Academic Catalog

DANC 7: CHOREOGRAPHY

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2023
Units: 1
Hours: 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter)
Advisory: This course is included in the Dance Performance family of activity courses.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Area VII: Lifelong Learning
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Create movement sequences and express individuality through dance while exhibiting correct body placement and positions, flexibility, coordination and core strength.
  • Students will have practical experience in the production aspects of dance.

Description

Introduction to the exploration of the basic principles and theories of choreography and composition, and the tools for defining the creative process.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Recognize the basic components of choreography
  2. Explore the role of the choreographer
  3. Define the elements of the art of choreography and its impact on a variety of cultures
  4. Perform the choreography which culminates in a live dance experience

Course Content

  1. The basic components of choreography
    1. The use of energy
    2. Space
    3. Time
  2. The role of the choreographer
    1. Casting
    2. Rehearsing
    3. Costuming
    4. Producing
  3. The choreographic process
    1. Content
    2. Shape
    3. Form
    4. Technique
    5. Projection
    6. Stylistic approaches
    7. Cultural variations
  4. Developing the choreography for performance
    1. Creative process
    2. Problem shooting
    3. Musical interpretation
    4. Storytelling devices
    5. Entertaining the audience
    6. Meaning through context
    7. Avoiding pitfalls
    8. Discriminating criticism
    9. Developing organizational skills
    10. Learning to evaluate your work

Lab Content

  1. Demonstration and practice of the choreographic process by employing the fundamental elements and techniques of individual and group dance composition
  2. Demonstration and application of the knowledge to produce and perform a final dance project, which may include costumes, lighting, props, sets, and live audience
  3. Demonstration and practice of proper body alignment and awareness

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Dance studio with hardwood floors
2. Sound equipment (CD and tape player), piano/drums (optional)
3. Dance shoes and dancewear appropriate for dance discipline
4. Video playback (VCR) or DVD
5. When taught as an online distance learning or hybrid section, students and faculty need ongoing and continuous internet and email access

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Dance technique will be assessed by direct instructor observation
Pre and post written evaluation to outline dance study
Regular and punctual attendance and participation
Mid-term and final examination of dance vocabulary and terminology
Journal to record progress and personal observations
Attendance and written critique of two live dance concerts
Choreography to culminate in performance before live audience

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture presentations and classroom discussion using the language and vocabulary of dance
Cooperative learning exercises
Laboratory and demonstration

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Nora, Ambrosia. Learning About Dance, 8th ed.. 2018.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Written critique of a live dance performance
  2. Optional writing exercises based on recommended reading

Discipline(s)

Dance