Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB INFORMATION IN THIS UNIT OUTLINE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF SEMESTER
Any dance professional wishing to genuinely participate in the creative industries in this country needs to be informed and critically aware of the roles that dance plays in the lives of Australians. This unit provides opportunities and methods to interrogate many manifestations of dance in contemporary Australia with a view to arguing their respective contributions. Dance, as a physical mode of expression, persists as an important element at some stage in the lives of many Australians, and thus begs intellectual interpretation and subsequent application in creative activity.

Aims

This unit aims to:
- Provide an overview of the varied manifestations of dance in contemporary Australian communities;
- Investigate the influences that contribute to the current status of dance in various contexts; and
- Interrogate the roles played by dance in various settings.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Understand, identify and argue, in written and oral modes, the functions and diversity of dance, and the relationship between them, in contemporary Australian settings.
2. Interpret dance representations of community and cultural identity and display an appreciation of the differences in the customs of cultures and sub-cultures, and a sense of responsibility to apply appropriate cultural protocols.
3. Work independently and collaboratively, and contribute effectively to group discussion.

Content

The unit content addresses examples of Australian dance in various contexts, forming the material for interpretation, analysis and debate about the functions of dance and how they relate to the different participant groups. These categories are explored through direct observation or recordings of dance, including the dance of Indigenous and migrant cultures. Current reports and policies on the arts and their relevance to Australians will also provide frameworks for critical reflection on the roles of dance as derived by advisory bodies and policy makers. Topics will include: Indigenous dance, dance of migrant cultures, community dance, recreational dance, independent and company-based art dance (including interdisciplinary /newmedia and collaborative choreography), commercial dance and dance in education.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The format is once weekly lectures and tutorials finishing in week 8, followed by an exam in week 9.

Some lectures are presented by guests to provide the detailed insight that is possible from the expertise of an industry professional. The guests discuss real-world, grounded contexts for the concepts that are discussed in the lectures delivered by the unit coordinator. As your assessment will entail exploring one of these contexts in depth, in the tutorials you will be prepared for field research with the relevant protocols.

Lecture and tutorial notes 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.You will be awarded a final grade on a 1 to 7 scale.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will be supported in your learning through verbal feedback opportunities in tutorials. The unit coordinator will be available, by appointment, to provide feedback on your preparation for Assessment 2.
Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Examination
Description: (Summative) Questions on issues covered in lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Field Res.& Oral Presentation
Description: (Summative and Formative)
Working in a group, you will select a community setting involving dance and carry out field observation to clarify the nature of the dance activity and determine the functions of dance in this context. You will then explain your findings in an oral presentation.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Examination Period

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

There are no set texts.

Recommended References
Armans, D. ed. 2008 An introduction to community dance practice. Basingstoke, England and New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Farnell, B. ed. 1995. Human action signs in cultural context. N.J.: Scarecrow Press.
Jonas, G. 1992. Dancing: The power of dance around the world. London: BBC Books.
McGregor, C. 1997. Class in Australia. Australia: Penguin.
Poynor, H. and J. Simmonds. eds. 1997. Dancers and communities: A collection of writings about dance as a community art. NSW: Ausdance.
Rickard, J. 1992. Australia: A cultural history. London: Longman.
Whiteoak, J. & A. Scott-Maxwell. eds. 2003. Currency companion to music and dance in Australia. Sydney: Currency Press.

Periodicals:
Ausdance Forum
Brolga

Lecture specific readings available on the Course Materials Database during the semester.

Risk assessment statement

For Assessment 1 each group should provide the Unit Coordinator with an appropriate written Risk Assessment specific to their project prior to conducting the research. The Unit Coordinator should ensure that the student capabilities, equipment, procedures and locations are appropriate for the proposed project and sufficient consideration has been demonstrated in the risk assessment.

The Risk Assessment should document the subject and scale of the project, the location, time of day, equipment, who is involved and their capabilities, what is most likely to go wrong, and risk minimization strategies. Risk assessment is part of professional practice (and will be included in the marking scheme for the unit).

The following risk minimization strategies should be addressed: eliminate where possible, substitute a material or procedure with one less hazardous, ensure ventilation is adequate if relevant, separate a source of hazard from people, ensure you have sufficient training and skill to safely undertake the task, follow any written agreed procedures, use appropriate implements/tools/equipment as trained, and use personal protective equipment as required. Refer to: (http://www.whs.qld.gov.au/advisory/adv027v1.pdf, accessed March 21, 2005).

You shouldimmediately abandon any potentially hazardous activity, and consult with the Unit Coordinator. The Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 states that students are - Required to work as instructed; Use properly what is provided for safety; Not recklessly or willfully injure themselves or others; To report problems to their lecturer or supervisor; Use personal protective equipment as trained (http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/healthsafe/hsrolesresp.jsp#Students, accessed March 21, 2005). The Unit Coordinator should provide sufficient information through the course delivery for students to meet their part of this Health and Safety obligation.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

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: 27-Mar-2013