Performing Arts: Understanding Advocacy

Fall 2010

UNST 421-591, CRN 15175

M/W 12:45-2:35

NH 237

Instructor:

Suzanne Savaria

Portland State University –Department of Music

Email:

Office Hours: By Appointment

Course Description

Speaking about and advocating for the performing arts is possible for everyone. This course will give you a general working knowledge of the history of classical music, drama and dance. In addition, we will look at the role of arts education and the responsibility of advocating for the arts. You will look into the business of putting on a performance and sustaining artistic organizations. Through interviews, reflection and research, you will create a final project which will be presented to an audience with the goal of promoting an upcoming performance and creating a deeper appreciation of the arts as a vital component of our society.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify and speak about the various arts forms and local performing arts groups with confidence. (communication, diversity)
  • Examine & analyze the role of arts education and accessibility on both a personal level and a broader societal level. (critical thinking)
  • Create personal and compelling ‘calls to action’ as to the import of the performing arts in education and in society. (social and ethical responsibility)
  • Enhance you appreciation for human diversity through group work in the classroom and an exploration of diverse views on the performing arts. (diversity)

(Note: UNST goals associated with a given course goal are given in italics after each course goal.)

Course Activities

  • Interview a program director of a community partner about an upcoming performance.
  • Attend a RACC sponsored event and write a corresponding review.
  • It is not uncommon for classes in the Department of Fines Arts to request students to attend events outside of the classroom. In this Capstone, you will be required to attend a RACC event during the term of this class. I will work with you to provide information about student ticket pricing and free events.
  • Prepare class presentations within established groups culminating in the final project presentation.
  • Participate in a classroom discussions and activities relevant to the course goals.
  • This includes hosting visiting community leaders and preparing for their visit with required reading and interview questions
  • Write weekly reflection papers and complete assigned readings.
  • Research and prepare a motivational presentation and discuss advocacy. This will be a group project.

Community Partners

The Performing Arts community in Portland is rich and diverse. While we will be looking at many of the performing arts groups in the Portland area, for the Fall 2010 term, we will also be working with the following partners:

Advocacy Groups:

Work for Art

Contact: Kathryn Jackson

RBI: Right Brain Initiative

Contact: Rebecca Burrell & Tim DuRoche

Creative Advocacy Network

Contact: Jessica Jarrett

Performing Artist Organizations:

Classical Revolution

Portland Ballet

Portland Opera

Portland Center Stage

Weekly Journals /Reflective Writing

The purpose of reflective writing assignments is to record observations, insights, and questions that occur as part of your Capstone experience. Each assignment should be typed, single-spaced, at least one full page in length, and must be submitted in class on the date due. Reflective writing papers will be graded with a pass/no pass grade. No late papers will be accepted after assignments have been returned. Reflective writing assignments will be read and returned the following week. Writing prompts will be posted every Wednesday with the paper due the following Monday.

Group Presentations:

Throughout the term a portion of class time will be spent creating, participating in and listening to small-group presentations. Presentations will be a reflection of the activities and topics covered in class. Group presentations will provide an opportunity to practice working as a group as well as prepare you for the final project. Groups will be responsible for the following:

  • Identifying and discussing local Performing Arts Organizations
  • Providing historical background & analyzing a local performance in music, dance or theater as if preparing a “pre-concert talk”.
  • Discussing the components of Running and Maintaining an Arts Organization
  • Examining the local, state and national advocacy groups.
  • Presenting opportunities to volunteer in the performing arts community.
  • Creating compelling calls to action to advocate.

Class time will be provided to work on the presentations. However, you will need to maintain phone, email and infrequent in-person contact with your group members and our partners throughout the term to ensure a successful proposal.

Grading will be based on:

  • Strong Intro with attention getting device 20%
  • Statement of Purpose10%
  • Main Portion: well-organized, central theme, good examples30%
  • Use of visual or audio aids10%
  • Clear transitions10%
  • Conclusion20%

Final Project:

Small groups will create a persuasive presentation for an audience outside the class. Components of the final project include: A call to action to advocate, personal testimonials and creative presentations on why the arts matter. Audience members and the presentation time will be confirmed during the course. Grading will be based on the same rubric as group presentations.

Grading

Grades will be based on participation in the class as measured by:

Attendance at class sessions(25%)

Participation in class activities/group presentations(30%)

Reflective Writing Papers(25%)

Final Presentation (group)(20%)

The standard 90/80/70/60 grading scale will be used. There will be no final exam for this course.

Materials

The following reader is required reading for this course. It is available at Clean Copy on SW Broadway across from Cramer Hall. Articles or web links for additional reading will be distributed in class for discussion the following week.

Students with Disabilities

Please see me if you have a disability that may require some modification to the course. I will work with you and the Disability Resource Center to arrange needed supports.

Code of Conduct: It is strongly encouraged that you read the Student Conduct Code (see It details your rights and responsibilities as a student and as a member of the Portland State Community