Text only

THD 101

I. TITLE: Dance Appreciation

II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Orientation to dance as an art form: historical and aesthetic perspectives, basic dance elements, and the relationship to other arts and to the culture. Lectures, films, demonstrations and practical dance experience.

III. PURPOSE: The purpose of this course is to provide the student with practical learning experiences which will (1) give an understanding of the art of dance; its unique characteristics and the principles governing it (Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate #'s 6 and 8); (2) explore dance as a social and cultural indicator as well as an art form (Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate #‘s 5, 6, 7); (3) relate trends of movements in dance, music and art (Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate #5); (4) enhance the student’s perceptual, analytical and critical skills in researching, viewing and discussing dance and dance related topics (Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate #‘s 1, 3); and (5) provide an appreciation for the skills required of the performing artist and choreographer (Characteristics of the Murray State Graduate #8).

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Cultural Valuing: (1) The student will develop a “working” definition of dance within the context of our own and other cultures (2) The student will gain a basic understanding of the chronology of Western Dance (Criteria; (3) The student will develop an awareness of the cultural, social, intellectual and emotional values of dance; and (4) The student will be provided the opportunity to better understand oneself, one’s own history and culture and other cultures through the phenomenon. (Criteria for University Studies Elective Courses #'s 4 and 7)
Aesthetic Response: (1) The student will be able to identify differing styles of dance and discover how they are similar and different from one another; (2) The student will develop criteria and methodology for evaluating the aesthetics of various dance forms and styles; and (3) The student will be provided an opportunity to experience dance as a performing art, as well as an educational experience. (Criteria for University Studies Elective Courses #7)
Critical Thinking: (1) The student will develop a basis for analyzing the purpose, function and potential of dance as an art form; and (2) The student will develop a critical awareness of the elements involved in technical dance training and choreographing dances. (Criteria for University Studies Elective Courses #8)

V. CONTENT OUTLINE:
(1) By approaching questions such as what is dance (or art), why do people do it, why is it important, what value does it have in societies and cultures; (2) by identifying the various forms, styles and periods of dance; (3) by becoming familiar with the significant people in the world of dance and the vocabulary and terminology relating to dance; (4) by being acquainted with the literature of dance through readings, written assignments, and discussion of dance philosophers, theorists and aestheticians; and (5) by identifying basic technical terminology related to dance training and choreography through movement activities, class discussions and viewing live and filmed dance performances.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES: This course will utilize lecture, discussion, demonstration, problem solving and participation techniques as necessary. For example; a student will view a dance production of the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe and group discussions will follow to relate that experience to the sociopolitical environment of the group who presented the piece. The student will respond to several productions in written form. All presentations and written work must be computer driven. Papers must be turned in through the email account of the instructor. Students will participate in all activities of the class including; attending productions, viewing videotape presentations, class participations exercises and presentations/projects.

VII. FIELD AND CLINICAL EXPERIENCES: All students will be required to attend at least two live dance performances (may include university musical theatre and/or other dance performances at the university or elsewhere). “Once Upon a Mattress”, “18th Annual Dance Concert.” are the university productions that you must see.

VIII. RESOURCES: The facilities of the dance studio will be available to the students during regular class hours and at other times by arrangement with the instructor.

IX. GRADING PROCEDURES: The grading system will be based upon student achievement in the basic components of this course which include: class participation{engaging in discussions, physical activity, and dance exercises required by the instructor}(20%), attendance at live performances{critiques will be written and graded by the instructor}(20%), reading/writing assignments(20%), examinations/quizzes(20%), and projects presented to the class(20%). Failure to participate in any of the practical exercises presented in class will result in a grade reduction by 5 points per infraction per exercise. This is not a percentage drop, but an automatic five points off of the student’s potential project grade. Failure to participate on a day when a project is due in class will result in one letter grade reduction of the final grade. The class will operate under the 10 point scale (90%=”A”, etc...). There will be approximately 500 total accumulated points possible. The accumulated point total will vary due to the variance in number of dance presentations which are available each time the course is taught.

X. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Each student is expected to be prompt and regular in attendance. Any absences, other than for a documented emergency, must be approved in advance by the instructor. More than three unexcused absences in the course of the semester will result in a lowered final grade(1/2 letter grade per absence over 3). Excessive tardiness (3 times) is disruptive and will be counted as an absence.

XI. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: All persons matriculating within this Department are expected to honor a Code of Ethics that promotes honesty, integrity and professionalism. This department will not tolerate a student: (1) copying the work of another and turning it in as one’s own; (2) copying off another student’s exam during that exam, that would fraudulently aid oneself; (3) copying exams, assignments, reports, term papers, etc.. .that would fraudulently aid oneself; (4) using unauthorized books, notebooks or other sources in order to secure or give help during an examination; (5) using the exact assignment that was graded by any professor in a previous course, without the expressed permission of the current professor; (6) taking an exam in any capacity for another student. The faculty or staff member under whom the offense took place could recommend the following: a verbal warning, failure of the assignment, failure of the course, suspension, expulsion, etc. Due process will be followed. All persons who do not understand this policy should immediately contact their professor or supervisor for clarification. It will be assumed that failure to discuss any misunderstanding about this policy is an acceptance of its purpose and stipulations.

XII. TEXT AND REFERENCES: “Dance Rituals of Experience” by Jamaka Highwater and/or a packet of readings that will be made available.

XIII. PREREQUISITES: None

XIV. SEXUAL HARASSMENT STATEMENT: The Department of Speech Communication and Theatre supports all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Murray State University policies including prohibited discrimination and sexual harassment. If you ever feel you are a victim of policy violation, or if others inform you of such violations, please inform your instructor or Dr. Mayes, (Chair, SAT) in Wilson Hall, room 312 or phone X4483 immediately.

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo