Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0253 - Dance in the Community

Dance in the Community: This course is designed for students interested in merging social activism, performing arts and teaching. It teaches students to use movement, dance and theatre in settings such as senior centers, schools, prisons, and youth recreation centers. In studio sessions, students will learn how to construct classes and dance exchanges or events for community sites. Students will reflect on movement practices that help inform the body as a site for community-based learning in dance. Much time will be spent together off-site in various locations throughout the Pioneer Valley, where students themselves will facilitate movement/theatre experiences. Some outside of class lab time is necessary to organize and develop the classes and possible performances. Selected videos and readings will provide a context for discussion, written responses and the development of an individual student's research and teaching methods. Students in this course will also be invited to participate in a research study that investigates bodily practices in community-based learning environments. Students can join this class whether or not they wish to be part of the research process. The study will be explained in more detail when class begins. No previous experience in the arts or in teaching is necessary.

Writing and Research In this course students are expected to spend 6-8 hours weekly on preparation and work outside of class time. Field Trip: $20