Spring 2018

Introduction to Dance Studies: Dance Performance and Theory

Listed in: Sexuality, Women's and Gender Studies, as SWAG-155  |  Theater and Dance, as THDA-155

Faculty

Dante R. Brown (Section 01)

Description

(Offered as SWAG 155 and THDA 155) This course will focus on dance performance as it reflects theories of gender, sexuality, critical race, crip (disability), and queer studies. We will look at these theories to gain an introductory understanding of their origins, perspectives, and frameworks, specifically around the physical body and performance. Through readings, discussions, viewing of recordings of contemporary choreographic work, analytic writings, movement experiences, and attendance at live dance events, we will use these theoretical frameworks to deconstruct dance performance to determine how dance is a cultural art practice that is constantly theorizing and subverting the implications of the body through performance. 

We will reference theorists such as Judith Butler, Susan Bordo, bell hooks, Michel Foucault, Brenda Dixon Gottschild, Laura Mulvey, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, and Michael Warner. Some of the choreographers we will examine in this course include Martha Graham, Katherine Dunham, Merce Cunningham, Trisha Brown, Pina Bausch, Ralph Lemon, Bill T. Jones, and Crystal Pite. 

Limited to 18 students. Spring semester. Visiting Assistant Professor Brown.

If Overenrolled: Seniors will have priority.

Cost: $30 ?

THDA 155 - L/D

Section 01
M 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM WEBS 117
W 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM WEBS 117

This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.

ISBN Title Publisher Author(s) Comment Book Store Price
The History of Sexuality Volume 1: An Introduction Random House 1978 Michel Foucault Amherst Books TBD
Digging the Africanist Presence in American Performance: Dance and Other Contexts Brenda Dixon Gottschild 1998 Brenda D. Gottschild Amherst Books TBD

These books are available locally at Amherst Books.

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2018, Fall 2018