CSU-Sacramento Spring 2012
Department of Theatre and Dance
DNCE 131: DANCE CULTURES IN AMERICA
Professor Philip Flickinger
Office: SHS 257
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 10:30-12:00 or
by appointment
Phone: 916-278-7033
Email: [email protected]
Spring 2012
3 Units
Monday/Wednesday 9:00 - 10:15 PM
Classroom: Library 3021
REQUIRED TEXTS
1. Moving History/Dancing Cultures: A Dance History Reader, edited by Ann Dils & Ann Cooper Albright, Available at
CSUS Bookstore
2. Reader, available at Simply Brilliant Press, 925 Howe Avenue, 916-641-5535
3. Additional Handouts provided by instructor
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
A survey course in the appreciation, understanding, and practice of American dance forms, with an emphasis on the
relationship of dance to the identity and expression of different cultural groups in the United States. Cultural dance
forms, jazz, modern, ballet and social dance, from a multicultural perspective, will be the focus of the class.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course explores American dance forms, and how dance reflects and impacts the American body from personal,
familial, economic, social and political perspectives. A survey of dance forms, styles and practices will be explored via
reading, video, discussion and practice. This course will help students to challenge their perceptions of dance, to
develop critical and analytical skills in ‘reading’ dance and understanding the rich role that dance has played in the
development of American culture. In addition to lectures, research presentations and viewing of live dance
performances, this course also includes the frequent use of films, videos and group discussions.
OBJECTIVES
To perceive, experience and develop an understanding of the influence of dance on American culture.
To perceive, experience and develop an understanding of the influence of American culture on the evolution of dance.
To recognize and identify various dance traditions which exist in American culture, past and present.
To develop critical and analytical abilities that will help students appreciate dance in various cultures in America and
abroad.
REQUIREMENTS
1. CLASS DISCUSSION AND PARTICIPATION
70 points
40 of the 70 points are based on the student’s class attendance, ability to assimilate information, level of motivation in
group discussions and projects, and by class discussion participation.
Three dance days are included in this course. Each dance day is worth 10 points totaling 30 of the 70 points for
participation.
2. PERSONAL ESSAY
50 points
Personal Essay Writing Guidelines will be discussed in class and are included in Course Supplement.
DUE: February 8th
3. QUIZZES (3)
100 points each/300 points total
There will be three quizzes created from lectures, readings, discussions and videos. Quizzes will include video
identification and multiple choice, as well as an accompanying take home essay assignment. Material will be reviewed
before each quiz. Quizzes will take place at the beginning of the class days assigned in the class section calendars.
Quiz 1: February 20 //Take Home Essay: February 22
Quiz 2: March 26 //Take Home Essay March 28
Quiz 3: April 23 //Take Home Essay April 25
**QUIZZES WILL REQUIRE THE USE OF A SCANRTRON #888E**
4. TWO DANCE CONCERT ATTENDANCE/RESPONSE:
40 points each/80 total
Attend required concerts and submit each response written in Three Questions and Three Observations format (3/3)
outlined. This course emphasizes the experience of live dance performance. You are required to attend the following
two CSUS dance concerts/performances:
CSU-Sacramento Spring 2012
Department of Theatre and Dance
Concert Attendance and Writing Guidelines For 3 Questions/3 Observationʼs Response
For each concert, you must electronically submit a three (3) page, 3 Questions/3 Observations response, typed, and
on submit in person in a ticket stub stapled to a program.
The deadlines for the concert responses are the Wednesday after the final performance (if the concert is a one night
show and falls on a Monday or Tuesday, please submit your response the following Wednesday, not that same week).
NO LATE RESPONSES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
3 Questions/3 Observations Assignment Guidelines:
Must be formally written and typed, using 12pt font single-spaced using the following the three-page format. The
assignment must be submitted electronically via Sac CT, do not EMAIL the paper. The program and ticket must be
stapled together with your name on both the program and ticket, and submitted to the instructor. An example of this type
of response can be found on Sac CT.
