Fall 2012
COMPOSITION II - DANC 4410 - 3 credits - MW 2:30-3:45 - RH 103
Office Hours: RH 129 & SPAC 240H; (208) 282-6143; garijose@isu.edu

"Waiting for inspiration is a waste of time. Artists work. Working the work will inspire the inspiration."
- Joséphine A. Garibaldi

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Explore various techniques and processes used to create movement studies and choreographic work at an intermediate/advanced level. Students continue to explore improvisational processes based in the Elements of Movement. Students present their work in a concert at the end of the semester. PREREQ: DANC 2210 and THEA 3300.

COURSE GOALS
Through the process of devising, students will collaborate to create an evening length dance performance work.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will:

  • Learn techniques of devising to create an evening length work;
  • Practice the phases of Creativity as put forward by Abbs - Impulse through to Evaluation - to create an evening length work;
  • Practice the role of director/facilitator to apply devising techniques;
  • Practice the role of performer/creator to respond to devising prompts;
  • Learn the logistics of producing an evening length work;
  • Develop observational skills when viewing dance as an art form.
  • Develop critical thinking skills through the exchange of ideas and through the discussion of each others work.
  • Be responsible to the group as dancer, performer, choreographer, colleague, teacher and student supporting a safe environment from which to work, willing to attempt new and challenging activities without fear of failure while being supportive of and responsive to your classmates.

COURSE MATERIALS
Oddey, Allison. Devising Theatre: A Practical and Theoretical Handbook. NY: Routledge, 2010.
ISBN: 978-0-415-04900-9

Boal, Augusto. Games for Actors and Non-Actors. 2nd Ed. NY: Routledge, 2002. ISBN: 0-415-26708-0

EVALUATION and GRADING

1. Documentation. http://google.isu.edu/. This includes google.docs, journaling, photo/video images, scoring, scratch paper, etc. Copious documentation. Presentation of documentation during finals week.

2. Collaborative Process. This will be measured by self-, co-, and Jo- assessments.

3. Research. List of works cited and bibliographies of literature/media reviews; include URL's. MLA format. This includes ALL sources of research. Presentation of research during finals week.

4. Devising Techniques. Throughout the semester you will be given assignments/studies to practice different devising techniques. For these assingments, you will either assume the role of director/facilitator or performer/creator.

5. Creative Problem Solving. This will be measured by self-, co-, and Jo- assessments.

6. Critical/Mindful Discussion. This will be measured by self-, co-, and Jo- assessments.

7. Production Logistics. http://google.isu.edu/. This will be measured by self-, co-, and Jo- assessments.

8. Honor your deadlines.

9. Conduct out of class rehearsals. Space has been reserved for you: Fridays 11-6 pm Red Hill 101.

10. Final meeting - Present documentation, works cited, bibliography due. Mon. December 17, 3-5 pm.

Please note: I reserve the right to modify the syllabus as appropriate to course goals and objectives. You will always be notified well in advance of any changes made. - JG
Documentation 100
Collaborative Process 50
Research 50
Devising Techniques 50
Creative Problem Solving 50
Critical/Mindful Discussion 50
Production Logistics 50
Total 400
400-360 = A
359-320 = B
319-280 = C
279-240 = D
239-000 = F
A=exceptional work, demonstrating consistently excellent performance in terms of skill, growth, participation, attendance, theoretical and aesthetic understanding.
B= very good to outstanding work most of the time demonstrating a high degree of excellence in performance in terms of skill, growth, participation, attendance, theoretical and aesthetic understanding, particularly as the term progresses.
C=fundamental mastery of skill, steady growth, good participation, appropriate attendance, basic theoretical and aesthetic understanding.
D=performance marred by lapses in attendance, attention, attitude or missing course work.
F=performance interrupted by significant absence or failure to complete expected course work.