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DANCE 150 Sample Syllabus

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DANCE 150 Sample Syllabus Queens College Department of Drama Theatre and Dance DANCE 150: Introduction to Dance Monday/Wednesday 1:40pm – 2:55pm, Fall 2011 Professor: Edisa Weeks Email: [email protected], Tel: 718-997-3068 Office Hours: Monday 3pm – 5pm, Rathaus Hall Room 108, or by appointment COURSE DESCRIPTION This course serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of modern dance technique, improvisation, and composition. It is designed for students with little or no previous experience in modern dance who wish to develop an understanding of modern dance techniques, individual movement styles, and dance as a creative art form and aesthetic practice. The essential principles and evolution of twentieth century modern and post-modern dance will be studied through various movement techniques, creative problem solving, readings, and viewing of live and video taped dance performances. TEACHING/LEARNING STRATEGIES The course utilizes studio classes that incorporate structured exercises, combinations of movement, improvisation, composition and discussion to explore the functional, expressive and creative possibilities of moving. We will use lectures, class discussions, group demonstration, feedback models, video observations, movement experiences, written exercises, and reflective activities to synthesize material. This course is reliant upon an atmosphere of trust wherein personal risk and differences, including differences of opinion, may reside with mutual respect. COURSE OBJECTIVES Each student will: • Demonstrate their understanding of dance through the practice of various movement techniques, improvisations, and compositions. • Recognize their own unique movement potential. • Demonstrate an ability to create their own dances. • Be knowledgeable about major figures in twentieth century modern dance, their styles, and philosophical beliefs. • Have an increased ability to communicate, in choreography, writing and speaking, about the meaning of dance. REQUIREMENTS Live Performance: You are required to attend the following two events: 1. Water Stains on the Wall Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan Thursday October 20, 2011 at 7:30pm – Tickets $20 Performances from Wed. Oct. 19 – Sat. Oct. 22, 2011 Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) www.BAM.org 2. Faculty Dance Concert December 1 – 4, 2011 – Tickets $12 with QCID Featuring choreography by Asli Bulbul, Marshal Davis, Kristin Jackson, Carolyn Webb Goldstein Theater, Queens College DANCE 150: INTRODUCTION TO DANCE REQUIREMENTS - continued Video Viewing: Videos are available on Youtube, on the website Alexander Street Press and at the Queens College Rosenthal Library Reserves. Videos on reserve cannot leave Rosenthal Library, so set aside time to watch videos at the Library. Library hours are Mon.-Thu. 9am-10pm, Fri. 9am-5pm. Sat. and Sun. 11am- 5pm. Take notes while viewing video to use in written assignments. Reading: The textbook is available for purchase at the Queens College Book Store. Vision of Modern Dance: In the Words of its Creators. (paperback) by Jean Morrison, Naomi Midlin, Charles Woodford, ed., Highstown, NJ: Princeton Book Co., 1998. Course Reader: All course readings are available on Blackboard and on reserve at Rosenthal Library. Writing: During the course of the semester you will write an introduction letter, two short essays (1 - 3 pages), One review paper (3 – 4 pages), a creative response, and a final project which will be either a 5 – 6 page review paper or a creative response with an analysis paper. Choreography: Composition assignments will be given approximately every 2-3 weeks. During the course you will create a solo, duet, trio along with group choreographic forms. Attendance and Participation Attendance in all classes is mandatory. Students must be ready to begin class at 10:50am. If physically unable to participate in class, students must attend and submit a brief written critique of class. Two late arrivals – five minutes – will be considered an absence. If you arrive ten minutes late you will not allowed to take the class and marked absent. Each student is allowed two unavoidable absences without their grade being affected. Three or more absences will lower your grade. It is the studentʼs responsibility to inform the professor in advance if they know they are going to be absent. Prompt arrival, participation in every single class, and performing in the End of Semester Showing are essential requirements of the course. End of Semester Showing: There will be an informal showing of dances created throughout the course on Wednesday December 14, 2011 from 1:40 – 2:55 Materials • Dance or exercise clothing, that allow for movement. (NO JEANS) • Access to a computer, the internet and Queens College Blackboard. Please notify the Professor immediately in the event of any injury or change in health status that occurs before, during, or after class. Safety is an integral part of the learning experience in this course. Please be aware that the Professor uses touch as a teaching tool. You will also have physical contact with your classmates throughout the semester. If for any reason either of these situations is uncomfortable for you, please speak with the Professor. 