Page One (2 points):
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LIST:
Studentʼs Name and Date
DNCE 131MW: Dance Cultures, Professor Flickinger
PARAGRAPH FORM:
Performance title
Attendance date
Name of company (such as California State University, Sacramento, Department of Theatre and Dance or Sacramento
Ballet)
Location (Describe where this concert took place: a theater, a studio, an art gallery, other?)
Was this an evening length work, or was the concert comprised of several shorter works? Was there an intermission?
Please list the Choreographer(s), Composers (s), Name of individual pieces only as they are relevant to the introduction
to the response. For group shows it is not necessary to list all choreographers, performers, composers, or individual
pieces.
Brief one to two page impression of the concert. Avoid using “like” and “favorite” in this impression.
Page Two (9 points total/3 points each question):
Formulate three (3) thoughtful questions about the concert viewed. Each question must be followed by one
paragraph/100 word (minimum) answer/response with a central thesis answer and supporting ideas.
Page Three (9 points total/3 points each observation):
Formulate three (3) thoughtful observations about the concert viewed. Each observation must be followed by oneparagraph/100 words (minimum) explaining your observation again with a central thesis and supporting thoughts.
Language Rules:
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No writing from first person (for example: “I thought”, “I liked”, “In my opinion”, etc.).
No contractions as they are not a formal writing tool.
All titles must be designated with Italics, Quotes, or Underlined.
Cannot use the following words: “really”, “like”, “just”, “free”, “emotion(s)”
Ideas to consider while watching a concert and creating your 3 Questions/3 Observations:
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Describe Movement: What did you actually see? Describe your experience watching the movement.
What moments impacted you the most?
What images/moments remain with you in the days after the performance?
What are the major cultural influences of these works?
Where do you see those influences in the actual dances (movement, costumes, musical choices)?
What genres do they fit into (modern, ballet, jazz, traditional, etc.)?
What are the relationships between the dances and the audience? Is there a tangible exchange?
How does your relationship between audience and performer affect your viewing of the dances?
How do the pieces affect you personally?
Compare and contrast the dances.
Consider the choreographic elements: space and overall design, time, rhythm (relationship to music may be embedded in this
element), use of movement qualities and dynamics, and production elements (lights, costumes, props/set, music).
View the work analytically. How do you ʻreadʼ this work?
Consider title. Is there a theme, a narrative, how is metaphor used?
HELPFUL HINTS:
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Form: Remember to emphasize titles of performances, songs, and dances. Quotation marks, italics, and/or underlining are
appropriate. Be consistent!
Vocabulary: Dance “concert” or “event” works better than dance “recital.” When referring to dance in most cases, use “work” or “piece”
instead of “number,” “act,” or “scene.”
CSU-Sacramento Spring 2012
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Department of Theatre and Dance
Plot Driven Performances: If the dance is in the context of a musical, “number” or “song” may work just fine. Avoid heavy plot synopsis.
Concentrate on the dance/movement.
Language/Tone: Avoid informal language, especially in the use of contractions. Only if you have a very specific reason for the use of
informal language in relation to tone or mood of what you are writing can it be accepted.
Remember that this is an academic exercise. Be specific. Avoid general descriptors such as “good/bad,” “interesting/boring,” and
“fun/dull.” Use creative and descriptive language.
Refer to Student Tutorial on how not to plagiarize: http://library.csus.edu/content2.asp?pageID=353
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. At CSUS plagiarism is the use of distinctive ideas or works belonging to another person without
providing adequate acknowledgement of that personʼs contribution. See CSUS Academic Honesty: Policy and Procedures. It is
important to note that whether the original material is online, in print, or from a multimedia source, appropriate credit must be given.
