DCE 200-02 Course Syllabus

Catalog Description:  Dance as an art form: historical and aesthetic perspectives, basic elements, and the relationship to other arts.

 

Course:  DCE 200 Dance Appreciation

Instructor: Katherine Kiefer Stark

Office:  220 G

Office hours: by appointment

Email: kkstark@uncg.edu

 

This class meets in HHP 236 Tuesdays from 7-9:45.

 

Come to Class

WITH:  The appropriate dancewear for this course.  Students will be given an opportunity to change clothes for the movement portion of the course.  During studio time, all students must dress out in clothing fit for movement.  No jeans.

WITH: you cell phone turned off.  Out of respect for the learning environment cell phones will not be tolerated. 

 

Student Learning Goals:

  1. Describe certain aims and methods of artistic and intellectual expression through dance;
  2. Interpret and Evaluate information and writing about dance in and from diverse global cultures;
  3. Discuss interconnections among historical and contemporary global dance practices in terms of cultural and aesthetic developments, values, identity, and intercultural exchange;
  4. Demonstrate sensitivity to differences among global dance forms and cultures through the creation of movement/choreography studies;
  5. Write and speak clearly and coherently about distinct global dance forms and cultures and their interconnections.

 

Teaching Strategies:

To enable student achievement of the learning goals, I will

1.      Demonstrate, explain, and lead explorations and discussions of movement exercises and combinations.

  1. Observe and assess your daily work in class and make recommendations for improvement.
  2. Provide opportunities for individual appointments in which we may discuss your learning efforts.
  3. Learning opportunities include: lectures, films, demonstrations, group discussion, feedback on writing, assigned readings and practical dance experience.

 

Evaluation Methods and Guidelines for Assignments:

To succeed in this class:

  1. Regularly check Blackboard for notes, readings, announcements and assignments. 
  2. Attend to movement material presented, as well as to explanations of its specific components.
  3. Assignments should be carefully edited and turned in on time.
  4. Ask for help if you don’t understand something or feel like you are falling behind.
  5. In essays, reading responses, in-class writing and tests, demonstrate self- reflection, critical thinking, and understanding of issues and information discussed in class.
  6. Participate thoughtfully in class discussion and participate fully in movement exercises.

 

Grading Scale

97-100 =A+

93-96 = A

90-92 = A-

87-89 = B+

83-86 = B

80-82 = B-

77-79 = C+

73-76 = C

70-72 = C-

67-69 = D+

63-66 = D

60-62 = D-

59 = F


 

 

Academic Integrity Policy:

ALL STUDENTS will abide by the UNCG Academic Integrity Policy for this class. (All out of class assignments are to be completed individually unless otherwise directed by the instructor) IF YOU HAVE NOT READ the Academic Integrity Policy it can be found online at http://studentconduct.uncg.edu/policy/academicintegrity/ . This is your responsibility and you will be held accountable for any violation of this policy.

 

Attendance:

The Dance Department REQUIRES an 80% participation rate to get credit for the course. You will be permitted TWO absences ONLY without penalty. 1/3 of a letter grade will be deducted for each absence incurred beyond these three absences. Three tardies equals one absence. A tardy constitutes being more than ten minutes late to class OR leaving early.

Sitting and watching a class does not count as participation in the studio portion of class. Non-participants will be asked to take written observations of the class. 

Upon the fourth absence, students will be dropped from the course at the discretion of the instructor.

 

Assignments: 

There are two essay assignments for the semester as well as two tests.  Throughout the semester you will post written responses to the readings on Blackboard.  In addition, you will be assigned a group with 4 to 6 students.  As a group you will rehearse and present a choreography project.   

 

Mid-term Test 15%

Final Test 15%

Movement Essay 10%

Concert Essay 15%

Online Writing Responses 20%

Group Choreography Project 15%

Participation and in-class work 10%

 

Assignment Descriptions:

 

Test 1 – 15% (150 points):  Test will cover material from the beginning of the semester to the midpoint.

