HONORS (HNRS) 122

Section 005

Reading the Arts

Spring Semester 2006

 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00-4:15; IN 131

 

Instructor:  Prof. Linda Miller

Office:  Performing Arts Building, A407

Office telephone number: 703-993-1121

Office hours: TR 2:00-3:00 or by appointment

Email address:  lmille6@gmu.edu

 

Course description: This course will explore and examine connections between art forms within the aesthetic framework of dance.  Students will analyze individual dances or the work of particular choreographers to examine the nature of dance, its unique properties, the ways in which movement conveys meaning, and the relationship of dance to the other arts.  This section will focus on the development and ideals of Western theatrical dance as they pertain to specific works and the historical and social context in which they were created.  In addition to the traditional methods of instruction, and because dance is by its very nature difficult to comprehend only through language, several class sessions will be movement experiences in the studio.  Observing dance on video simply cannot replicate the experience of live performance; therefore students will be expected to attend dance performances on the Mason campus.

 

Active participation in all classroom experiences is mandatory and necessary for successful completion of the course.  Assignments will include readings from the text as well as handouts, assigned videos (available at the JC media library), writing both in and out of class, two reaction papers to concerts, one major research paper (2000 words), the  mid-term and the final exam.  Students will maintain a journal of vocabulary, artists, and ideas to keep track of new information and form a basis for the research paper. 

 

Course objectives:  Students in the course will

Develop an aesthetic awareness and appreciation for dance as an art form

Learn what to “look” for when observing dance

Understand the social and historical significance of works studied

Discover the connections between art forms

Apply research and analytical skills necessary to think critically and write about dance experiences and performances 

 

Requirements:

1.  Text:  What is Dance? Roger Copeland and Marshall Cohen editors.  1983

 

2.  Attendance and preparation for informed participation in class discussion and experiences

 

3.  Completion of all weekly assignments

4.  Journal:  Format:  word document; at least two entries per week.  Journal example demonstrated in class. 

 

5.  Attendance at Four Dance performances is required:  all performances are on campus at the Center for the Arts Concert Hall (free ticket policy discussed in class)

            A.  Mark Morris Dance Group (February 10, 11)

            B.  GMU Dance Company (March 31, April 1) *limited free tickets

C.  Select two from the following:

                        Susan Marshall and Company (March 4)

                        Russian National Ballet (March 25, 26)

                        Doug Varone (April 14)

           

6.  Attendance at One additional cultural event/performance of your choice: music, film, theater, or gallery exhibition

Recommended:

Meredith Monk (February 25) Vocal

Mitch Duneier Documentary Film & discussion, March 7, 4:30pm, HT

Marc Bamutti Joseph (April 26) Theater   

     

7.  Mark Morris Reaction paper due:  Feb 16 

 

8.  Second Reaction paper due:  May 4 the paper is based on your choice of performance, event, or exhibition.  Students should submit their paper approximately one week after attendance.  This deadline is calculated to allow students at attend their event of choice and respond.

 

9.  Mid-term Exam:  March 9

10.  Research Paper due:  April 27 

11.  Final Exam:  May 16, 1:30-4:15

 

Evaluation

30%     Attendance and concentrated participation

20%     Class assignments; reaction papers, videos 

10%     Mid-term

20%     Research paper

20%     Final exam

 

Grading Standards:

  • A grade of A (90-100)is given for excellent work that demonstrates a deep commitment to the course material, and uses this material as a springboard for independent thought and work
  • A grade of B (80-90) is given for good work that completely fulfills all requirements of the course in a conscientious and dedicated manner, and demonstrates mastery of the course content
  • A grade of C (70-80) is given for work that fulfills all the requirements of the course in a satisfactory manner, but falls short of rigor and mastery
  • A grade of D (60-70) is given for work that is unsatisfactory
  • A grade of F (below 60) is given for work that fails to fulfill the requirements of the course

 

The last day to drop this course without dean’s permission is  February 24, 2006

 

Honor Code, Copyright and Computing Policies:  you are expected to adhere to all policies regarding the university’s Honor Code, Copyright/Fair Use and reasonable use of computing. Please review the university website for information.

 

Reasonable Accommodation: It is the student’s responsibility to present documentation to the instructor so a plan for accommodation may be made.

 

 

Weekly Assignments and Course Outline

Please understand there may be some changes/substitutions during the semester, but there will be plenty of advance notice given, should changes occur.  Videos assigned for out of class viewing are on reserve at the Johnson Center media library. You have one week on average to view each video.  Do not procrastinate!  All assigned readings are from the required text What is Dance unless otherwise indicated.  Detailed weekly assignments, including readings and videos to be viewed outside of class, will be distributed as far in advance as possible.  The course outline below is a general overview of the topics and due dates for assignments.

 

Weeks One – Two

            Introduction and overview

            Art as imitation, expression, and form

            *Jan 26 class in PAB A 307 for movement experience

            Guest lecturer:  Elizabeth Price, Chair, Dance Department

Wear comfortable clothing (sweats, shorts, socks, t shirt or dance attire) and

            be prepared to move

            Introduction to modern dance; in class video of A Dancers World

 

Weeks Three- Four

            Martha Graham’s Journey: literary, historical and social images

*Feb 9 guest lecturer: Dan Joyce former member of the Mark Morris Dance Group

            Major work examined:  L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato choreographed by     

            Mark Morris encompasses the work of three other artists: John Milton, George             Frederic Handel, and William Blake

            First reaction paper due:  Feb 16

 

 

 

Weeks Five-Six

            Development and ideals of classical ballet

            Romanticism; Wagner, Goethe, Degas

            In class viewing of Giselle

            * March 2 class in PAB A307 for movement experience

            Performance opportunity:  Susan Marshall, March 4 @ 8:00pm

             

Week Seven

            Ballet and state of the arts at the turn of the century

            In class viewing of Swan Lake

            Research paper discussion:  topic due after spring break

            Event opportunity: Mitch Duneier film, March 7 @4:30, Harris Theater

*Mid-term March 9 Bring blue exam book

 

Spring Break March 13-17

 

Week Eight

            Serge Diagheliv and the “World of Art”

            Paris Exhibition of Russian Painting and Opera 

            1909 Ballet Russes season in Paris

            Research topic due

            Assigned video:  Kurt Joos’ The Green Table

           

Week  Nine

            *March 28 class meets in Concert Hall

            Behind the scene look at technical rehearsal; Production response paper due

            Thursday, March 30

            Discussion and preparation for required Gala Concert; choreography by Mark Morris, Laura Dean, Susan Marshall, Danny Ezralow

           

Weeks Ten- Eleven

            Premiere of Le Sacre du Printemps; impact of the music and ballet on 20th century       art and thought

            Assigned video: Rite of Spring; reconstruction for Joffrey Ballet Company

            In class writing response to the ballet                

 

Weeks Twelve-Fourteen

            Post-modernism

            Cunningham/Cage, Black Mountain

            Robert Dunn’s workshop

            Judson Church; civil rights, gay and lesbian rights

            In class viewing of Beyond the Mainstream

            * April 27 Class meets in PAB A305 for movement experience

            Happening:  class demonstration of events

            Research paper due:  April 27

            Second Response paper due:  May 4