INDRODUCTION TO DANCE – 0060

Description:

Introduction to Dance is designed to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of dance as an art form, entertainment, and social activity. A broad historic overview of dance will be presented, as well as information on the important roles of the dancer, choreographer, and audience. Specific dance genres, such as ballet, modern dance, jazz, and world dance will also be the focus of this course. Instruction will include lectures, discussions, the viewing of video and film performances, attendance at live dance events, and movement experiences in a variety of dance genres in the dance studio.

CLASS MEETING TIMES:

Friday 9:00-12:00

COURSE RATIONALE:

The rationale for this course is to enliven and enrich literacy in the visual and performing arts through promotion of higher order thinking, by comparison of dance to cultural trends in the context of history, and the physical experience of dance movement. The making and comprehension of works of art that elucidate the complexities of contemporary people, serves to give the student an understanding of art and humanity. Works of art clarify and give meaning to the uncertainty of the human condition and help us to understand the eternal need of man to order, express, and communicate his appreciation of cultural truth and beauty as he sees them. Students are encouraged to approach and resolve aesthetic, intellectual, and technical problems with scholarly analysis, experimentation, informed discrimination, and environmental awareness. Dance permeates every society - at every level of society, and is a basic form of aesthetic expression.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:

For any Assignmentalways document your sources with footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography. Any assignment must be typed or computer printed. An assignment is due on the specified date‚ no later.

Final Grading Process:

Students must earn their grades. The quality and amount of your personal achievement will determine your final grade. Final grades will be assigned based upon the following criteria. The total amount of points you earn will determine your grade:

20pts = ATTENDANCE / 2 absences is -10 pts / 3 absences is -20 pts
10pts = DANCE CRITIQUES (2)
5pts = IN-CLASS PROJECTS (3-4)
5pts=VIDEO CRITIQUE (1)
45pts = TESTS and ASSIGNMENTS
5pts = FRIDAY ARTICLES
10pts=FINAL PRESENTATION
5pts= On-Line Exam / (extra credit)
105pts= total amount of points for the semester (including bonus points)

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

There are no unexcused absences. Because we have a practical movement part to our weekly meetings and videos this cannot be made up. If you are going to miss the class, please notify the instructor.

Outcome Assessment:

Students will be assessed throughout the semester on the following dimensions relative to their personal proficiency, achievement, understanding and knowledge of dance:

  • Class Participation/Attendance

Introduction to Dance is designed to be an interactive discussion course. In-class student participation and contributions to class discussions will be assessed. To participate effectively, students must attend and be prepared for every class and wear clothing appropriate for activity. Additionally, there will be studio experiences in dance throughout the semester in which students are expected to participate at their fullest capacity. Merely occupying a seat in the classroom is not an acceptable course standard.

  • Student Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor at the first class session of any physical disability that may make it difficult for the student to participate fully in all class activities outlined in this syllabus. If the student must miss class for extended periods of time it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor in a timely fashion.

  • Group Projects in Choreography and Performance

There will be opportunities where students will be divided into groups and create original dance works to be performed for the class. Students will assessed on:

Originality and risk taking

Ability to work within a group

His/her overall contributions to the group process

The artistic product and performance qualities

  • Written Exams

Opportunities for students to display their cognitive knowledge will be provided at appropriate times throughout the semester; usually after the completion of specific units of study.

  • Written Dance Critiques

All students are required to attend professional dance performances during the semester and submit written critiques.Finding dates, times, and locations of professional performances is the responsibility of the student.PittArts and other links providing information about performances can be found on Courseweb. (The performance outline format can be found in "Course Documents‚" and schedules of local dance events under "External Links.")

COURSE GOALS:

With the successful completion of the semester, the student will be able to:

Articulate, verbally and/or in written form, an understanding of dance as an artform, entertainment, and social/recreational activity

Demonstrate the knowledge and behaviors necessary to be a responsible, well-educated audience member

Demonstrate the capacity to intelligently critique and criticize live dance performances from an informed point of view

Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the role of the choreographer and the elements of dance used within composition; including the capacity of incorporate these elements in original choreography

Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the role of the dancer as an interpretive artist and the necessity of a strong foundation in dance technique and performance

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the history of dance

Describe and articulate, verbally and/or in written form, a basic knowledge and understanding of dance forms and genres

Demonstrate a knowledge of past and current dance artists and their philosophies of and impact on dance

Identify career opportunities within the dance field and their importance in a contemporary, global society

Understand and appreciate the role of dance in education, dance as a performing art, and dance as a healthy, life-long social-recreational activity.

Academic Integrity:

Students in this course will be expected to comply with the University of Pittsburgh's Policy on Academic Integrity. Any student suspected of violating this obligation for any reason during the semester will be required to participate in the procedural process, initiated at the instructor level, as outlined in the University Guidelines on Academic Integrity. This may include, but is not limited to, the confiscation of the examination of any individual suspected of violating University Policy. Furthermore, no student may bring any unauthorized materials to an examination, including dictionaries and programmable calculators.

Disabilities:

If you have a disability that requires special testing accommodations or other classroom modifications, you need to notify both the instructor and theDisability Resources and Servicesno later than the 2nd week of the term. You may be asked to provide documentation of your disability to determine the appropriateness of accommodations. To notify Disability Resources and Services, call 648-7890 (Voice or TDD) to schedule an appointment. The Office is located in 216 William Pitt Union.