 

Test 2 – 15% (150 points):  Test will cover material from the midpoint to the end of the semester. Movement

 

Movement Essay - 10% (100 points)

Due in-class February 12th, I will NOT accept emailed essays

This essay is about noticing movement in everyday life.  You will write a personal essay describing a movement experience in detail.  The experience you choose should be unique to you, but not include drug or sexual related material and should not disclose illegal activity.  This essay should be three to five pages and written in the first person “I…”

 

The most successful essays in the past have described one specific experience.  For example a student described a race in a swim meet.  From his description I could imagine diving into the water, swimming laps, pushing off the wall, my heart racing, emerging from the pool and realizing the race was won. 

 

Specific guidelines for writing the Movement Essay will be posted in “Documents” on Blackboard

 

Concert Essay – 15% (150 points)

Due in-class April 15th, I will NOT accept emailed essays

You will attend Kerrie Jean-Hudson’s MFA Thesis Concert* in the UNCG Dance Theater (Friday March 28 and Saturday March 29 at 8pm) and write a description, discussion, and interpretation of the dances in the concert and the relevant issues you perceive surrounding those works. This essay will be written in the first person “I…”  This essay should be four to five pages and incorporate written observation of the following composition ideas also discussed in class: repetition, cannon, cooperation, rhythm, and movement quality.

 

*If you cannot attend this concert you must notify me within the first TWO WEEKS of class. 

 

Specific guidelines for the Concert Essay will be posted in “Documents” on Blackboard

Online Writing Responses - 20% (200 points)

See Topic Outline for due dates

For each reading assigned you will receive a writing prompt.  The writing prompt will be posted on Blackboard under “Assignments.”  Your written response must be posted by 7pm on the Tuesday it is due. 

There will be ten reading assignments throughout the semester.  Most of these are on e-reserve (exceptions are noted in your syllabus).  You will be required to respond to eight of these in written responses on Blackboard.  You choose which eight you will write about, and you are responsible for keeping track of how many you have completed.  However, you should read all material assigned for class and be prepared for class discussion, in-class questions/quizzes and to make connections from one subject/concept to the next. 

 

Guidelines for written responses

In your written response I am looking for your understanding of the concepts presented in the readings.  As you write, explain your thought process picking out specific examples in the reading that led you to draw your conclusions.  This will not only allow me to see how you are forming your ideas, but will also help you in clarifying your thoughts.  Using a quote to support your ideas is fine.  However, try to avoid using a quote to speak for you.  If you use a quote, in your own words you should also summarize and point to the importance of the quote in relation to your idea.  Lastly, every time you use quotes you must cite a page number.    

 

Grading

You will receive a S+, S, or an S- for each written response.  In extreme circumstances where I feel an assignment has not adequately addressed the prompt, a 50 will be given.  The assignments will be averaged together to make up 20% of your final grade.

 

S+ = A, clearly written thorough exploration of the prompt

S = B, clearly written semi-thorough exploration of the prompt

S- = C, unclearly written minimal exploration of the prompt

50, unclearly written statement that does not adequately address the prompt

 

Group Choreography Project – 15% (150 points)

Towards the end of the semester, students will work in groups of four to six to create short 3-5 minute dances.  The dance needs to be about something important to the group of students.  This may be an abstract idea, like spatial design or a literal idea, like friendship.  Whether the concept chosen is abstract or literal, the movement must reflect the meaning. 

A small amount of class time will be allotted to working on this project.   Outside rehearsals will be necessary and will be organized by the students.   Music and props may be used, but are not required.   Each dance should be well-rehearsed and will be presented on the last day of class, Tuesday April 29th. 

 

Specific guidelines for the Choreography Project will be posted in “Documents” on Blackboard

 

Participation and In-class Work – 10% (100 points)

Regular attendance and active participation are essential for success in this course. In addition to being punctual and present in mind and body, this means being prepared for class, making thoughtful contributions to class discussions -which includes asking questions about the material-, dressing appropriately for studio sessions, and participating fully in them. You may be challenged to try things you have never done before. You will not be graded on technique or ability level. You will be graded on the quality of your participation, as indicated by your overall attitude, effort, and progress.

