This module serves to expand students' knowledge of anatomy and physiology and its application to dance practice and safe dance practice. Issues of the ‘Healthier Dancer' (OneDanceUK) and the area of dance science/dance medicine will be features of the module, as well as how to better implement technical / personal progression within these classes. The module will complement and enhance all practical work undertaken within other modules, through the development of the students' functional understanding of anatomy and physiology.
This module also serves as a strong foundation for those interested in working within the areas of dance practice, dance science/medicine, dance teaching, academia and the health and fitness sector.
This module is delivered over 2 x 1.5 hour sessions, the first session will focus on various dance techniques, the other will be a blended session of theory, practice and experiential anatomy. Lectures will emphasise progressively comprehensive technical, anatomical and physiological exploration with a view to developing a functional understanding of the human body and what it requires for optimal development and / or performance. This will lead to the application of this knowledge in an assessment of students' technique as well as a written anatomy/physiology examination.
An example of module workshop structure:
A number of key skills will be addressed as part of this module. In particular students will develop their self-awareness (ability to apply anatomical knowledge to dance techniques), research and information literacy (anatomical study and application), communication (the ability to work with lecturers and peers to achieve personal physical improvement), inter-personal (the ability to offer peer feedback within sessions), management and leadership (the ability to manage solo practice/research of taught material and the ability to steer a group in preparation for the performance of the assessed technique class), and creativity and problem-solving (finding ways to surpass perceived and actual physical limitations utilising current knowledge and best practice specific to need).
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Workshop-based sessions | 66 |
Guided independent study | Independent research and rehearsal | 234 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
Portfolio (equivalent to 2500-3000 words)
As the assessment evaluates students' knowledge and skill in a range of areas, a portfolio is the most suitable format. The portfolio will include no more than 4 elements, of which at least 1 will be a practice-based assessment and 1 will be theoretical. An example of what may be included in the portfolio follows:
1) Technique class assessment.
2) 1 x 1 hour summative written anatomy and physiology examination (plus 1 x 1 hour formative written anatomy and physiology examination).
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the skeletal and muscular structures of the body. | Technique class and written examination |
Demonstrate understanding of how this relates to injury prevention in dance practice. | Technique class and written examination |
Employ safe and effective strategies in the planning of unsupervised work in the dance studio. | Technique class and written examination |
Demonstrate an increased awareness of technical and/or physical limitations within dance technique and how to facilitate improvement. | Technique class and written examination |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Written exam | Anatomy and Physiology Examination | 35 |
Coursework | Technique Class | 65 |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
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