Time Schedule:
Stephanie Scopelitis
BIS 208
Bothell Campus
Explores the relationship between creative arts and research. May focus on performance, visual, or literary arts as well as diverse media. Research may include study of artistic forms as well as specific topics.
Class description
This course brings together research and practices of dance with the process of exploring issues of representation, agency, and identity in contemporary culture. The course will explore 20-21st century choreography and dance forms and its relationship with history, culture and society. We will consider the multiple ways in which dance offers up a commentary on, a reflection of, a reaction to, aesthetic, social and cultural constructions/constrictions. We will explore a variety of choreographies against the backdrop of other disciplines that, whether intended or consequentially, challenge and/or reproduce contemporary norms of identity and agency. The course will engage expanded perspectives of dance as both an art form and a cultural artifact by challenging notions of what constitutes dance, who dances and where does dance happen.
Student learning goals
To inquire into how dance and its relationship with other arts can produce or promote specific roles and expectations in relationship to gender, class, race, sexuality and ability.
Develop an awareness of the extent of one's personal responsibility toward his/her own learning process and social contribution.
To think analytically, comparatively, and contextually about a work of art and its impact on local and global communities and to articulate this via written and spoken word
To develop skills in movement/compositional analysis.
To stimulate kinesthetic awareness and explore how to use the body as a mode of understanding and expression
To develop a creative plan for a multi arts work that addresses notions of identity
To have fun and challenge our own creative boundaries!
General method of instruction
This class is based on the idea of a community of diverse participants who each bring valuable insights, questions and perspective to the group. All participants are expected to support inspiration, innovation, and risk taking. Our exploration of material will be based on the processes of viewing dance, dialoguing about dance in relationship to focused issues and experiencing movement/dance through informal movement activities.
Recommended preparation
No dance training or arts background necessary. All that is needed is a willingness to explore.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will consist of weekly reading, video and writing assignments to be completed outside of class time. Assignments will also include creative experiments that explore movement arts in relationship to other art disciplines and media. Students are also encouraged to attend an performance of dance.
Grades will be based on participation in class activities, class discussions and projects, as well as the satisfactory completion of all reading, viewing, written assignments, Successful participation is demonstrated through active involvement and a quality commitment to the learning process.
