Dance and World Cultures II

This course examines the various roles that dance
plays in human culture. Through video viewing,
readings, writings and discussions, students will
gain a critical perspective on dance within
religious, social and theatrical contexts.
Examples are drawn from American culture as well
as from selected countries around the world to
provide a greater appreciation for the creative
diversity of human expressivity through dance.
Dance and World Cultures is a year-long course,
though students may register for each semester
independently. The first semester establishes a
theoretical framework for dance observation
within a cross-cultural context and then proceeds
to examine examples of dance within religious
contexts. The second semester examines examples
of social dance and dance as art and
entertainment.