DANC 1305

WORLD DANCE I

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION

DANC 1305 World Dance I. This course is designed to introduce students to the cultural presentational dances of three major civilizations of the world. The course includes basic rhythm awareness, body technique and development. The cultural origin, significance, motivation, and the use of costume and music will be explored in lecture and research with the use of audio-visual examples and live performances. Instruction will include experiential and written assignments, and students will be expected to participate in an end-of-semester concert. 3 credits. This course has no prerequisite and may be taken out of sequence. (2 lecture/2 lab)

Core Curriculum: The basic intellectual competencies for core courses include reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy. This course meets these requirements.

Global Studies Program: The Global Studies Certificate is a 15 semester hour academic certificate designed to aid students in understanding the complex interrelationships between nations and their inhabitants. The program utilizes a cross-disciplinary approach, encouraging students to embrace global issues from multiple perspectives. This certificate will provide a unifying framework to help students to contribute to our increasingly interconnected world as responsible global citizens. It establishes a unique foundation for the pursuit of varied majors and careers, from liberal arts and social sciences to international business. World Dance has been included as a Core Curriculum course of the Global Studies program. World Dance (DANCE 1381 and 1382) will expand the students understanding of the cultural implications of dance in different societies. For more information regarding the Global Studies Certificate, please make an appointment with your academic counselor.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this course is to explore, in-depth, three-five different cultures through indigenous dance. Students will be immersed in one culture every three weeks. Although comparisons between the cultures will become evident, the primary objective of the course is to expose the student to the different dance styles and to use movement analysis to discover and study the commonalities and differences of the five cultures. Guest artists, live music, and authentic costumes will contribute to the educational experience. Students will be encouraged to learn and use the terminology of each culture.

GOALS

1.         Study a variety of movement, discover cultural ways of moving, and increase movement vocabulary through the execution of dance techniques of different cultures.

2.         Increase awareness and develop an aesthetic appreciation for cultural dance forms.

3.         Explore cultural issues, both commonalities and differences, represented through cultural dance.

4.         Put into practice the dance techniques and dances learned in a cultural and or theatrical experience, in the local community.

TECHNIQUE CLASS OBJECTIVES

1.         The student should understand and perform correct body alignment while standing and moving.

2.         The student should understand kinesiologically sound exercise practices. The student should leave this class with an understanding of how his/her body moves, and how to protect that body in future exercise situations.

3.         The student should gain a basic anatomical vocabulary pertaining to the muscles and how they function.