Please do not hesitate to contact instructor regarding paper requirements/policies
California State University, Sacramento, Department of Theatre and Dance Spring 2012
Performances
Attendance of 2 of these 4 CSU, Sacramento, Department of Theatre and Dance Performance options is
MANDATORY. To substitute any performance outside this list, the student must email the instructor at
[email protected] and request the substitution. The email confirmation of an accepted substitution must
be included within the studentʼs journal for verification of approved alternative concert. All 3/3 responses must be
included in studentʼs 3 ring binder journals.
There is a 10 points extra credit opportunity for additional concert attendance. Please confirm all extra credit with Instructor via email.
Please hand in only the ticket, program, page one from the 3/3 assignment guidelines, and the email that approves the extra credit (do
not write a full 3/3 response for extra credit assignments).
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1.
Sacramento Black Art of Dance, 20 Anniversary Season!
February 16-26, CSUS Dance Space Solano 1010 (DUE DATE: February 29)
2.
Zoot Suit
April 6-22, CSUS University Theater, Shasta Hall (DUE DATE: April 25)
3.
Sacramento Dance Sampler
April 19-21, CSUS Dance Space Solano 1010 (DUE DATE: April 25)
4.
Senior Dance Concert 2012
Choreography by Graduating CSUS Students
May 2-6: Wednesday May 2/Thursday May 3 at 6:30pm; Friday May 4/Saturday May 5 at 8pm; and Sunday May 6 at
2pm, CSUS Dance Space Solano 1010 (DUE DATE: May 9)
Sacramento Based Dance Companies, please check their websites for upcoming performances:
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Sacramento Ballet http://www.sacballet.org
Red Bucket Dance Theatre http://www.redbucketdancetheatre.org/
CORE Dance Collective http://www.coredancecollective.org/
Hatch/Dance Works in Progress at the Crocker Art Museum
March 22 at 6:30pm $8.00 covers performance and entry to museum for this Art Mix night!
EXTRA CREDIT ONLY OPPORTUNITY: U-NIGHT-Crocker Art Museum
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April 12 from 5:00pm-9:00pm Free for CSU Sacramento Community with ID
Kick Off Event for CSUS -Festival of the Arts
Other Venues to research for additional concerts:
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Mondavi Center at UC Davis http://www.mondaviarts.org/
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February 9 at 8:00pm Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
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March 17 at 7:00pm and March 18 at 3:00pm Ballet Preljocaj: "Blanche Neige"
Also at UC Davis: Danzantes Del Alma (Mexican Dance Group)
April 14th at UC Davis Freeborn Hall 7:30 – 10:30 pm
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3 Stages at Folsom Lake College https://www.threestages.net
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Thursday, March 22 at 7:30p Savion Glover/SoLo in TIME-Tap Performance
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Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley http://www.calperformances.org
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February 24 at 8:00pm and February 25 at 8pm Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company: "Story/Time"
March 13-18 at Various Times Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
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Stanford Lively Arts, http://livelyarts.stanford.edu/
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January 28 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm Diavolo Dance Theater (Professor Flickinger will be performing at the 8:00pm show)
CSU-Sacramento Spring 2012
Department of Theatre and Dance
TICKET INFORMATION for the CSU, Sacramento, Department of Theatre and Dance
Department Main Phone: 916-278-6368
CSUS Box Office:
In person: Tickets may be purchased at the CSU, Sacramento, Ticket Office, on the Main floor of the University Union near the east
entrance, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The office accepts Visa, MasterCard and cash.
By phone: Ticket orders may be made by calling the CSU, Sacramento, Ticket Office at (916) 278-4323 or the Tickets.com charge-byphone center at (800) 225-2277.
Over the Internet: Tickets for campus events are also available at Tickets.com
5. MOVIE ESSAY (1)
60 points
Choose from one of the following films and submit a 1,000 word (minimum) essay
Movie Essay Writing Guidelines will be given and discussed in class as well as posted to Sac CT.
DUE March 26
CHOICES: Billy Elliot, Bamboozled, All That Jazz, Rize, or Paris is Burning
6. VIDEO RESPONSE (14)
10 points each/140 points total
In class assignments, students will respond to videos viewed in class. Guidelines will be provided and discussed.
