Course Description
African Dance IV studies the complex movement and rhythms of African Dance from different ethnic cultures at an advanced level. Historical, social, cultural, and/or religious contents of the dances will be presented. Students will synthesize their understanding of these topics through class projects and presentations. Prerequisite: Dance Major, Dance Minor; Note: Department placement at the 300 level or permission of instructor. Ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to BFA dance majors.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate integrated foot patterns, torso and upper-body sequences, and nuanced performance of West African dance forms while connecting movement to musical accompaniment.
- Articulate understandings of the social, artistic, political, cultural, and religious contexts of the dances and music studied.
- Synthesize personal understandings of West African Dance and Music as contemporary and historical cultural artifacts.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Midterm Movement Evaluation | 40% |
| Final Project: Embodied Histories | 50% |
| Attendance & Participation | 10% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 95-100 | A |
| 91-94 | A- |
| 88-90 | B+ |
| 85-87 | B |
| 81-84 | B- |
| 78-80 | C+ |
| 75-77 | C |
| 71-74 | C- |
| 68-70 | D+ |
| 65-67 | D |
| 62-64 | D- |
| 0-61 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Regular attendance and active participation are expected. Attendance and participation account for 10% of the final grade and support successful completion of movement-based and project-based coursework.
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.