Contemporary Techniques 3

Module Study Guide

Academic Year 2018-2019

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES 3

Location: The Creative Academy

73a Stoke Poges Lane, SLOUGH, SL1 3NY

Module Code: / MU60051S
Level: / 6
Credits: / 20

Version No 01 © UWL 2016

Form I – Module Study Guide template – April 2016Page 1 of 27

Table of Contents

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES 3

1.Module Leader, Teaching Team and Module Administrator Details

2.Key Contacts

3.Further Information

4.Welcome to the Module

5.Timetable/Venue/Rooms

6.Aims of the Module

7.Learning Outcomes

8.Content of the Module

9.Learning Resources

10.Reading List

11.Assessment: General Information

12.Details of Assessment

Assessment 1

13.Summative Assessment Grid

14.External Examiner(s)

15.Statement on Plagiarism

16.Evaluation of the Module

17.Personal Development Plan (PDP)

18.If You Have an Issue

19.Drop-in Support Service

20.Guide to Learning Sessions

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

Session 9

Session 10

Session 11

Session 12

Session 13

Session 14

Module Leader, Teaching Team and Module Administrator Details

Module Leader / Caroline Bridges
Subject and School/College / The Creative Academy, London College of Music
Email /
Phone / 01753 875 400
Location / The Creative Academy
Name / George Kirkham
Job title / The Creative Academy Manager
Email /
Phone / 01753 875 400
Location / The Creative Academy
Name / Jagdev Khatkar
Job title / Quality Assurance and Business Manager
Email /
Phone / 01753 875 400
Location / The Creative Academy
Administrator / Cassia Rudge
Job title / Academic Administrator
Email /
Phone / 01753 875 400
Location / The Creative Academy

Key Contacts

The key contacts for your course are set out below:

The Course Leader responsible for this module is George Kirkham, and can be contacted at

The Head of Subjectresponsible for this module is David Henson, and can be contacted at

The Head of School/College/Dean of College responsible for this module is David Henson, and can be contacted at

The Academic Partner Link Tutor responsible for this module is Emma Evans, and can be contacted at

Further Information

Total Guided Learning Hours / 200
Consisting of:
Teaching Contact Hours / 42
Independent Study Hours / 158
Placement Hours / N/A
Assessment:
Percentage of final marks assessed by:
Practical Live Choreographic Performance / 100%
Due Dates:
Assessments for this module are due on the following dates:
Please see Annual Time Plan for exact due dates.
Assessment 1 occurs in Week 14 of Semester 1.

Form I – Module Study Guide template – April 2016Page 1 of 27

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES 3 – LEVEL 6 - Module Study Guide

Section

Overview and Content

Welcome to the Module

Welcome to the Contemporary Techniques 3 module. Over the next semester you will learn a great deal more about the methodologies applied by various Contemporary choreographers, Contemporary techniques used and the study of various Contemporary pieces. Most of the important information you require for this module is contained in this document. Students should familiarise themselves with this document to ensure that they successfully meet the requirements of this module and achieve the learning outcomes.

Module Summary

The Contemporary Techniques 3 module will further develop the student’s creative self while learning more about specific Contemporary and Dance Theatre choreographers. The module provides an opportunity to discuss and analyse professional UK, European and American Contemporary choreographers. In addition, the student will be able to emotionally engage in choreographic work in a way that has not been addressed in previous practical dance modules.

You will develop a professional knowledge and understanding of the principles, devices and methods used in the creation of Contemporary pieces. You will experience dance composition and the art of making structures in which movement and meaning occur, while creating a professional standard of choreography.

Timetable/Venue/Rooms

Timetables are emailed to students PRIOR to the beginning of the semester. Please see timetable and time-plan.

Aims of the Module

To enable students to create a group Contemporary or Dance Theatre piece;
To embed in the student’s dance practice a professional working knowledge and clear understanding of the use of choreographic devices within a creative process;
To ensure students are able to recognise and discuss choreographic styles;
To increase the use of the creative imagination, physical skills, and intellectual judgement while in addition developing performance skills further; and

To display innovative approaches and openness to experimentation in realising a creation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
LO6 1Demonstrate a comprehensive awareness and understanding of the conceptual issues relating to the production of Contemporary dance and the choreographic processes used;
LO6 2Professionally replicate and present a range of key components of Contemporary Technique performances with professional performance discipline;
Intellectual (thinking)
LO6 3Critically evaluate form, content and process of the production of Contemporary pieces and to critically analyse the content and process of professional Contemporary pieces;
Subject practical skills
LO6 4Practically demonstrate the ability to produce a group Contemporary piece using creative, technical and collaborative skills;
LO6 5Demonstrate a level of professionalism to their work by attending all lectures and practical sessions. (Failure to do so will result in breach of health and safety, both to the student and to the group and as such will be reflected in the student’s final assessment);
Key transferable skills
LO6 6Work professionally and effectively in a team;
LO6 7Demonstrate appropriate levels of organisational skill in terms of planning, time management and problem solving; and
LO6 8Communicate effectively.

