Spring 2018 - CA 124 D100
Dance Improvisation and Composition (3)
Class Number: 12757
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, Wed, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
GOLDCORP
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Instructor:
Cheryl Prophet
prophet@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Selected dance improvisational skills will be explored in a variety of solo, duet, small group and large group forms through structured movement themes. Emphasis will be on sensory awareness, elements of movement, and composition. Recommended: dance or theatre experience. Students with credit for FPA 124 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
This course introduces students to dance improvisation and dance composition through guided, structured explorations. Improvisation will be used as a means for expanding creative and expressive movement potential, interacting in an improvisational setting with other dancers and for generating material for dance compositions. The basic elements of dance composition will be introduced and assignments will be structured for solo, duo and small groups. Discussions and critical analysis of class improvisations and dance compositions will be an important component of the course. Studio work will be supplemented with selected readings from the two required texts, and short written assignments will be required. Students will be required to attend one professional dance performance and submit a paper that includes an analysis of the choreographic event.
The course content: The course will focus on the following:
1. Exploring a variety of improvisational tasks with the goal of developing and enhancing improvisational skills and as preparation for creating dance compositions.
2. The spontaneous creation and performance of dance through structured improvisations.
3. Exploring the basic elements of dance composition with the goal of acquiring and developing essential choreographic skills.
4. Creating short movement studies in solo, duo and small groups.
5. Critical discourse of improvisations and dance compositions.
6. Short written assignments that critique a choreographic work.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Course objectives Upon completion of the course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate improvisational skills including the ability to make spontaneous movement choices according to the improvisational directives and interact in an improvisational setting with other dancers.
2. Discover new ways of moving and expanding one’s movement palette.
3. Comprehend the principles of dance improvisation as both creative process and as performance.
4. Create dance compositions in solo and duo and group format that demonstrate choreographic skills and artistry.
5. Integrate practical and theoretical material.
6. Engage in analytical and critical discourse in class and in written assignments.
Grading
- Participation 10%
- Demonstrated achievement in dance composition: 4 short movement studies each 10% 40%
- Short written assignments based on in-classwork & readings: 10%
- Observation/analysis of a dance performance. 10%
NOTES:
Journal:
All students are encouraged to keep a journal to record experiential work. Bring it to every class, as regular updating will be essential. You should also be prepared to take notes during class.
Written assignments:
A variety of short written assignments will be given throughout the semester and will draw from in-class work, selected readings from the texts and one observation/analysis paper based on attending and viewing one professional dance performance. You will receive a handout with guidelines and criteria for observing and analyzing choreography.
Attendance/Expectations
Please note the new Dance Area attendance policy for this course. Attendance is mandatory and students are expected to be on time, participate and commit fully in all class work. Missed classes will affect your final grade.
Missed classes:
3 missed classes (10% of total classes) means the highest achievable grade is B-. To earn B- with 3 missed classes, the rest of your course work must be A+ quality.
4 missed classes= highest achievable is C
5 missed classes = highest achievable is D ***In special situations such as injury, illness, family emergencies, documentation may be requested and excusing these absences will be at the discretion of the instructor.
Critical discourse of the improvisational and compositional work is an important part of the creative experience and contributes to your learning. Every student is expected to participate and contribute to the class discussions.
Commitment, risk-taking and motivation are essential. A willingness to try new approaches to creating movement, apply feedback and make appropriate revisions, and the ability to collaborate and interact positively with class members is key to progress and will affect grades.
***Please note assignments may be amended at the instructor’s discretion.
I encourage you to contact me at any point during the semester if questions or concerns arise.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
1. Free Play: The Power of Improvisation in Life and the Arts by Stephen Nachmanovitch
2. The Intimate Act of Choreography by Lynne Blom and L.T Chaplin.
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS