This Level 6 optional module allows students to further specialise their study of dance by focusing solely on the group of popular dance forms that have become known under the umbrella term of ‘street dance'. During the module students will study a number of ‘street dances' in their historical, cultural, economic and political contexts, reflecting on the ways in which these popular dance forms have been transposed, modified, codified, commodified and hybridised. Using theoretical approaches introduced in the core Level 5 module Popular Dance, students will analyse street dances in relation to issues such as authenticity, ownership, identity, commercialisation and globalisation. Students will also study how street dances are represented in screen media, for example in street dance films, music videos, TV talent shows and advertisements. This module has a substantial practical component with a particular focus on developing technical skills in styles that may include locking, popping, breaking (or b-boying / b-girling), hip hop or house.
Across the year students will participate in weekly two hour sessions that will be structured as practical classes to provide technical training in a number of street dance forms, or lectures and discussion seminars to introduce areas of theoretical, historical or conceptual study. In teaching block one students will be introduced to debates surrounding street dances, as well as developing technical skills in foundational street styles such as locking, popping, breaking, hip hop and house. In the second teaching block students will begin to look at how these dance styles have developed in the contemporary street dance scene.
A number of key skills are developed as part of this module. In particular students will develop self-awareness, research and information literacy, communication, inter-personal, management and leadership, and creativity and problem-solving skills. A number of activities will develop these skills including small group and class discussion, as well as practical workshops and tasks.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Lecture / seminar | 12 |
Scheduled learning and teaching | Practical | 34 |
Guided independent study | Independent study | 254 |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
Students will receive feedback on both the proposal, group presentation and performance pieces before the final assessments. There will also be elements of formative assessment including regular research and reading tasks, as well as a proposal for the group presentation.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches relevant to the study of street dances | Presentation with performance |
Analyse the meanings, values and aesthetics of specific street dances | Presentation with performance |
Demonstrate technical knowledge and skill in selected street dance styles | Technique assessment and performance |
Show an awareness of performance conventions for chosen street styles | Technique assessment and performance |
Demonstrate creativity in developing and performing innovative street dance performance | Performance |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
PRC | Technique Assessment | 35 |
PRC | Presentation and Performance | 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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Tucker, L. (2007) Lockstep and Dance: Images of Black Men in Popular Culture Jackson: University Press of Mississippi.