Content of the Module

This module will explore the technique and vocabulary of movement of the Contemporary and Dance Theatre genres, whilst identifying and analysing the socio-cultural issues and techniques developed for choreography within thesegenres. The student will learn and perform sequences of movement either self-choreographed or by their peers, engage creatively with the material and explore movement principles professionally as an individual and in groups.

Students will study with one primary dance teacher during the semester with visits from others to focus on specific aspects of choreography, history and technique. Each teacher will bring to the classes his or her particular knowledge and experience of dance training and performance. Students will explore how to use and apply choreographic devices and the use of dance and text within workshops/seminars and lectures guided by the tutor. Students will engage in debate and discussion around theoretical issues and choreographic devices. They will replicate the movement of specific Contemporary practitioners’ techniques in the creation of their own material.

All students will be expected to use self-directed time to investigate, create and explore the creative self before they begin assignment work.All students will be encouraged to reflect and evaluate how they apply their knowledge and understanding of dance and choreography within the creation of a group Contemporary piece.

Lectures and seminars/workshops will reinforce the need for external feedback to enable the creator to understand how the audience will receive the Contemporary piece that s/he is creating. When it is appropriate, students will be required to obtain audience feedback to enable them to see their work more objectively.

Learning Resources

The majority of the module will be delivered through lectures with regular workshop/practical sessions.

Students will identify a piece of choreography and draw conclusions from the historic elements of the socio-political and cultural context in which it has been created. Students will engage creatively with the material and demonstrate their understanding of the movement associated with specific genres of Contemporary dance and Dance Theatre.

Each tutor will bring to the classes his or her particular knowledge and experience of contemporary dance training and performance. This will demonstrate the importance of physical training and adaptability within the dance Industry and the role that dance plays in commenting and reflecting on contemporary culture.

Structure of Learning Resources for Open Learning and E-Learning

The degree will offer an electronic learning environment for all students on the course. Students enrolled on the degree will be part of an electronic community and will have access to a virtual leaning environment through:

Email between staff and students;
Electronic bulletin boards;
Course information;
Learning materials; and
Access to the Internet for research.

This will be through the University of West London students’ intranet ‘Blackboard’ where appropriate; the Creative Academy website; Slough Borough Council; and UK Online centres.

Teaching will be delivered through weekly lectures; practical workshops and considerable use will be made of recorded resources. These will be supported by group seminars in which students will discuss specific issues relating to each topic. Handouts will be provided in some of the lectures and there will be background reading to do some weeks. Students will be expected to undertake significant independent study to complete assignments, requiring them to familiarise themselves both with the LRC resources and additional Creative Academy resources.

Electronic bulletin boards and e-mail correspondence will be used to facilitate the exchange of information between students and staff.

The Internet will also be a useful source of information for students when they come to completing assignments. However, information found on the net must be handled with extreme caution: there is no evidence to demonstrate how valid or accurate it is.

Learning Activities:

The approach taken to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding will make use of a blended learning approach. The range of teaching and learning methods on this course will include:

Tutor input during classroom sessions i.e. lectures and practical workshops with one primary tutor and visiting practitioners. The module will provide students with the opportunity to analyse selected film material and pictorial imagery underpinned with practical demonstrations and replication. Students will be provided with selected reading to supplement individual library based/Internet research;
Self directed learning through independent research;
Visiting practitioners and speakers from the dance Industry;
Student group practical demonstrations; and
Guided reading.

Reading List

The reading list for your module is displayed below. You are expected to purchase thecore texts listed below and are recommended to purchase the additional texts..

All additional texts, viewing lists and copies of issues of The Dancing Times are available through the Creative Academy office for reference or free two-week loan. Late returns incur a charge.

Core essential texts:

Blom, L & Chaplain, L (2010) The Intimate Act of Choreography, University of Pittsburgh Press.

Additional Texts:

Bournville, A, (2000), Letters on dance and Choreography, London, Dance Books.
Ashley, L, (2008), Essential Guide to Dance, 3rd Edition, UK, Hodder Education.

Other Learning Resources (journals, databases, Websites)

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES 3 – LEVEL 6 - Module Study Guide

Dancing Times

Dance Now

Dance Today

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES 3 – LEVEL 6 - Module Study Guide

Section

Assessment andFeedback

Assessment: General Information

A variety of Assessment methods will be used, however the primary vehicle for assessment will be through on-going tutor observation and the performance of a group Contemporary or Dance Theatre piece. Students will be required to work to deadlines both within teams and independently. The work will be assessed using a variety of methods including:

Tutor marking and observation;
Double marking; and
External verification.

Individual progress in class will be continuously monitored and fed back to students by the module tutor, with input from visiting tutors. The performance assessment will demonstrate the student’s own investigation into the methodologies of a particular Director/Choreographer whilst also exploring a relevant contemporary subject matter. An understanding of the socio-political and cultural issues that shaped the development of Contemporary dance techniques, particularly in Western Europe, apply to all areas of this work.

