Approved by Faculty Senate March 30, 2009
THAD 115- DANCE APPRECIATION (3 S.H.)
Winona State University Course Syllabus Spring 2008
TR 9:30 a.m.– 10:50 a.m. Phelps Dance Studio
Instructor: Dustyn Martincich
Office :
PAC 250
Hours:
T 11-12, 2-5 p.m., R 11-12, 2-5 p.m., F 9-10 am., 11-12
*Also by appointment
Email: dmartincich@winona.edu
Phone: 507-454-5780
UNIVERSITY STUDIES
This course satisfies the Fine and Performing Arts Core of WSU’s University Studies program. It includes
requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to:
a. Explore the language skills and materials of an artistic discipline;
b. Use methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative processes or interpretive
performances;
c. Understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression;
d. Engage in reflective analysis of their own art work or interpretive performance and respond to the
work of others.
*Course activities and assignments that address these Fine and Performing Arts Requirements will be
identifies in the syllabus by letter (a), (b), (c), (d).
CATALOGUE COURSE DESCRIPTION
Analysis and appreciation of diverse theatrical dance styles and 20th century trends within their cultural,
historical, and theoretical contexts. Emphasis on active learning, teamwork, and kinesthetic involvement as a
basis for response to the dance experience via live performance, video, movement, and writing. Concurrent
registration in THAD 090 required of dance minors unless excused by the department.
*Students will study dance as a participant and observer, discovering elements of movement as an art form, as
entertainment, and as part of life.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1) To develop a foundational understanding of various dance styles and their historical and cultural
significance; discovering the value of dance as an art form in American and “world” cultures. (a), (c)
2) To experience a wide range of dance styles via live performances, video, and class demonstration. (c)
3) To engage is personal exploration of movement, as well as collaborating with others in the creation
process to develop an original piece of movement composition; to be respectful of and supportive
and open to the creative impulses and opinions of other students. (a), (b), (c)
4) To strengthen and develop the student’s role as an audience and observer of dance, with heightened
kinesthetic awareness of the roles and processes of the dancer and choreographer. (a), (b), (d)
5) To articulate intelligent responses to dance forms, written, verbal, and non-verbal, cultivating further
the initial reaction to a performance into a clear, honest, and informed reaction. (a), (b), (d)
COURSE OUTLINE AND STRUCTURE
Material is presented by means of lecture, demonstration, and supplemental resources. A typical class will
incorporate lecture and/or visual elements, as well as discussion, with movement. Solo and group structured
improvisation and creative movement composition are ways of physically exploring concepts and
choreographic ideas in class.
*Physical contact with your fellow students is part of this course. If you have reservations or discomforts
regarding this, please let me know.
I.
II.
III.
What is dance?
a. Exploring movement as means of communication, celebration, entertainment, and purely a
function of life, as well as an art form; discovering the many facets of dance in art and culture.
b. Creating nonverbal interpretations and reactions to movement by understanding qualities of
space, time, energy, and shape, as well as the composition’s relationship to space.
c. Understanding and sharing interpretations of dance through the senses and developing
language to discuss movement through written and verbal reflection and analysis.
d. Discovering many styles of dance; dance as a theatrical art performed on and off a stage
Dance in culture through history
a. Indigenous forms in world dance
b. Folk dance
c. Classical and Contemporary Ballet
d. Evolution of Modern dance
e. Post Modernism and Improvisation
f. Tap, Jazz, Vaudeville and musical theatre
Participation, critical thinking, and response
a. Understanding technical elements of lighting, set, costume, etc. in relationship to dance
b. Relationship between movement and music
c. Choreography project- research, creative process, skill development, aesthetic inquiry
d. “Toward a Process of Critical Response”- building a framework for reflective analysis
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Text: REQUIRED: Ambrosio, Nora. Learning About Dance: Dance as an Art Form and Entertainment, 4th edition.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. This is a performance-based course where much of the work requires
your active participation in class. Attendance and participation means you are in class ON TIME, properly
dressed, and fully engaged in the day’s activities. You are allowed TWO absences before your grade drops.
