Multicultural Dance in the U.S. Today

Multicultural Dance in the U.S. Today

Fullerton College Spring 2007

Multicultural Dance in the U.S. Today

DANCE 210 F – CRN # 23278

TH 8:30 – 9:50am

Melanie Kay Rosa

Office: 1211-09

Office Hours: Monday 1:30 – 3:00pm & Thursday 1:00 – 4pm

Phone: 714-992-7000 Ext. # 26298

Mailbox: Physical Education Office

Email:

Course Description: Social and theatrical dances of the U.S. will be viewed and examined in terms of cultural influences, historical and social origins, and the functions they fulfill for individual artists, their cultures, and society in general. African American, Asian, Hispanic, European and Native American dances, choreographers, and dancers will be studied. The class work will include reading, discussions, group projects, and analysis of dance performances on video and live theatre. Attendance at a selected group of performances is required. Cost of dance concert admission will not exceed $30.00.

Optional/Recommended:Jonas, Gerald. Dancing The Pleasure Power and Art of Movement. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1992

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course the student will be able to do the following:

  1. Understand that all cultures have their own rules about dance.
  2. Examine the dances of various societies and recognize their similarities and differences.
  3. Explore and identify your own ideas about dance.
  4. Compare and contrast how dance is used as a form of artistic self expression, communication, education and entertainment in various U.S. cultures.
  5. Describe the historical and social context from which dances of different U.S. cultures are derived.
  6. Describe the influences societal issues have had on dance in the U.S.
  7. Compare and contrast both live and video dance performances of different styles and analyze the characteristics, set design, lighting design and costume concepts.

Class Assignments:

Mid-Term Exam

Final Exam

In-class group projects

Attend The Fullerton College Faculty Dance Concert

Concert Dates: Friday May 18, 2007 and May 19, 2007

Written critique of The Fullerton College Faculty Dance Concert

Oral History / Interview

Research Paper

Presentation of Research

Written assignments:

Written assignments are to be typewritten, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, using 12 point font. The heading should include your name, the class in which you are enrolled, and the date.

Grading Policy:

  1. Grading Policy – 400 points
  2. Participation:50 points

-2 absences allowed, after that grade is dropped by 5 points for each additional absence.

  1. Dance Critique – Live Dance Concert50 points

- The critique should be a minimum of four pages, typewritten, double spaced report of The Fullerton College Faculty Dance Concert (See concert dates below). The critique should include a discussion on the dance movement, originality of production, musical accompaniment, costumes, stage setting, lighting design, the dancer’s technical ability, the choreographer’s use of time space and energy, and a personal comment reflecting what did or did not work for you, the viewer.

Concert Dates: Friday May 18, 2007 and May 19, 2007

*****Note: You are only required to attend 1 night.

Due: May 21, 2007 – no exceptions

  1. Mid-Term50 points

Date: March 8, 2007

No Make-up exam given

  1. Oral History / Interview50 points

Due: February 13, 2007

(50 % deduction taken off points if late – no exceptions)

  1. Final Paper – Dance Research 75 points

Due:April 17, 2007

(50 % deduction taken off points if late – no exceptions)

  1. Presentation of Dance Research50 points

Due: April 26, May 1, 3, 8, 10

  1. Final Exam75 points

Date: Look at Final Schedule

No make-up exam given______

Total----400 points

Total Points:

400 – 360A

359-320B

319-280C

279-240D

239 and belowF

Extra Credit Options: (Due Date: May 21, 2006)

- Maximum of fifteen points may be earned

A. Participate in a master class at Fullerton College 5 points

B. Attend a dance concert and write a 2 page critique, this is in addition to critique required for the class. 5 points

(Ticket stub from the event must be attached to the critique)

C. Dance Component for Dance Research Presentation 15 points possible

ADA Statement:

Fullerton College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities upon request of the student (in a timely fashion) and upon verification of disability. If you require special services, it is your responsibility to alert your instructors. Please see me, after class or during my office hours to discuss possible arrangements.

Classroom Environment:

Because you are not required to be here, I expect that all of you in this class are adults who want to learn in a respectful manner. It is imperative that you give your full attention to classroom sessions. Part of giving full attention to class meetings involves not disruptively socializing during class. If disruptive socializing in the form of talking or other offensive behavior should occur, the following process will be automatically initiated:

  1. Individual students will be verbally warned
  2. If subsequent verbal warnings are necessary, participation points will be deducted for that class meeting (2 points per episode – not day)
  3. If the disruptive behavior continues, the students or students will be excused from the class to meet with the appropriate Fullerton College officials.

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Policy:

Do not intentionally or unintentionally passing off others’ work as your own. If you decide to incorporate another’s idea, you MUST cite the source in your paper. If a student cheats on any course work material that involves evaluation for course credit, that student will be reported to appropriate Fullerton College officials, will fail the assignment and may even fail the course itself. Cheating belittles the perpetrator, the other class members who are putting in the effort to learn, the integrity of the course, and the instructor as well. Don’t risk it—it’s not worth it. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to talk to me!!! (For more information on the Academic Honesty Policy please refer to the Fullerton College Catalog)

Emergency Response Message:

Please take note of the safety features in and close to our classroom, as well as study the posted evacuation route. The most direct route of egress may not be the safest because of existence of roofing tiles or other potentially hazardous conditions. Similarly, running out of the building can also be dangerous during earthquakes. During strong quakes, the recommended response is to duck-cover-and hold until the shaking stops. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to you and others.