Time Schedule:
Elizabeth A Cooper
DANCE 344
Seattle Campus
Explores Western theatre dance history from Renaissance court dance to development in ballet history through the mid-20th century. Examines dance practices in cultural/historical context. Assigned readings, in-depth analyses of dances on video guide a discussion of form, content, interpretation, and critical reception. Offered: A; alternative years.
Class description
Course Description Historiography as a mode of inquiry reflects a way of thinking about dance that draws one to understand and explain the past. The historian asks questions about the events, art works, and personalities that shaped dance in the past. Historical inquiry seeks to create a meaningful interpretation of what happened, an in some cases, why it happened and how it relates to who and what we are today. Penelope Hanstein, Reseaching Dance (p42)
This is a lecture course in western theatre dance history, specifically the history of ballet, stemming from its roots in Renaissance court dance through the mid-20tcentury. We will examine specific dances from this canon with attention to the cultural context in which they were created. Assigned readings and in-depth analyses of dances on video will guide our discussion of form, content, interpretation, and critical reception. Watching dances, class discussions, research and writing assignments will be integral parts of the learning process in this class, therefore, all reading and video assignments much be completed on time. This is a writing/research-intensive course. In general, Mondays and Wednesdays will be reserved for lectures and video-viewing, Fridays will be devoted to group discussion, in-class writing assignments and other participatory activities, which may movement classes, or additional video viewing. Dance experience is not required for the movement classes.
Student learning goals
To be aware of the cultural and historical biases we bring to dance-viewing and dance analysis
To understand dance as more than art or entertainment, but as a broad cultural practice that is encoded with meaning and embodies distinct aesthetic, social and philosophical/religious values
To develop analytical and critical skills that will facilitate how we observe, discuss and write about the art form
To engage in the practice of dance history research and gain an appreciation for some of the research methods used by the dance historian
To evaluate sources of information critically and effectively
To become comfortable writing about dance and use writing as a learning strategy—as a means o reflect, think critically, synthesize information, posit questions, and assert and substantiate viewpoints
General method of instruction
In general, Mondays and Wednesdays will be reserved for lectures and video-viewing, Fridays will be devoted to group discussion, in-class writing assignments and other participatory activities, which may movement classes, or additional video viewing. Dance experience is not required for the movement classes.
Recommended preparation
There are no pre-requisites for Dance 344, however, this is a writing and research intensive course. Prior expereince with writing evidence-based papers is recommended. No prior dance dance experience is necessary for this class.
Dance majors should take this course only after having taken Dance 250. It is also recommended that Dance minors take Dance 250 prior to enrolling in Dance 344.
Class assignments and grading
10% Performance Attendance and written work
20% Short writing/research assignments pertaining to reading, lectures and videos. These will be collected into individual portfolios.
20% Oral presentation of research
50% An 8-10 page research project to include:
Research Proposal (to include research question(s), research methodology, and thesis statement
Annotated Bibliography
Outline and abstract
Draft of research paper -- you will be doing peer reviews of paper drafts. You are required to meet outside of class with your peer review group.
Final and substantial revision of Research Paper Typed peer review comments and paper draft to be handed in with the final revision of the paper. subject to revision
The timely completion of all reading and writing assignments is essential for the successful completion of this course. Active participation is class is strongly encouraged and will lead to more meaningful, in-depth discussions. If you have not done the reading or viewing, you will be unable to participate fully (this includes in-class writing assignments). Details on specific written assignments and the final research paper will be provided during the quarter and available on the course website.
