SoC First Year Seminar: Interdisciplinary Topics in Communication Arts & Sciences (101-0-2)

Topic

Ephemeral Archives and Performance

Instructors

Michael Anthony Turcios

Mark H.

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L05: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Drawing on theoretical and practical modes of engaging with storytelling, this interdisciplinary course introduces students to historical and contemporary discourses on performance and memory in both theatrical and non-theatrical contexts. Students will explore questions and challenges related to historical and cultural interpretations of performance; Indigenous and Black philosophies and practices; and differing notions of "site" and corporeality.

Registration Requirements

Registration is limited to SoC First-Year students assigned to take a first-year seminar in Fall 2025. If attempting to swap a section after registration, please reach out to dear-soc@northwestern.edu for assistance.

Learning Objectives

Learning Goal: Engage critical thinking skills while exploring the breadth of School of
Communication creative and research endeavors.

Learning Outcome: Students will identify key factors relevant to the course topic,
differentiate between multiple perspectives and interpretations, and explain how at least
two School of Communication disciplines might approach a given topic.

Learning Goal: Experiment with research and communication conventions associated with
School of Communication disciplines.

Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas and/or
experiences compellingly by using appropriate research tools, soliciting feedback,
employing disciplinary conventions, and addressing audience expectations.

Learning Goal: Collaborate with peers from different SoC majors to highlight the benefits of
interdisciplinary inquiry.

Learning Outcome: Students will collaborate with peers across different majors to
successfully complete at least one group project and reflect upon the skills employed to
accomplish that task.

Class Attributes

SOC First-Year Seminar