12/21/2024 4:26:04 AM	DANCE 3.1 Course Outline as of Fall 2011	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  DANCE 3.1	Title:  CHOREOGRAPHY I
Full Title:  Choreography I
Last Reviewed:1/22/2024

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	2.00	Lecture Scheduled	1.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	17.50
Minimum	2.00	Lab Scheduled	3.00		3 min.	Lab Scheduled	52.50
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	4.00			Contact Total	70.00
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  35.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 105.00

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade or P/NP
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  PE 25.1

Catalog Description:

This course focuses on the fundamentals of the choreographic process emphasizing basic principles of space, time and energy. Students will choreograph dance studies applying a variety of choreographic approaches.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Completion of Dance 16.1 and Dance 35

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

This course focuses on the fundamentals of the choreographic process emphasizing basic principles of space, time and energy. Students will choreograph dance studies applying a variety of choreographic approaches.

(Grade or P/NP)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Completion of Dance 16.1 and Dance 35
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Spring 1983	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Spring 1983	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable

COURSE CONTENT

Outcomes and Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

1.  Convey a concept, idea, or theme through choreography.

2.  Explore the elements of dance (space, time, and energy) through dance improvisation and choreography.

3.  Choreograph a phrase or dance study that includes a clear high point or climax.  

4.  Integrate choreography with musical accompaniment to support choreographic intention or theme.  

5.  Explore choreography in solo, duet, and/or small group formats.

6.  Recognize choreographic elements in the work of other choreographers.

7.  Critique dance studies in aesthetic terms.

Topics and Scope

I.    Basic principles of choreography

     A.  Elements of dance

          1.  Space (shape, focus, level, direction, facing)

          2.  Time (duration, tempo, meter, rhythmic devices)

           3.  Energy (dynamic contrast, qualities of movement)

          4.  Optional: Effort-Shape (basic principles of Laban Analysis) in lieu of 1-3

      B. Parallels between aesthetic elements and design principles in dance and other art forms

      C. The dance phrase

      D. Development of movement motifs through choreographic devices such as:

           1.  Retrograde

           2.  Repetition

           3.  Ornamentation

           4.  Facing

           5.  Inversion

           6.  Insertion

           7.  Diminution/Augmentation

       E. Forming movement into a study or dance

            1.  Properties of the stage space   

            2.  Compositional forms such as:

               a.  Forms based on musical forms such as ABA, rondo, theme and variation

               b.  Narrative

               c.  Chance

               d.  Accumulation

            3. How to create a highpoint or climax of a study or dance

           4. Thematic development

II.    The creative process

       A.  The role of improvisation in the choreographic process

       B.  Methods for generating movement

       C.  Sources of inspiration

III.    Choreography as communication

        A.  Theme

       B.  Conveying ideas and emotions

       C.  Abstract vs. literal representation

       D.  Dance for dance sake

IV.   Accompaniment

      A. Silence

      B. Spoken word

      C. Music

          1.  Role in supporting choreographic or thematic intention

          2.  Paralleling and contrasting music with choreography

          3.  Instrumental vs. lyrical

V.   Critiquing choreography

       A. Observation

      B. Reflection

      C. Discussion

      D. Evaluation/Interpretation

      E. Recommendations for revision

VII.  Optional Topics (examples only - topics will be tailored to optional studies that may be assigned)

      A.  Use of a prop or set in choreography

      B.  Incorporating physical contact (partnering; giving and taking of body weight) in choreography

      C.  Gestures or pedestrian movement in choreography

      D.  Group Choreography

      E.  Exploration of alternate spaces

Assignments:

In class assignments:

1. Individual and group movement exploration (improvisation).

2. Choreography and performance of individual, duo or collaborative group studies (5 to 7 studies total over the course of the semester) with emphasis on space, time, and energy and other basic principles of choreography.

3. Participation in class discussions including critiques of studies.

4. DVD viewings of examples of dance works that illustrate choreographic principles covered in class.  

5. Final choreographic project.

6. Time allowing, 1 or 2 additional studies may be assigned of the instructor's choosing, such as studies based on:  

    a.  Props or found objects

   b.  Gesture or pedestrian movement

   c.  Dance to spoken word

   d.  Physical contact or partnering techniques

   e.  Trio or small group

   f.   Alternate space (site specific study)

 

Homework

1. Reading of class hand-outs or text(s) approximately one chapter per week.

2. Research for and choreography of individual studies including final project.

3. Reworking of studies based on feedback.  

4. Choreographic notebook developed over the course of the semester which may include: ideas for future pieces, inspiration for choreography, sketches, images from magazines, reflections on choreographic process, critiques of fellow students' work, observations of pieces veiwed on DVD, etc.

5.  Optional paper:  Analysis of choreographic elements, form, climax, and devices incorporated in a contemporary dance piece.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 10 - 20%
Choreographic notebook, optional paper
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 0 - 0%
None
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 40 - 60%
Class performances of studies and final choreographic project.
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 0 - 0%
None
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 30 - 40%
Attendance and participation in improvisations and discussions

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

Lynne Anne Blom, L, Tarin Chaplin. The Intimate Act of Choreography. Grove Press Inc. 1995 (Classic in the field)

Doris Humphrey. The Art of Making Dances. Rinehart. 1991 (Classic in the field)

Pamela Anderson Sofras. Dance Composition Basics. Human Kinetics, 2006.

Lavender, Larry. Dancers Talking Dance: Critical Evaluation in the Choreography Class. Human Kinetics, 1996 (Classic in the field)

Instructor prepared materials

Print PDF