as opposed to the seminar approach, I am a but squeamish about pushing on this line. Not that finding it is a bad thing, but if I am holding up these artists and their works as inspiration for the projects I am concerned with how far some students will take these ideas. The typical instructions of: No open flames, no endangering students, no destruction of UNCSA property my not be enough to ward off – well – damn near anything. So, I have constructed the class in the typical project way – readings lead to projects lead to discussion lead to more readings and projects, but taken what I foresee as the most complex section on body and narrative and created an in-class project – mainly so I can keep an eye on everything. The students will still have the same level of flexibility and individual input, but at least with this project, they will also be surrounded by other students. Can’t wait to see how it plays out.