Time Schedule:
Jeff Curtis
DANCE 120
Seattle Campus
Investigates shared, conflicting, and shifting notions of the "American experience" as expressed in 20/21st century American dance. Investigates real, imagined, and idealized portrayals of the American experience as enacted on the concert stage, in film, and on television. Engages students in critical discourse on issues of identity in American society. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
This course should challenge and enrich your understanding of what it means to be American. Students should see more clearly how the influences of diverse cultures have contributed to American culture. Topics will cover the Harlem Renaissance, Broadway musicals, the immigrant artist during World War II, punk-rock and postmodernism, and Hip-hop culture among many others. Students will understand how art, specifically dance, can represent cultural beliefs about race, class, and gender. Hopefully you will see yourself, your culture—whatever that may be—represented on the dance stage.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
This is an online course and relies on streaming media of documentaries and performances. There is no required text for this course. All reading and video materials will be accessed via links provided in each Unit.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites necessary.
Class assignments and grading
Assessment will be determined through discussion forums and online quizzes. A midterm and final will be held online.