7. PANEL PRESENTATIONS
100 points (graded as group and individually)
Panel Presentation and Discussion Guidelines will be posted on SACCT and discussed in class
Panel #1 May 2
Panel #2 May 9
8. FINAL EXAM
200 points
Final Exam material will be 50% cumulative from previous 3 Quizzes and 50% from the Panel Presentations.
FINAL Friday, May 18 8:00am-10:00am
ASSESSMENT, EVALUATION AND GRADING
Class discussion and participation
70
Personal Essay
50
3 Quizzes
300
(100 pts each)
2 Concert Reports (3/3’s)
80
(40 pts each)
Movie Essay
60
14 Video Response
140
(10 pts each)
Panel
100
Final Exam
200
Points Total
1000 pts.
930-1000 A
900-929 A870-899 B+
830-869 B
800-829 B770-799 C+
730-769 C
700-729 C670-699 D+
630-669 D
600-629 D0-599 F
Work must be submitted to Sac CT by 5pm on the assigned due date, No Exceptions.
NO LATE WORK, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, WILL BE ACCEPTED.
ABSENCE POLICY: A student is permitted up to TWO absences before the grade is penalized. Each subsequent
absence will result in a 5 point deduction from your grade. Every three (3) tardies or early departures will be equal to
one absence.
The requirements on this syllabus are subject to change based on the progress of the class.
The dropping of any course MUST be done by the STUDENT, following appropriate steps. The instructor
cannot drop a student from a course.
***If you have a disability and require accommodations, you need to provide disability documentation to SSWD,
Lassen Hall 1008, (916) 278-6955. Please discuss your accommodation needs with me after class or during my
office hours early in the semester.***
CSU-Sacramento Spring 2012
Department of Theatre and Dance
TOPIC, READING SCHEDULE & DUE DATES
**Subject to change-Additional handouts may be given to supplement or replace current readings**
Weeks 1-5
Course Introduction: Dance and Culture
The American Indigenous Dance
Our African Inheritance
WEEK 1:
January 23
Course Introduction and Syllabus Review
Discussion Points:
What is dance? What is culture? What is the American body? What is race/ethnicity with regard to dance in America?
How and why do people from different cultures move differently? How do we perceive movement?
August 25
Video Day 1 – Worksheet will be available on Sac CT and handed out in class
Assign and Discuss First Writing Assignment “Personal Essay – Exploring and Reporting Our Dance Backgrounds”
WEEK 2:
January 30
Worksheet available on Sac CT
Readings:
Reader: “What is Dance?”
Book:
Dils and Albright. “The Pleasures of Studying Dance History”, Pg 2
Sklar. “Five Premises for a Culturally Sensitive Approach to Dance.” Page 30.
Kealiinohomoku. “An Anthropologist Looks at Ballet as a Form of Ethnic Dance.” Page 33.
Dils and Albright. “Looking at World Dance.” Page 92.
February 1
Video Day 2 – Worksheet available on Sac CT
Discuss Panels and select top 3 choices
WEEK 3:
February 6
Readings:
Reader
Browner. “Dance Styles and Regalia”
Book
Doolittle/Elton. “Medicine of the Brave: A look at the Changing Role of Dance in Native Culture.” Page 114.
Browning. “Headspin: Capoeira’s Ironic Inversions.” Page 165.
Udall. “The Irresistible Other: Hopi Ritual Drama and Euro-American Audiences.” Page 238.
February 8
Video Day 3-Worksheet available on Sac CT
PERSONAL ESSAYS DUE
WEEK 4:
February 13
Reader
Haskins. “Dancing the Slaves” & “From Minstrelsy to Follies”
Book
Welsh Asante. “Commonalities in African Dance: An Aesthetic Foundation.” Page 144.
Winter. “Juba and the American Minstrelsy.” Page 250.
