Dance Appreciation Online

Course Number: 07:203:131
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

Dance Appreciation Online is an introduction to dance as an art form, wherein students study the historical, cultural, social and performative contexts of diverse dance forms. Students engage with aesthetic, theoretical, and scholarly discourses aimed at illuminating how dance functions as a form of communication and personal, aesthetic expression. In addition, students explore the ways in which dance both reflects and comments upon contemporary society. Students develop fundamental dance literacy through critical analysis of dance in live and recorded formats; identify aesthetic concepts and ideas through written and visual media; demonstrate comprehension in their utilization of dance vocabulary and terminology; discuss influential choreographers and genres of dance; and articulate critical conclusions about the reciprocal relationship between dance, the arts and societal concerns.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course
Course Learning Objectives:

• To develop the ability to perceive, analyze, describe, discuss, and understand dance as an art form across cultures and forms.
• To identify and discuss the social, cultural, and historical contexts of diverse dance forms.
• To define and describe the elements of dance composition.
• To demonstrate knowledge of influential choreographers and eras of dance.
• To articulate dance terminology and aesthetic concepts through both written and kinesthetic formats.
• To refine critical analytical skills through viewing dance in live and recorded formats and presenting ideas in written and visual media.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading

Course Lecture Content: You must prepare the online lecture content for every course. This is your means of "attending" the course and your best opportunity for achieving the course learning goals.

Reading: Moderate - In order to complete the assessment components of the course, including threaded discussions, writing assignments, exams and the final project, you need to complete all assigned readings each week.

Videos: Heavy - Material from the videos will be included in the exams. It is essential that you watch all videos from start to finish, for exam content and for ideas for building your final project. You will not be able to successfully complete this course if you do not complete all video viewing.

Assignments and activities for the course (1000 points). For each assignment, check the Rubric in your ASSIGNMENT DUE DATES & RUBRICS Module for detailed grading criteria.

• “I Understand” Quiz: Checks understanding of course logistics and expectations. Details in course content. (40 points)
• "Your Move" (Introduction): You get 30 points for introducing yourself to the class!
• "Your Move" (Threaded Discussions): There are 3 "Your Move" discussion assignments. (30 points each)
• Quick Quizzes: There are 4 quick quizzes to check for content knowledge. (50 points each)
• Dance Video Analysis: There are 2 dance video analysis assignments. (The first is worth 50 points; the second is worth 100 points.)
• Cultural Response Assignments: There are 2 cultural response assignments. (100 points each)
• Respondus Set Up for Exam 1 (30 points)
• Exams: 2 Multiple Choice Exams (130 points each)

Instructors: Darrah Carr, dacarr@mgsa.rutgers.edu; Kathleen Flynn Gavin, katfly@mgsa.rutgers.edu; Stephen O'Connell, soconnell@mgsa.rutgers.edu

History of Broadway Dance Online

Course Number: 07:203:132
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

Explores the evolution of dance in musical theater and on Broadway. Course topics will include a historical survey of dance on Broadway; an examination of the reciprocal relationship of Broadway dance to economic and cultural change; and a close look at the power structure and organization of Broadway musicals. The evolution of Broadway dance steps and styles and the contribution of notable dancers will be examined.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Organize Broadway dance and musical theatre on a timeline of relevant historical and economic issues.
• Compare Broadway dances across decades to understand the evolution of Broadway dance through history.
• Understand the reciprocal relationship of culture and the arts, specifically culture and dance.
• Recognize notable Broadway choreographers and be able to evaluate each choreographer’s specific contributions to Broadway dance and musical theatre history.
• Analyze Broadway dance choreography to differentiate historical, cultural and artistic components.
• View, evaluate and critique Broadway dance using formalistic/artistic properties and from the perspective of an informed audience.
• Articulate written evaluations and critiques of Broadway dance using domain specific language.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading

Assignments (Total of 900 points):

• “I Understand” Word Doc Submission – 40 points
• Class Discussion (5) – 150 points (30 points each)
• Journal Entries (3) – 90 points (30 points each)
• Dance Video Analysis - Form (2) – 80 points (40 per assignment)
• Broadway Dance Video Analysis (3) – 150 points (50 per assignment)
• Written Responses (6) – 240 (40 points each)
• Includes 2 "Get Up and Dance" options to replace Written Responses.
• Peer Review of Final Presentation – 30 points
• Broadway Analysis Presentation - Rough Draft - 20 points
• Broadway Analysis Final Presentation – 100 points

Instructor: Andrew Greenspan, ag1224@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Dance in Istanbul Online

