Course Description
The Sanfoka is a Ghanaian symbol of a bird whose head turns back to honor the past while moving forward. DCE 204 examines the historical traditions and global transformations of African Dance and Music to explore the dynamic evolution of the two forms across the African Diaspora.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Describe dynamic elements of cultures, including aesthetic, communication, social, historical, political, religious, and environmental systems.
- Explain how similarities, differences, and connections among people and cultures affect one another over time.
- Demonstrate introductory African dance and music practices through movement, rhythm, and musical relationships.
- Identify African Dance and Music as both contemporary and historical cultural artifacts.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Attendance & Participation | 30% |
| Dance & Music Assessments | 20% |
| Reflective Journals | 20% |
| Presentation | 10% |
| Group Choreography & Research Project | 20% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93-100 | A |
| 90-92.9 | A- |
| 87-89.9 | B+ |
| 83-86.9 | B |
| 80-82.9 | B- |
| 77-79.9 | C+ |
| 73-76.9 | C |
| 70-72.9 | C- |
| 60-69.9 | D |
| Below 60 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Regular attendance, active participation, preparation, engagement in movement activities, discussions, and collaborative work are expected. The School of Dance requires an 80% participation rate to receive credit for the course.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.