Dixon Gottschild. “Stripping the Emporer: The Africanist Presence in American Concert Dance.” Page 332
February 15
Video Day 4-Worksheet available on Sac CT
Review for QUIZ 1
WEEK 5:
FEBRUARY 20 QUIZ 1
February 22
Dance Day 1-Location TBA
Take Home Essay Due
CSU-Sacramento Spring 2012
Department of Theatre and Dance
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES
Reading schedules will be given at start of each section
March 14
Review for Quiz 2
MARCH 19/21 SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
MARCH 26 QUIZ 2
Film Essay Due
March 28
Dance Day 2-Location TBA
Take Home Essay Due
April 18
Review for Quiz 3
WEEK 13
APRIL 23 QUIZ 3
April 25
Dance Day – Location TBA
Take Home Essay Due
Weeks 14-15
Panel Presentations
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WEEK 14:
April 30 Prep Day
May 2 Presentations
Panel Presentation #1
Native American Dance
Latin American Dance
Dances of the South Pacific
Dance/Abilities
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WEEK 15:
May 7 Prep Day
May 9 Presentations
Panel Presentations #2
Asian-American Dance
Hip-Hop Dance
Objectification of the Body &/or Gender Issues
WEEK 16:
FINAL Friday, May 18 8:00am-10:00am
CSU-Sacramento Spring 2012
Department of Theatre and Dance
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
ALL WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS will be submitted ELECTRONICALLY via Sac CT (exceptions: video responses and
other in-class assignments). All assignments must be typed, 12-point reasonable font (such as Arial, Times New
Roman), double spaced. All written work submitted must include (unless otherwise noted in assignment):
Date
Student’s Name
Professor Flickinger
DNCE 131 MW
Assignment Name
ALL SOURCES MUST BE CITED
**THERE ARE NO CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WILL WARRANT THE ACCEPTANCE OF LATE ASSIGNMENTS**
THREE WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
1. PERSONAL ESSAY
Write an 1,000-word (minimum) essay that examines your heritage/familial dance experience, history and culture.
Using the following questions as a springboard into the essay, but do not answer each question in a checklist format.
Write an essay that sums up how dance and your experiences of dance in your culture and family have affected you.
What is your heritage if known? If you are of mixed descent and most North Americans are, what is the most
predominant cultural influence in your family/life? What are the traditional and/or contemporary dances of your
heritage, your culture? What are the cultural traditions upheld by your family and community? Did you dance with your
family? On what occasions? Again, regardless of whether or not you were brought up with dance in your life, you are
directed to research and report on the dances of your PREDOMINANT cultural heritage. Whether or not you have
danced, you are encouraged to explore the dances of the most dominant cultural influence in your family.
Due February 8 – MUST INCLUDED AT LEAST 3 SOURCES OF RESEARCH
Please note: WIKIPEDIA is NOT a valid research source but is a great place to start. Use wikipedia’s sources to
research further into your topic.
2. MOVIE ESSAY
Submit a 1,000 word (minimum) essay relating the ideas and principles of required readings to the content of your film
choice. DO NOT WRITE A BOOK REPORT! This is not a reiteration of plot, but rather an exercise in connecting
required class readings and classroom discussions to ideas in the film. More information will be posted on Sac CT and
discussed in class closer to the assignment due date.
Film Choices: Billy Elliot, Bamboozled, All That Jazz, Rize, or Paris is Burning DUE October 19
*NO EARLY MOVIE ESSAY SUBMISSIONS ALLOWED
3. CONCERT ATTENDANCE Two (2) Concert Responses - Three QUESTIONS and Three Observations
You are required to attend two live CSUS dance performances. For each concert, you must electronically via Sac CT
submit a 3 Questions/3 Observations response and in class submit a ticket stub stapled to the program. You must also
be prepared to discuss each concert in class the Wednesday following final performance (same as due date).
**ABSOLUTELY NO MAKEUPS OR REPLACEMENT PERFORMANCES ALLOWED, NO EXCEPTIONS**