Dance Research

Dance Research
Undergraduate ARTS course (advanced level, liberal).

The in-depth exploration of a topic in Western or non-Western dance through a critical lens, with a methodological focus. We will explore arts-based methodologies for researching, documenting, and writing about dance. Students will read scholarly journal articles on dance, and become familiar with critical issues addressed in contemporary dance scholarship. You may choose to focus on topics such as a specific dance form, historical reconstruction, choreographic methods, dance creators, bodies of works, dance education, pedagogy, dance therapy, or dance technologies. Your work will culminate in a final creative or research project applying the methods and techniques covered in the course.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Evaluate arts-based methodologies for researching, documenting, and writing about dance.
  2. Synthesize readings from scholarly journal articles on dance, and discuss critical issues addressed in contemporary dance scholarship.
  3. Present the research findings on a topic of the student’s choice in a culminating research or creative project with formal proposal, annotated bibliography, and paper or alternative format (such as a digital presentation or dance performance).

Prerequisites: A dance history course or the equivalent. A course in dance in cultural context, or the equivalent.