Every absence after two will lower your attendance grade by FIVE points, thus lowering your TOTAL class
grade. Absences count whether excused OR unexcused, including illness, even with a doctor’s note.
**Students are responsible to notify the instructor via email of an absence and to review class material missed
with peers before the next class. Emails will not be checked from 10 p.m. until 8 a.m. most days.
Tardiness: Each tardy less than 10 minutes equals ½ an absence. If you are more than 10 minutes
late without having notified the instructor in advance, it will be counted as a full absence. **Be sure to check
with the instructor after class if you are late to be sure your attendance was recorded. **If you leave more
than 5 minutes early without notifying the instructor, it will count as a ½ absence.
Active Observation Without Participation: You are responsible for assessing your own state of
health in consultation with your doctor. If you are unable to dance, you may actively observe 2 classes
without participating. This active observation may include notating movement, drawing floor patterns, giving
peer feedback, journaling, etc. The written document should be handed to the instructor after class.
Make-up Classes and Extra Credit: Students are encouraged to notify an instructor if a class is to
be missed. Students are allowed 2 make-up classes. Make up classes and/or extra credit options include: a
dance class at WSU (introduce yourself to the instructor of the class, get their signature, and thank them), an
additional dance performance, lecture, music event, or art gallery, or the Frozen River Film Festival. (Please
check with the instructor to see if an event is appropriate). A short 1-2 page paper discussing the event/class
and how it relates to what we discuss in our class should accompany the ticket/program/ signature from the
event/class. Both the signature and the paper are due one week after the make-up/ extra credit is
attended until April 24th. Each extra credit assignment is worth 1 point toward your final grade. Students
are allowed 3 extra credit points total.
**You should notify me immediately of extenuating scheduling circumstances, pre-existing medical
conditions, or injury suffered in the semester outside of class. If you are not planning on attending class, an
email is greatly appreciated.
Assignments: 1) My Personal Dance History 2) Movement phrase and Q&A session 4) Choreography
Feedback 3) Other misc. assignments given through the semester
Performance Attendance and Response: You are responsible for viewing and/or participating in at least
TWO dance events of TWO different dance styles.
1) Response: Choose one of the two dance experiences on which to write a 2-3 page, thoughtful
response paper. The criteria for this paper will be posted separately. The paper is due the Tuesday
following the performance, along with a ticket and program from the performance and a professional
dance critique (used as a model). *You will lose a point for every DAY it is late
2) Attendance: Turn in the ticket and program of the 2nd performance the Tuesday following the
concert date.
REQUIRED PERFORMANCE: Dancescape 2008, WSU’s PAC mainstage February 14-16th 8p.m.,
Feb. 16th 2 p.m. *If you cannot attend please let the instructor know in writing by Thursday,
January 31st.
SELECTED PERFORMANCE: A second event is your choice. A calendar of performances in the
area and phone numbers for box offices will be posted. If in doubt, please ask the instructor if your dance
event is appropriate.
Project: In groups of 3-5, you will be responsible for a final project incorporating performance, written, and
discursive elements. This project is an out-of-class assignment, but you will have Thursday, March 13th as a
work day.
PROPOSAL: Choose TWO topics (i.e. historical event OR dance work OR choreographer) Propose
each idea in writing, including TWO NON-Internet sources. I will choose one of the two for you to pursue
TOPIC RESEARCH: Describe the historical, political, social, and cultural ideas surrounding this
event/work/person. Also consider other dance forms/events occurring during this time. Theorize why, how,
for whom the dance work was created.
TOPIC PRESENTATION: 1) Prepare a 5 minute CREATIVE oral presentation on your topic, using
audio/visual elements. Include an introduction AND conclusion. 2) Create a 3 minute movement response based
on your findings, either originally composed or re-created from the work itself.