Course Number: 07:203:133
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

An overview of dance in Istanbul from the 16th century to the present including the implications of modernity, gender, state, and religion on dance forms, with a brief summary of debates regarding the dancing body in Turkish Islamic culture. Belly dance will be explored using different points of view within the contexts of Orientalism, feminism, and exoticism. Dances in religious rituals and sacred ceremonies of the present day will be examined through text and video.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, the student should be able:

• To develop an understanding of the relationships between dance and history, dance, and society.
• To apply concepts of sociology and the social sciences to dance.
• To give attention to the discursive articulations that embody every dance practice.
• To improve awareness of the cognitive and intellectual discourse of dance, including the understanding between choreographers, dancers, and audiences.
• To learn perceptions of dancing in Turkish-Islamic culture.
• To understand the role of gender in dancer identity and dance forms in the classical age of the Ottoman Empire.
• To appreciate the role of dance in the rituals of Sunni, Mevlevis, and the ceremonies of Shia Alevis.
• To analyze belly dance in relation to the concepts of gender, Orientalism, and exoticism.
• To understand the ramifications of the concept of ‘modernity’ behind the introduction of Western dance forms to Turkey.
• To evaluate the main influences of democracy and civil society behind the motives for the development of the contemporary dance scene in Istanbul.

CORE Curriculum Learning Goals met by this Course: (AH o and p)

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading

Grading is based on the assignments:

• Midterm - 12.5%
• Compare and contrast essay - 10%
• Final project - 20%
• Writing assignments - 31.5%
• Discussion board - 23%
• I understand quiz 2%

Instructor: Ayrin Ersoz, ae206@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Dance Forms of Africa Online

Course Number: 07:203:135
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

Explores dance forms from different cultures in different blocks on the African continent. Through readings, viewings, and engagement with movement, students use skills of observation, movement learning, and contextual and comparative analysis, focusing on the social, cultural, religious, and political significance of African dance forms. Types and functions of traditional African dances, contexts of performance, and their unique characteristics will also be explored.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course: The purpose of this course is to develop awareness, understanding and appreciation of African dance forms to include their histories, socio-cultural functions, and cultural meanings. The primary focus is to offer students an opportunity to gain knowledge about African dance cultures by providing a lens for understanding social/cultural values, norms, and beliefs, as we consider how these elements are reflected in the dances of various African tribal groups. Through readings, viewings, and engagement with dance, students will develop the awareness that one has a view of the world that is not universally shared.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, the student should be able to:

• Understand the close relationship between African music and dance, and how that shapes African dance performances.
• Develop awareness that one has a view of the world that is not universally shared. Demonstrate an understanding of how dance contributes to ‘community building’ and the maintenance of African traditions and culture.
• Discuss how African dances are shaped by the history, cultural and social values, and beliefs of the people. Discuss how a person’s socio-cultural location is related to aesthetic preferences and movement choices.
• Critically evaluate African dance forms on the basis of their peculiar characteristics and from the perspective of an informed audience.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading

Course Assignments:

• Analysis Paper: Students will be required to write a two-page analysis paper based on specific reading assignments. Instructions /guidelines for this paper will be provided.
• Midterm Research Project: Students will conduct research on a festival from the African country they choose to be identified with at the beginning of the semester, and present their findings in a blog.
• Synthesis Paper: Students will write a three-page synthesis paper based on readings, viewings, and class discussions. Instructions /guidelines for this paper will be provided.
• Research Project: This project is a ‘salad bowl.’ Students will be drawing from assignments two and three, as well as conduct a little research to ‘garnish’ the project. Prompts will be provided, and project will be presented in a blog.
• Weekly Discussions: Weekly readings will be assigned in each unit, and students will respond to specific prompts from the instructor. These responses will serve as the basis for our weekly class discussions.

Course Grading:

• Analysis Paper -10%
• Midterm Research Project - 20%
• Synthesis Paper -12%
• Final Research Project - 25%
• Student Journal Entries - 11%
• Weekly Discussion board - 22%.