2 DANCE 150: Introduction to Dance - Fall 2011 Professor: Edisa Weeks Tel: 718-997-3068 Email: [email protected] WEEK ONE – Introduction to Modern Dance Class – Review syllabus and do introductions. Warm-up exercises that begin introducing core movement concepts regarding modern dance. Short in class composition assignment based on your name. Write – Introduction Letter: write a 1 – 2 page letter describing your current interests and pursuits in regards to movement and dance. At the bottom of the letter spontaneously define “modern dance” for yourself. WEEK TWO – Introduction to Modern Dance Class – Discuss reading and video viewing. Continue being introduced to core movement ideas regarding modern dance. Discuss and explore symmetry, asymmetry and planes Read – 1. Vissicaro, Pegge. Studying Dance Cultures Around The World. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt. 2004 pp. 59 - 63 “The Dynamic Individual”. 2. Huxley, Michael and Noel Wits Ed., The Twentieth Century Performance Reader, Routledge, 1966. pp 255 – 263 "Characteristics of the Modern Dance," by John Martin. Watch – Watch the following video online. Take notes and be prepared to discuss it in class. Dancing: The Individual and Tradition. Dir. Muffie Meyer, Prod. U.K.: British Broadcasting Corporation, 1993. 59 min. WEEK THREE – Composition Class – First Composition Assignment: Shape Study - Design 3 symmetrical shapes and 3 asymmetrical shapes (high, middle, low planes) and link them together through movement. You can present them in any order, but be prepared to show the study more than once, so that you have taken the time to "set" the shapes and transitions. The total composition should be one minute or less. Share and discuss composition studies in class. WEEK FOUR – Composition Class – Second Composition Assignment: Affinity Study - With a partner(s) take your symmetrical/asymmetrical shape study and combine it with your partner(s) shape study to create a new movement study. Make choices about the following spatial and choreographic devices: a shared, direct focus, an extreme of spatial proximity, use of frontal, backwards, and diagonal facing, two clear floor spatial patterns, at least 15 seconds of unison movement. Create a title for your Affinity Study. Share and discuss composition studies in class. 3 WEEK FIVE – Forerunners of Modern Dance (1850 – 1920ʼs) Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, Ted Shawn, Loie Fuller, Mary Wigman, Michio Ito Class - Introduce the Forerunners of Modern Dance. Explore Isadora Duncan movement technique and philosophy. Discuss reading and video viewing. Read – 1. Brown, Jean Morrison, Naomi Midlin, Charles Woodford, ed., Vision of Modern Dance: In the Words of its Creators. Highstown, NJ: Princeton Book Co., 1998. pp. 3-42 “Part 1: The Forerunners - Isadora Duncan, Lois Fuller, Ruth St. Denis, Ted Shawn, Mary Wigman” 2. Foster, Susan Leigh, ed., Worlding Dance. Hampshire, England: Macmillan, 2009. pp.144 - 162 “Artistic Utopias: Michio Ito and the Trope of the International” by Yutian Wong. Watch – Watch the following videos online. Take notes and be prepared to discuss them in class. Ruth St Denis in the 'East Indian Nautch Dance' (1932) 1:10min. Danse Serpentine - Loie Fuller 1 min. (no sound) Kinetic Molpai (1935) by Ted Shawn.mkv 2.12 min. Mary Wigmanʼs Witch Dance 2:08 min. WEEK SIX – Forerunners + Pioneers of Modern Dance Class – Introduction to Martha Graham technique and philosophy. Write – Point of View Essay - Based on what you have read and observed about the forerunners of modern dance, choose one of the artists discussed whose philosophy appeals to you. In a one to three page, double spaced essay, briefly articulate the point-of-view of the artist. What inspired the artist to dance and choreograph? What did the artist seek to achieve through dance? I am interested in knowing what you found compelling or problematic about the artist. Allow your own artistic belief and point of view to emerge in your discussion of the artist. WEEK SEVEN - Pioneers (1930ʼs – 1950ʼs) Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Hanya Holm, Charles Weidman Class – Introduction to Doris Humphrey/Jose Limon technique and philosophy. Discuss reading and video viewing in class. Read – Brown, Jean Morrison, ed., et al., Vision of Modern Dance: In the Words of its Creators. pp. 43 – 84 “The Four Pioneers.” Watch – Watch the following videos online. Take notes and be
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