*To-be-handed-in: Bibliography and any visual elements (i.e. program, poster, etc)
*You can sign up for studio space (see the Phelps Studio Guidelines).
*Groups and initial idea proposals are due, in writing, Tuesday, February 26h.
*Informal showings of progress Tuesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 27.
*PROJECTS DUE: April 15th, 17th, and 22nd if necessary
Grading Criteria: All requirements are met, equal group involvement, clarity, creativity, use of class concepts
and vocabulary, performance quality (including risk taking), and innovative production elements.
Final Self and Project Assessment: Using the first-person perspective, describe your experience in the
course and your creative process in your project. Describe rehearsals, how you participated in the group
dynamic, how your group members fulfilled their roles, and rate of success of the project. Finally, how can
you connect your experiences in this class with other aspects of your studies, and in your life?
Due Thursday, April 24th.
Quizzes: There will be 2 quizzes given on the material from class, text, video, and other sources used in class.
Quiz dates will be announced at least one week in advance. They could include any of the following: multiple
choice, fill in the blank, definitions, matching, video ID, or short answer. Quizzes are on Thursday,
February 21st and Tuesday, April 8th.
Final Exam: A written exam is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th, 1-3 p.m.. The exam will draw from
class readings, videos, discussions, and assignments. A review will be provided. Format includes: video ID,
multiple choice, definitions, matching, short answer and essay.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
All work produced by a student must represent that student’s personal effort, unless the instructor specifically
permits or requires that it be done by a group. Papers and other work which a student prepares for class will
contain only the student’s own words or, if the material originated with someone else, will enclose the quoted
words in quotation marks and supply the complete bibliographical information in a footnote or endnote.
Summaries or paraphrases of the words and ideas of other people must also be documents in this fashion.
Work that does not exhibit these characteristics is a form of academic dishonesty known as plagiarism. This
will result in strict sanctions including an automatic F for the course.
WRITING CENTER INFO
Call 457-5505 or email wcenter@winona.edu for appointments and information and visit the Writing Center
website for writing resources and the “Online Tutor” service.
DISABILITY ACCOMODATION
If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact the
instructor as soon as possible.
CLASS ATTIRE AND CONDUCT
As we will be moving in most classes, proper attire must be worn. This includes t-shirts, tanks, comfortable
pants that do NOT touch the floor, capris, or shorts. Clothing should allow you freedom for movement. Soft
dance shoes, socks, or bare feet are acceptable. Little to no jewelry should be worn, and no gum chewing. If
you are not dressed appropriately, you may not be able to participate in class. Another part of participation is
attitude. I encourage you to ask questions and be supportive of other students in the class. If you are absent,
you are responsible for the material you missed. “Participation” includes turning your work in on time,
project participation and assessment, and turning off your cell phones during class.
Grade Breakdown
Attendance/Participation
Assignments
Performance Reflection
Performance Attendance
Project
Quizzes (2)
Final Exam
30%
5%
10%
5%
15%
15%
15%
Self-Assessment
5%
PHELPS STUDIO USE GUIDELINES:
As a member of this class, your name will be sent to WSU security for studio clearance on evenings and
weekends to practice and rehearse projects. Reserve space by signing up on the studio doors (Phelps and PAC
127). Call 457-5555 15 MINUTES BEFORE your time slot to unlock your doors. When you call, give your
name, this class information, and your scheduled rehearsal time.
WSU THAD Phelps Studio Space USER AGREEMENT
1. Please keep the volume on the stereo LOW and doors shut while the space is in use. Do not exceed
the volume level marked on the volume control, and do a sound check to assure that your source is
kept at a low playing volume. Please keep the “loudness” button in the “off” position at all times.
There is a live animal research lab above the studio, and excessive sound destroys the data.
2. Please- no street shoes on the dance floor.
3. Please keep the space cleaner than your found it. Use waste receptacles, mops, and brooms as needed.
4. Please turn the stereo and lights off before you leave.
5. Please LOCK THE DOORS before you leave to keep equipment safe.
*When you sign up and reserve studio space, you are responsible for abiding by this User Agreement. Thank
you and enjoy the space.