Instructor: Beatrice T. Ayi, ba253@mgsa.rutgers.edu

Dance in India Online

Course Number: 07:203:136
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

Covers a wide range of forms practiced in India in the 20th and 21st century, including folk dances, classical dance styles, contemporary choreography, and film dances, among others. Also looks beyond India, into the diaspora and global contexts in which Indian dance forms are practiced. Methods include analysis of readings, video documentaries, dance films, and interviews, as well as concept mapping. Practical engagement with movement material and aesthetic principles included.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:The goal of this course is to critically introduce students to a wide variety of dance forms coexisting in India today, through analysis of readings, videos (dance, documentaries and interviews) and some practical engagement. The students should gain the ability to distinguish and critically discuss select dance forms from India in terms of the categorizations of dance genres/forms and an understanding of the interconnections of historical, dance historical and aesthetic developments as well as questions of cultural identity. Further, students shall become attentive to migrations and trans- and intercultural entanglements in the context of dance in India, i.e. the ways in which the dances, dance forms, aesthetic influences and contents can move to different geographical areas, different contexts, different populations and thereby change and attain new meanings.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, the student should be able to:

• Identify and distinguish select dance forms from the subcontinent in relation to categorizations such as traditional, classical, folk, tribal, contemporary, modern, and film dance, as well as name important exponents or choreographers of specific forms, where applicable.
• Articulate a critical working knowledge of the categories traditional, classical, folk, modern, contemporary, and film dance.
  Recognize and communicate basic aesthetic elements and principles of classical Indian dance (relating to rhythm, storytelling, and ‘expression’).
• Discuss and analyze selected creative and choreographic approaches to modern and contemporary Indian dance, using thick description and basic methods of choreographic analysis
• Critically analyze and articulate selected Indian dance forms in relation to questions of history (e.g. colonialism) and cultural identity.
• Formulate and express distinctions in select dance forms from the subcontinent in the context of migrations (e.g.: classical dance in the diaspora, Bhangra in UK, Bollywood live dance across the world, the dance of the Sidi-Goma in India)
• Communicate competent analysis of written materials and documentaries/interviews in relation to dance, as well as video-recordings of dances.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading: Grading is based on assignments, a midterm, and a long final essay.

Final Grade Calculation

• 67.5% Assignments (keywords, blog/journal, practical, dance analyses)
• 12.5% Midterm
• 20% Final

Instructor: Sandra Chatterjee, schatterjee@mgsa.rutgers.edu

History and Theory of Integrated Dance Online

Course Number: 07:206:370
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

The History and Theory of Integrated Dance offers a thorough investigation of the development of the integrated dance culture within the U.S. and internationally. The course traces the origins of disability dance back to the disability rights movement and the subsequent emergence of educational, recreational, and artistic opportunities for disabled populations. A theoretical understanding of integrated dance is developed through examining various models of disability and how they have developed historically and, specifically, how these models apply to education, physical recreation, and dance, in particular. The course investigates how perceptions of disability either challenge or reinforce ideas of ‘normalized’ bodies and how a dancing body might look. We explore the possibility that integrated dance creates its own theory. A broad understanding of diversity informs a "universal design" approach to developing both teaching and choreography that is inclusive, responsive, and ethical for dancers of all abilities.

For non-credit version, register here: https://go.rutgers.edu/noncreditdanceonline

Registration opens Tuesday, January 10, 2023

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None
Learning Goals of Course

Through this course, students will:

• Examine how integrated dance has emerged out of a particular socio-political environment and a bio-politics.
• Examine their own understandings and experience of disability by developing an awareness of disability culture and its progressive models.
• Discuss the history of integrated dance, both in the U.S. and internationally, as an expression of difference and identity politics in dance terms.
• Explore strategies and principles that support diversity, inclusion, equity, and access, and how they can be integrated into teaching and planning choreographic projects.
• Explore teaching and choreographic processes that are inclusive and informed by the principle of universal design and, by doing so, develop an understanding of how to relate to and work with a range of abilities/disabilities by accommodating dancers with diverse needs.
• Develop a model teaching seminar that exhibits a synthesized understanding of integrated dance within a range of selected topics

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Understand and articulate a variety of perspectives on the politics of difference and identity politics.
  Articulate their own understandings and experiences of disability through increased clarity on disability culture and its progressive models,
• Use national and international integrated dance to exemplify an expressive culture that articulates the politics of difference and identity in dance terms
• Demonstrate how disability dance culture expands reductive theories and practices to develop dance artists and teachers who value diversity, inclusion, equity and access.
• Articulate how dance classes and dance choreography value artists with disabilities by incorporating strategies and principles that accommodate diversity.
• Demonstrate synthesized knowledge on integrated dance in a range of selected topics using pedagogical skills appropriate for a selected disabled population

Instructor: Suzanne Cowan, sc2296@rutgers.edu

Dance History: World Survey Online

Course Number: 07:206:431
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

In order to understand the history of dance, we must first ask–why do we dance? While dancing is a universal human activity, it does not play the same role in every culture. 07:206:431 examines the many functions of dance around the world and throughout history. The independent, triangular relationship between a given dance’s function, form and context will be revealed through an analysis of original source readings and selected videos. Weekly discussion board posting and blog entries will provide opportunity for reflection on the broad range of concerts that affect dance’s place and purpose in different societies.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course:

Course Goals
Through this course students will:

• Broaden their knowledge of the distinct historical formations of dance practices across various continental areas;
• Comprehend vital terminology associated with these different dance forms.

