Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Dance History and Analysis 1

• Unit Code

  DAN1035

• Year

  2018

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  10

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Ms Susan Desley PEACOCK

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Description

The unit is conducted through seminars that address the history and philosophical movements of western theatre dance from the early 19th century to the present day, with emphasis on the lineages influencing the development of dance in Australia. Emphasis is place on the acquisition of skills in critical listening, written and oral communication, and basic research, to generate ideas and concepts in both written and oral formats.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded AWD1206, DAE1035

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the nature of western dance forms in terms of class, gender, other political constructs and aesthetics.
2. Demonstrate an imaginative approach to the challenges and difficulties faced by dance practices in currently held social values.
3. Differentiate between the approaches, styles and vocabulary of ballet/modern/contemporary dance choreographers of different periods and within pertinent cultural contexts.
4. Employ techniques of research and analysis in writing a major essay on a defined dance history topic with appropriate referencing of citations and bibliography.
5. Identify the aesthetic characteristics and professional achievements and motivations of selected Australian choreographers.
6. Identify the major contributors to dance and articulate the philosophical premises of their choreography, musical compositions and design elements.
7. Organise and time manage preparation and presentation of work.
8. Research and present an analytical seminar on a chosen topic of the designated curriculum that demonstrates a facility with technical and descriptive language.
9. Write a critically informed and imaginative performance review.

Unit Content

1. A study of current Australian choreographers with particular emphasis on their positioning in national and international (where applicable) contexts.
2. Expression of ideas and concepts in both written and oral formats.
3. Philosophies and practices of pioneers in the main genres of western theatre dance and their subsequent lineages.
4. Research, planning and critical decision making in assignment preparation and presentation.
5. The defining characteristics and major influences of romanticism, expressionism, modernism, post-modernism in dance and related art forms.
6. The socio/political/aesthetic trends in the arts, with particular reference to Australian culture since 1900.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Seminars. Video analysis. Performance analysis.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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