COURSE SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Blom, Lynne Anne and Chaplin, L. Tarin. The Moment of Movement: Dance Improvisation. Pittsburgh: University of
Pittsburgh Press, 1988.
Brown, Jean Morrison, ed. The Vision of Modern Dance. Princeton: Princeton Book Company, 1979.
Buckland, Theresa Jill. Dancing from Past to Present: Nation, Culture, Identities. Madison: The University of
Wisconsin Press, 2006.
Cohen, Selma Jeanne, ed. Dance as a Theatre Art. New York: Harper and Row, 1974.
Copeland, Roger and Cohen, Marshall, eds. What is a Dance? Readings in Theory and Criticism. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 1983.
Emery, Lynne Fauley. Black Dance in the United States from 1619 to 1970. Palo Alto, CA: National Press Books,
1972.
Foster, Susan Leigh. Reading Dancing: Bodies and Subjects in Contemporary American Dance. Berkeley, CA:
University of California Press, 1986.
Hanna, Judith Lynne. The Performer- Audience Connection. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1983.
Jonas, Gerald. Dance: The Pleasure, Power and Art of Movements. New York: Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1998.
Kerner, Mary. Barefoot to Balanchine: How to Watch Dance. New York: Anchor Books, 1991.
Nadel, Howard Myron and Miller, Constance Nadel eds. The Dance Experience: Readings in Dance Appreciation.
New York: Praeger Publishers, 1970.
Newlove, Jean. Laban for Actors and Dancers. New York: Routledge, 1993.
Steinberg, Cobbett ed. The Dance Anthology. New York: New American Library, 1980.
Class Calendar/Assignment Breakdown
**This is a tentative outline of the semester. All things are subject to change. You will be notified in advance
of any alterations to this schedule. I give you the schedule so that you may add the necessary assignments as
they come.
**READINGS ARE DUE THE DAY THEY ARE LISTED!!
T Jan. 15
Th Jan. 17
T Jan. 22
Th Jan. 24
T Jan. 29
Th Jan. 31
Introduction, Syllabi
Read: Text pp. 3-16; Due: Survey
Read: Text pp. 35-41; Due: My Personal Dance History
Read: Text pp. 19-33
Read: Text pp. 43-46
DUE: Movement phrase – Group I
Article: “Toward a Process for Critical Response”
DUE: Written excuse for missing Dancescape
T Feb. 5
DUE: Movement phrase – Group II
Th Feb. 7
DUE: Movement phrase; Read: Text pp. 145-157
T Feb. 12
NO CLASS
Th Feb. 14
Read: Text pp. 107-115: Due: Choreographic Feedback
*Dancescape Feb. 14-16 7:30 p.m. , Feb. 16, 2 p.m.
T Feb. 19
Th Feb. 21
QUIZ #1
T Feb. 26
DUE: Project Proposal; Read: Text pp. 135-141
Th Feb. 28
March 4, 6
SPRING BREAK
T Mar. 11
Read: Text pp. 49-65
Th Mar. 13
In- Class Project Work Day
T Mar. 18
Th Mar. 20
Read: Text pp. 67-99
T Mar. 25
DUE: Informal Showing of Projects
Th Mar. 27
DUE: Informal Showing of Projects; Read: Text pp. 101-106
T Apr. 1
Th Apr. 3
Read: Text pp. 117-133
T Apr. 8
QUIZ #2
Th Apr. 10
*WSU Spring Senior Concert Apr. 11-13
T Apr. 15
DUE: Performance Projects Due
Th Apr. 17
DUE: Performance Projects Due; Last Day for Make-Up
T Apr. 22
DUE: Performance Projects
Th Apr. 24
DUE: Self/Project-Assessment; Review
**Final Exam is held Wednesday, April 30th from 1-3 p.m.. Location TBA.