Learning Objectives
This course aims for students to:

• Openly discuss and engage in questions about dance tradition, as a form of historical innovation, with a set of aesthetic roots in social environment.
• Think collaboratively in outlining the regional contexts assigned to dance styles, and in considering how these forms have circulated outside their continental territory.
• Write analytically about how particular dance forms have emerged out of historical processes, or have continued to transform alongside the restrictions or possibilities of social dynamics.
• Work methodically toward completing a well-written grant proposal in the arts and humanities.

Learning Outcomes
As a result of participating in this course, students will:

• Examine how dance forms emerge from specific relationships with land, and/or through the terms of colonial histories.
• Build the capacity to link dance performance to social dynamics rooted in ceremony, ritual, and communal practices.
• Develop awareness of how dance styles have formed in ways that bolster the construction of individual and collective identities.
• Thoroughly comprehend how social categories such as gender, sexuality, and race have historically influenced the making of dance forms.
• Think critically about how dance practices emerge within and outside the territorial fixations of continent, country, and/or nation.
• Effectively write and orally present on goals and objectives of their grant writing proposal.

Instructor: Alessandra Lebea Williams, alessandra.williams@rutgers.edu

Dance History: 1900 to the Present Online

Course Number: 07:206:432
Course Format: Lecture
Mode of Instruction: Online Asynchronous

This course provides an overview of the development of ballet, modern, and contemporary dance practice throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Original source readings will describe the dance field’s major figures and movement theories, while videos will introduce the work of selected choreographers. The interdependent relationship between dance and society will be revealed through the analysis of dance works within their social, cultural, historical, and political contexts. Reading, video, and movement discussion board postings and Blog presentations will provide opportunity for reflection on the broad range of concerns that inform an individual choreographer’s work. There will be six quizzes and students will write two long essays.

3 credits

Course Prerequisites and Corequisites: None

Learning Goals of Course

Course Goals
Through this course, students will examine:

• 21st-Century Challenges
  • Analyze the degree to which forms of human difference shape a person’s experiences of and perspectives on the world.
• Social Science and History
  • Understand the bases & development of human and societal endeavors across time and place.
  • Identify and critically assess ethical issues in social science and history.
• Historical Analysis
  • Explain the development of some aspect of a society or culture over time, including the history of ideas.
• Arts and the Humanities
  • Examine critically philosophical and other theoretical issues concerning the nature of reality, human experience, knowledge, value and/or cultural production.
  • Analyze arts and/or literatures in themselves and in relation to specific histories, values languages, cultures, and technologies.Engage critically in the process of creative expression.

Course Objectives
Through the successful completion of this course, students will be able:

• To describe, comprehend, and analyze historical movements and philosophical ideas in the development of modern and contemporary dance practice throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
• To critically analyze writings about, as well as dance works and practices drawn from, a wide variety of choreographers.
• To be knowledgeable of specific dance genres and the appropriate dance terminology used to describe them.
• To view and then be able to critique diverse dance works with effective writing skills.
• To conduct research using multiple information sources. To integrate sources effectively & ethically using proper citation.
• To place practice in social and historical context.

Policies for Exams, Assignments, Attendance, and Grading

• Grading Policies/Course Requirements: Incomplete assignments average into the summative grade as a zero. BFA Dance Majors may also be placed on artistic probation for receiving a grade of C or less in a Dance Department course required for completion of their degree.
• Requirements:
  • Reading/Viewing Responses and Discussion Posts (9 x 4 points each) 36 points
  • Office Hour Meeting with Instructor, 3 points
  • Preliminary Video Submission, 6 points
    • Peer Response, 6 points
  • Analysis Paper
    • Peer Review of Analysis Paper, 2 points
    • Analysis Paper, 10 points
  • Making Dance History Accessible Symposium
    • Peer Review of Final Blog, 2 points
    • Final Blog, 19 points
    • Rough-cut Social Media Video, 2 points
    • Final Video, 10 points
  • Final Evaluation, 4 points
  • Total Points: 100 points

Instructor: Darrah Carr, dacarr@mgsa.rutgers.edu