Units
World Dance
Unit code: KDB108
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit includes exposure to a range of culturally specific dance styles through practical workshops and a theory component providing contextual background to the styles taught.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Because dance is a product of a specific cultural context there are as many types of dance as there are cultures. In an increasingly global arena of dance, a performative and theoretical appreciation of the cultural specificity of dance is essential.
While other units in the same suite also provide non-Western perspectives in dance, they do not focus on providing world dance pedagogies and content to the extent that this unit does, therefore making this unit an essential complement to other studies.
Aims
This unit aims to give you a view into the rich diversity of dance existing beyond the contexts of Western theatre dance. It provides you with both experiential knowledge of the dance styles studied and an understanding of the context in which they exist.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. apply a performative understanding of some fundamentals of the selected dance styles;
2. apply a theoretical understanding of the cultural context in which the selected dance styles exist;
3. show, in dance, written and oral modes, a sense of responsibility to approach the cultural perspectives and protocols relating to each dance style with sensitivity and attention to detail;
4. research, critically evaluate and analyse information pertaining to one world dance style, from a variety of sources, using appropriate strategies, and also communicate effectively in dance, written and oral modes about this style;
5. critically and analytically reflect on your experience of the dance classes and tutorials and evaluate your learning in these contexts;
6. work independently and collaboratively in both the practical and theoretical components of the unit.
Content
This is a practical unit with a component of theory. In the theory component the guest lecturer contextualises the dance style by tracing its cultural and historical background, interpreting its functions, and characterising its components (movement, dancers, aural elements, visual elements and subject matter). A range of dance styles form the basis for analysis; from Australia (Indigenous dance), Latin America, Asia and Europe.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit comprises both practical classes and tutorials. Tutorials provide a context for the culturally specific nature of the classes, and also outline reflective journal writing techniques and group work strategies in preparation for the second and third assessment items.
Most dance styles are taught over two consecutive weeks to foster a deeper understanding of the topic.
Some tutorial notes are available on-line.
Assessment
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.
Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Collective and individual verbal formative assessment pertaining to the first assessment item (Demonstration) will be provided during practical classes. Individual verbal formative assessment is provided midway through the semester, at which time you will be advised whether your practical work is meeting the the relevant criteria. Weight 0%
Individual formative feedback pertaining to the second assessment item (Reflective Journal) will be available in a tutorial part way through the semester. Weight 0%
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will be awarded a final grade on a 1 to 7 scale.
Assessment name:
Demonstration
Description:
(Summative) In each practical class you will be assessed on your experiential understanding of the dance style with a focus on stylistic interpretation in performance of the dance style as distinct from technical expertise, and the focus and professionalism of your conduct.
Relates to objectives:
1, 3
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout Semester
Assessment name:
Reflective Journal
Description:
(Summative) You will write a personalised account of each practical class and tutorial in this unit. This will comprise of a critical and analytical reflection on the experience and evaluation of your learning.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3 and 5
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End semester
Assessment name:
Oral Presentation
Description:
(Summative) Group oral presentation in lecture demonstration format communicating both physically and intellectually an understanding of one of the dance styles studied in this unit.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3, 4 & 6
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
End semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
A Resources Guide specific to the unit World Dance is available on the Library website, via the following link:
This guide lists materials that are specific to each of the dance styles studied in this unit. They are different materials to those listed below under 'recommended references' (which are more general).
There is no set text for this unit.
Recommended References
Buckland, T.J. ed. 2006. Dancing from past to present: Nation, culture, identities. Madison, Wisconsin: The University of Wisconsin Press.
Buckland, T.J. ed. 1999. Dance in the field: Theory, methods and issues in dance ethnography. Houndmills, England: Macmillan Press; New York: St. Martin's Press.
Royce, A.P. c2002. The anthropology of dance. Alton, Hampshire, England: Dance Books.
Williams, D. ed. c2004. Anthropology and the dance: Ten lectures / Drid Williams; foreword by Brenda Farnell. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press.
During the semester, tutorial specific readings will be distributed in class or placed on the Course Materials Database.
Risk assessment statement
The study in this unit involves physical involvement in creative workshops in dance studios. Physical challenges are an inherent part of dance activities. The development of essential risk-management skills that minimise potential injury is a high priority with all lecturing staff. You will be introduced to safe dance principles as life-long learning skills and you are expected to apply them in this unit.
Due to the athletic nature of dance training, the dance department provides the necessary duty of care in emergency situations through its first-aid and health and safety officers at all venues in which students are required to participate in this unit. Access to on campus doctors and dance physiotherapists is possible at short notice.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 21-Sep-2012