 

Good Student Credit:

I will add ten points to your final grade if you take steps to improve your skills as a student. You must provide some evidence of your attendance at TWO on-campus events along with a brief written outline of what you learned. These credits are earned by:

-- Attending study skills sessions

-- Going to the Writing Center for consultation on Dance Appreciation essays

-- Attending extra UNCG dance department concerts (program and ticket must be provided)

 

NO OTHER EXTRA CREDIT IS OFFERED FOR THIS COURSE.

 

Topic Outline and Assignment Due Dates

 

NOTE: SCHEDULE BELOW IS APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

CHANGES WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS.

 

Tuesday January 15:

Introduction: Why, Where, How and When We Dance…

 

Tuesday January 22:

Talking, reading and writing dance.  A sampling of global dance.

·        Read “Stepping in and Stepping Out: Understanding Cultures”

Reading response assignment on Bb under assignments

·        PRINT and BRING to class “Five Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Studying Dance” 

 

Tuesday January 29:

Dance in West Africa: Guest Artist Wesley Williams

·        Read “African Dance: Bridges to Humanity”

 

Tuesday February 5:

Following the African Diaspora: Dance forms in North and South America

·        Read excerpt from Dancing, Dances in the New World: From Africa to America

 

Tuesday February 12:

Following the African Diaspora: Dance forms in North and South America         

·        Movement Essay Due

·        Read “Hip Hop Planet” by James McBride

Go to this link for the article http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0704/feature4/

 

Tuesday February 19:

European Court Dance  

·        Read European Court Dance

 

Tuesday February 26:

Ballet

·        Read Ballet

 

Tuesday March 4: 

·        PRINT out and BRING to class “Ballet as an Ethnic Form of Dance”

·        TEST ONE – includes in-class assignment on “Ballet as an Ethnic Form of Dance”

 

Tuesday March 11:

Spring Break – NO Class

 

Tuesday March 18:

Modern Dance: Making Dances

·        Read “Truly Modern”

 

Tuesday March 25:

Modern Dance: Making Dances Continued

·        PRINT out and Bring to class “Imagining Dance.”

 

*Attend Kerrie Jean-Hudson’s MFA Thesis Concert March 28th or 29th at 8pm*

Tuesday April 1:

Dance as a Social or Political Statement

·        Read “Katherine Dunham’s Southland: Protest in the Face of Oppression”

 

Tuesday April 8:

Post-modern Dance

·        Read “The Metamorphosis of Form”

·        Group Choreography Proposal Due

 

Tuesday April 15:

Contemporary Dance in the US

·        Concert Essay Due

 

Tuesday April 22:

Dance in India

·        Read excerpt from Dancing, Dance in India

 

Tuesday April 29:

Group Choreography Project Showings

 

Tuesday May 6:

Final Test 7-9

 

 

 

Performance Calendar

All Performances take place in the UNCG Dance Theatre HHP 306.  Tickets may be purchased in advance at the UNCG Box office in the EUC.

 
FRI-SAT, 2/15 at 8PM, 2/16 at 2PM and 8PM | Prime Movers Concert ($12 general admission; $10 seniors and children; $5 students)
 

FRI, 2/29 and SAT, 3/1 at 8PM | MFA Concert: Work by Emily Quinn ($12 general admission; $9 seniors and children; $6 students)
  

FRI-SAT, 3/28-29 at 8PM | MFA Concert: Work by Kerrie-Jean Hudson ($12 general admission; $9 seniors and children; $6 students)   YOU MUST ATTEND THIS CONCERT!

 
FRI - SAT, 4/4-5 at 8PM | MFA Concert: Work by Julia Edwards and Sara Geffert ($12 general admission; $9 seniors and children; $6 students)

 FRI - SAT, 4/11-12 at 8PM | MFA Concert: Work by Madeleine Reber ($12 general admission; $9 seniors and children; $6 students)

 

FRI - SAT, 4/18-19 at 8PM | MFA Concert: Work by Jen Guy ($12 general admission; $9 seniors and children; $6 students)

 

FRI - SAT, 4/25 at 8PM, 4/26 at 2PM and 8PM | Departmental Concert ($12 general admission; $9 seniors and children; $6 students)


FRI - SAT, 5/2 at 8PM, 5/3 at 2PM and 8PM | BFA Senior Thesis Concert ($12 general admission; $9 seniors and children; $6 students)