DANT 200:  Improvisation           Fall 2007

Dr. Mary E. Martin       

Office--208 Bancroft                    E-mail:  martinme@winthrop.edu

Office Phone:  323-4554                Home phone:   366-7795

Web address:   http://faculty.winthrop.edu\martinme

Office Hours:        MW 12:00-1:00 PM;  TR 3:30-4:30 PM, and by appointment

Class Meeting:  MW 1:00-1:50 PM, Johnson 235

Catalogue Description:  Exploration of Laban principles of  Space, Time, Weight and Flow through structured improvisations.  Emphasis is placed upon conceptualizing the problem and the dancer's instantaneous response to various catalysts.

Prerequisite:    One technique class

Co-requisite:    One technique class

Course Objectives:    The student should be able to:

        1.    Gain freedom of movement in response to non-technique oriented problems

        2.    Gain competence as an observer of movement as an improvisation develops

        3.    Design appropriate improvisation problems

        4.    Provide verbal stimuli as an observer to aid small group improvisations, while in progress

        5.    To create improvisational movements utilizing Laban principles

Course Requirements:

        1.    Simple problems alone in Space, Time, Dynamics and Texture

        2.    Problems with one or two others using rhythms, levels, textures, and other movement relationships

        3.    Environmental stimuli, including props, music, text, etc.

        4.    Self designed improvisational problems, processes, and solutions

        5.    Weekly journal entries, consisting of directed writings, observations, and classnotes.

Attendance Policy:

        One absence is allowed.  Five points will be deducted for each additional absence.

Evaluation:

           1.    Weekly Journal:    20%

            2.    Class Participation    65%

            3.    Quizzes and Exams    15%

Grading:

            94-100=A; 91-93=A-; 88-90=B+; 84-87=B; 81-83=B-; 78-80=C+; 74-77=C; 71-73=C-; 68-70=D+; 64-67=D; 61-63=D-; 0-60=F

Student Responsibility:

            1.    Be on time and participate fully--physically and verbally--in all classes

            2.    Keep journal current

            3.    Complete assigned readings to be discussed and apply to improvisation assignments

            4.    Wear appropriate clothing (See department policy)

            5.    Complete all assignments

            6.    Participate with energy and enthusiasm

            7.    Turn off all cell phones, beepers, etc. during class.  You will receive an absence if using these devices in class.

Students With Disabilities

Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education.  If you have a disability and need class room accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible.  Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first (test/paper/assignment).