Course Syllabus

M114 Variable Topics

INVESTIGATING NORMAL:

PERFORMANCE AND DISABILITY STUDIES

Course Information

4.0 units

Mondays, 9:00-11:50 am

Bunche 3211

Instructor Information

Examines how activists and artists have interrogated questions of “normalcy.” We will read deeply in the history of disability rights, as well as theories of personhood, identity, and representation. In so doing, we ask how are “deviant” corporealities portrayed in film, television, theater, media and art?  And how does representation change culture? 

https://registrar.ucla.edu/academics/course-descriptions

Prerequisites

none

Course Materials

Required Textbook

Texts should be read in conjunction with subjects noted on course syllabus and covered in class. All readings for class should be accessed via links BruinLearn/Canvas.

Technical Requirements

Browsers

You will need to use a browser as your primary method of accessing this course. The Canvas mobile apps should only be used as a supplement. To learn about browser compatibility with Canvas, visit the Supported Browsers page.

Learning Outcomes

Course Outcomes

1. Grasp concepts and issues around the use and appearance of the disabled body and mind in performance.
2. To identify a framework and language for how disability fits into the discourse of performance culture/s within a social justice lens.
3. Achieve broadened literacy by studying and analyzing texts spanning genres of performance art, drama, and film, and considering how these texts shape, reflect, and/or critique disability culture.
4. explore the ethical implications of the ways dramatic, artistic and cinematic texts have historically represented persons with disabilities; and
5. recognize the power of texts to develop and/or critique cultural beliefs about disability in ways that provoke questions and create the potential for progressive change.

Course Policies

Grade Calculation

Preparedness, Attendance and Participation - 20%

Class Reading: Forum entries - 30%

(note: you will be graded on 1-3 points each week)

WikipediaAssignment  - 50%

Evaluate/Talk 5%                                                                         

Bibliography  5%                                                                         

Sandbox Draft  10%                                            

Peer Review  5%

Final Draft 5%

Final Paper/Presentation 20%         

extra credit:  talks, panels and other events will periodically be announced in class.  These are not mandatory to attend. But, if you do attend and would like to receive extra credit (up to 3 points; 10 cumulatively) you may write up and hand in a 300 word summary that gives an overview and explaining what you found relevant to themes discussed in class.                                      

Grade Distribution

Letter Grade Scheme

P-NP Grading

Late Submissions

Assignment due dates our firm unless you discuss an alternative date with me before the deadline. I am willing to grant reasonable extensions if you contact me before an assignment is due. Otherwise, you will lose points for the each late day.

University Policies

Academic Integrity

UCLA is a community of scholars. In this community, all members including faculty, staff and students alike are responsible for maintaining standards of academic honesty. As a student and member of the University community, you are here to get an education and are, therefore, expected to demonstrate integrity in your academic endeavors. You are evaluated on your own merits. Cheating, plagiarism, collaborative work, multiple submissions without the permission of the professor, or other kinds of academic dishonesty are considered unacceptable behavior and will result in formal disciplinary proceedings usually resulting in suspension or dismissal. See the Dean of Students website for more information.

[source: Dean of Students syllabus statement ( syllabus) ] 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

If you are already registered with the Center for Accessible Education (CAE), please request your Letter of Accommodation in the Student Portal. If you are seeking registration with the CAE, please submit your request for accommodations via the CAE website. Students with disabilities requiring academic accommodations should submit their request for accommodations as soon as possible, as it may take up to two weeks to review the request. For more information, please visit the CAE website , visit the CAE at A255 Murphy Hall, or contact us by phone at (310) 825-1501.

[source: Center for Accessible Education ( Faculty Questions) ]

Resources for Students

UCLA provides resources if you are feeling overwhelmed and need personal and/or academic assistance.

Please see the Red Folder REV2020 web for more information.

Title IX

Advocacy and Confidential Services

Please note that Title IX prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  If you have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence, you can receive confidential support and advocacy at the CARE Advocacy Office for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, 205 Covel Commons, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, care@careprogram.ucla.edu, (310) 206-246 5.  Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides confidential counseling to all students and can be reached 24/7  at (310) 825-0768.  

Reporting and Non-confidential Services

Your professor is required under the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment to inform the Title IX Coordinator should he become aware that you or any other student has experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment. In addition, You can also report sexual violence or sexual harassment directly to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, 2255 Murphy Hall, titleix@equity.ucla.edu , (310) 206-3417. Reports to law enforcement can be made to UCPD at (310) 825-1491. 

Modules

Course content is divided into modules that run from Monday at 12:01am through Sunday at 11:59pm US Pacific Time (UTC-08:00). Due dates are communicated within each Assignment tool.

Changes to the course schedule may occur and will automatically be reflected in the Course Summary section below.