DANC2010 DANCE APPRECIATION COURSE SYLLABUS Instructor: Janet Robertson Office: 301, Dance Building, (706)542-4430 [email protected] COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will provide an introduction to aspects of dance as cultural, spiritual and aesthetic expression, exploring origins of religious, courtly, social and theatrical dance and the related roles of the dancer, choreographer and spectator. Historical and critical readings, illustrated lectures by the instructor, attendance of required performances and other dance activities with subsequent discussion will acquaint the student with masterpieces of dance theater art and develop the students' responsiveness to dance. OBJECTIVES *Gives students an opportunity to view dance from an anthropological, psychological, sociological and aesthetic view point. *Provides experiences which will assist students in understanding the kinesthetic, physical, compositional, artistic and spiritual aspects of dance. *Introduces an overview of serious concert dance and the criteria and knowledge needed to form an educated critique. *Promotes an understanding of dance as a form of recreation and a source of entertainment and self-expression. REQUIRED READINGS *Harriet R. Lihs, Appreciating Dance Students are expected to keep up with their readings in order to contribute successfully to class discussions. TOPICAL READING ASSIGNMENTS I. WHY WE DANCE, RITUAL DANCE & DANCE AND RELIGION Preface, Chapters 1 & 2 II. COURT, SOCIAL & CLASSICAL DANCE FORMS Chapters 3 & 4 III. MODERNIZING DANCE Chapters 5 & 7 IV. THEATER & FILM DANCE & CURRENT ISSUES Chapters 6 & 8*Supplemental or suggested reading: Joan Cass, Dancing Through History *The Main Library on North Campus holds a wonderful collection of dance books. It is hoped that each student will see what UGA has to offer in this area. OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING Attendance or viewing of 3 dance concerts, events and/or a film outside of class. *Attendance of concerts not listed by the instructor must be pre-approved. *Students must fill out a Dance Event Report in response to each event. The event/concert reports collectively will represent 25% of final grade. Each report must include historical, cultural, social or aesthetic reference to classroom lecture, video or required reading material. Grading is based on content and quality of writing. Four classroom tests collectively will represent 70% of final grade. Most test questions are fashioned from assigned reading material (covered by the study guides). Tests include material from videos shown in class. The other 5% is based on instructor's judgement of the student's contribution - spoken or unspoken - as a courteous, attentive, responsible, participating member of the classroom community. All work will be assigned a numerical value (ex., 80-81 = B-, 82-87 = B, 88-89 = B+, etc.). STUDY GUIDES & WEBCT A study guide will be provided on webCT for each of the four test units. Tests are devised primarily, but not exclusively, from the material included in the study guides. Also included on WebCT is a calendar of dance performances and events and a list of video tapes and/or DVDs that students may choose to view for a dance experience. Other events will be announced in class. UGA DEPARTMENT OF DANCE ATTENDANCE POLICY & HONOR CODE Students are permitted a maximum of five absences without penalty. This policy does not distinguish between excused and un-excused absences. The final grade will reflect each absence in excess of five. Chronically absent or late students will be asked to drop the course. The course syllabus is a general plan for the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary. All academic work must meet the standards contained in “A Culture of Honesty.” Each student is responsible to inform him/herself about those standards before performing any academic work. During a test, giving or receiving help of any kind, whispering, talking, or text-messaging will be considered academically dishonest, as is writing a report for another student. Leaving a theater before the end of a concert except for an emergency is not only is rude but considered academically dishonest for this course. Not clearing with the instructor if it is necessary to leave the classroom will not be tolerated. Using the classroom as a study hall for another course, a social chat hour or for a nap period will result in the student's removal from the classroom. Rudeness to the instructor or to fellow students will result in removal from the class. A pledge of not having aided or been aided on each test must be written and signed by student. Each student is on her/his honor to be responsible for behaving in a manner conducive to a positive, healthy learning environment for the whole