Assessment Brief and preparation:

At the start of the semester students will be given an overview of the completion of choreography to create a Contemporary piece. The student will research both a sociocultural current affair and a Contemporary Director/Choreographer’s methodology. The student will then audition dancers to use to create a group piece using the chosen current affair and based on their chosen Contemporary dance practitioner’s work.

The tutor will assess the development and progression of each student through practical exercises each week and the attendance of each student.

Details of Assessment

Assessment 1

Assessment task:A piece of group Contemporary choreography using the methodologies of a Contemporary or Dance Theatre choreographer whilst also being based on a sociological issue or current affair (live performance).

Weighting: 100%

This weighting is divided into two parts:

a.)On-going assessment of student’s development and commitment throughout the semester (including research on content of choreography issue and Contemporary Practitioner): 30%

b.)Performance of Contemporary Techniques 3 piece: 70%

Date/time/method of submission:Week 14 of Semester One

Word count or equivalent: 7 - 10 minutes

Assessment Criteria:

The creation of the piece will demonstrate the student’s understanding of the development of Contemporary technique, the choreographic devices used by their chosen Contemporary Choreographer/Director as well as knowledge of the current affair that the piece is exploring.

Marking Scheme:

(80-100) / The work excels in all or most of the following: intelligence; criticality; thoroughness; perspicacity; synthesis (of a broad range of sources or objects of study); originality; choreographic style; performance quality. It is the right length, pertinent, correct and carefully constructed, with a good sense of continuity and a coherent overall structure. The student demonstrates a professional attitude to choreography and the dance industry. The student has attended 100% of the practical workshops throughout the semester.
(70-79) / The work excels in three or more of the following: performance skills; intelligence; criticality; thoroughness; perspicacity; synthesis (of a broad range of sources or objects of study); originality; choreographic style; performance quality. It is the right length, pertinent, with a good sense of continuity and a coherent overall structure. The student demonstrates a professional attitude to choreography and the dance industry. The student has attended 100% of the practical workshops throughout the semester.
(60-69) / The work displays one or more of the following properties: intelligence; criticality; thoroughness; precision; synthesis (of a broad range of sources or objects of study); originality; choreographic style; performance quality. It is the right length, with a good sense of continuity and a coherent overall structure. The student demonstrates a professional attitude to choreography and the dance industry. The student has attended 90% of the practical workshops throughout the semester.
(50-59) / The work shows some evidence of involvement, and a little independence of thought from a range of sources. It is largely correct, pertinent and coherent, if not very well ordered. It is the right length and relevant. The student has attended 90% of the practical workshops throughout the semester.
(40-49) / The work shows little independence of thought from its (perhaps very limited) sources, and limited signs of any involvement. It might be poorly ordered with a certain amount of redundancy, but it must be close to the right length, at least partially pertinent and coherent and is performed well. The student has attended less than 90% of the practical workshops throughout the semester.
Referral
(20-39) / The assignment fails when it is at least three of the following: very badly ordered; heavily redundant; incoherent; irrelevant; of the wrong length. The student has attended less than 80% of the practical workshops throughout the semester.
Fail
(0-19) / The work fails (badly) when it is all, or all but one, of the following: very badly ordered; heavily redundant; incoherent; irrelevant; of the wrong length. Student demonstrates no understanding or knowledge of a professional attitude to the creation of choreography or the dance industry. The work is of a very poor standard throughout showing little or no understanding of the brief. So heavily flawed conceptually that the work is rendered almost entirely meaningless. Shows crucial omissions in content, or meaning has disappeared into a morass of irrelevant materiel. OR No work submitted for assessment. The student has attended less than 50% of the practical workshops throughout the semester.

Pass requirements:

Students must achieve a minimum mark of 40% overall to pass this module. Students must attempt each component of the formal assessment above.

The marking criteria above are intended to assist students in the preparation for their module assignments. Students should refer to the criteria and the module learning outcomes regularly when working on their assignments. All written work must be typed.

Anonymous Marking:

The Creative Academy adopts the University policy of anonymous marking on all written assignments. However, within this module it is unfeasible to anonymously mark Assessment 1 as it is based on the student being present for the assessment. This policy will be adhered to where it is feasible and does not preclude the development of innovation in assessment practice. An external moderator, using a recording of each assessment for each student, will assess a selection of work.

Assessment feedback + timing for formative and Summative:

Summative feedback will be provided on an on-going basis from the Module Leader. Grades are posted on the student area at within 15 working days of the assessment and feedback is emailed to the students within 10 working days of the end of the semester.

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUES 3 – LEVEL 6 - Module Study Guide

Summative Assessment Grid

Type of assessment / Module learning outcome(s) / Word count or equivalent / Due date and time / Threshold (if applicable) / Pass mark / Weighting / Date assignment feedback will be made available to student
Performance / 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 / 7 – 10 minutes / Week 14 / Yes 40% / 40 / 100% / Ten working days after the end of semester.