Fullerton College Spring 2007
Multicultural Dance in the U.S. Today
DANCE 210 F – CRN # 23278
TH 8:30 – 9:50am
Melanie Kay Rosa
Office: 1211-09
Office Hours: Monday 1:30 – 3:00pm & Thursday 1:00 – 4pm
Phone: 714-992-7000 Ext. # 26298
Mailbox: Physical Education Office
Email: mrosa@fullcoll.edu
Course Description: Social and theatrical dances of the U.S. will be viewed and examined in terms of
cultural influences, historical and social origins, and the functions they fulfill for individual artists, their
cultures, and society in general. African American, Asian, Hispanic, European and Native American
dances, choreographers, and dancers will be studied. The class work will include reading, discussions,
group projects, and analysis of dance performances on video and live theatre. Attendance at a selected
group of performances is required. Cost of dance concert admission will not exceed $30.00.
Optional/Recommended:
Jonas, Gerald. Dancing The Pleasure Power and Art of Movement.
New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1992
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to do the following:
1.
Understand that all cultures have their own rules about dance.
2.
Examine the dances of various societies and recognize their similarities and
differences.
3.
Explore and identify your own ideas about dance.
4.
Compare and contrast how dance is used as a form of artistic self expression,
communication, education and entertainment in various U.S. cultures.
5.
Describe the historical and social context from which dances of different U.S.
cultures are derived.
6.
Describe the influences societal issues have had on dance in the U.S.
7.
Compare and contrast both live and video dance performances of different styles
and analyze the characteristics, set design, lighting design and costume
concepts.
Class Assignments:
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
In-class group projects
Attend The Fullerton College Faculty Dance Concert
Concert Dates: Friday May 18, 2007 and May 19, 2007
Written critique of The Fullerton College Faculty Dance Concert
Oral History / Interview
Research Paper
Presentation of Research
Written assignments:
Written assignments are to be typewritten, double-spaced, with one-inch margins, using 12 point font. The
heading should include your name, the class in which you are enrolled, and the date.
Grading Policy:
1.
Grading Policy – 400 points
a. Participation:
50 points
-2 absences allowed, after that grade is dropped by 5 points for each additional absence.
b. Dance Critique – Live Dance Concert
50 points
- The critique should be a minimum of four pages, typewritten, double spaced report of
The Fullerton College Faculty Dance Concert (See concert dates below). The critique
should include a discussion on the dance movement, originality of production, musical
accompaniment, costumes, stage setting, lighting design, the dancer’s technical ability,
the choreographer’s use of time space and energy, and a personal comment reflecting
what did or did not work for you, the viewer.
Concert Dates: Friday May 18, 2007 and May 19, 2007
*****Note: You are only required to attend 1 night.
Due: May 21, 2007 – no exceptions
c. Mid-Term
50 points
Date: March 8, 2007
No Make-up exam given
d. Oral History / Interview
50 points
Due: February 13, 2007
(50 % deduction taken off points if late – no exceptions)
e. Final Paper – Dance Research
75 points
Due: April 17, 2007
(50 % deduction taken off points if late – no exceptions)
f. Presentation of Dance Research
50 points
Due: April 26, May 1, 3, 8, 10
g. Final Exam
75 points
Date: Look at Final Schedule
No make-up exam given
_________
Total ---400 points
Total Points:
400 – 360
359-320
319-280
279-240
239 and below
A
B
C
D
F
Extra Credit Options: (Due Date: May 21, 2006)
- Maximum of fifteen points may be earned
A. Participate in a master class at Fullerton College
5 points
B. Attend a dance concert and write a 2 page critique, this is in addition to
critique required for the class.
5 points
(Ticket stub from the event must be attached to the critique)
C. Dance Component for Dance Research Presentation
15 points possible
ADA Statement:
Fullerton College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with
disabilities upon request of the student (in a timely fashion) and upon verification of disability. If
you require special services, it is your responsibility to alert your instructors. Please see me, after
class or during my office hours to discuss possible arrangements.
Classroom Environment:
Because you are not required to be here, I expect that all of you in this class are adults who
want to learn in a respectful manner. It is imperative that you give your full attention to classroom
sessions. Part of giving full attention to class meetings involves not disruptively socializing during
class. If disruptive socializing in the form of talking or other offensive behavior should occur, the
following process will be automatically initiated:
1. Individual students will be verbally warned
2. If subsequent verbal warnings are necessary, participation points will be deducted for
that class meeting (2 points per episode – not day)
3. If the disruptive behavior continues, the students or students will be excused from the
class to meet with the appropriate Fullerton College officials.
4.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism Policy:
Do not intentionally or unintentionally passing off others’ work as your own. If you decide
to incorporate another’s idea, you MUST cite the source in your paper. If a student cheats on any
course work material that involves evaluation for course credit, that student will be reported to
appropriate Fullerton College officials, will fail the assignment and may even fail the course itself.
Cheating belittles the perpetrator, the other class members who are putting in the effort to learn, the
integrity of the course, and the instructor as well. Don’t risk it—it’s not worth it. If you are feeling
overwhelmed, please do not hesitate to talk to me!!! (For more information on the Academic Honesty
Policy please refer to the Fullerton College Catalog)
Emergency Response Message:
Please take note of the safety features in and close to our classroom, as well as study the
posted evacuation route. The most direct route of egress may not be the safest because of existence of
roofing tiles or other potentially hazardous conditions. Similarly, running out of the building can
also be dangerous during earthquakes. During strong quakes, the recommended response is to duckcover-and hold until the shaking stops. Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the
possibility of injury to you and others.