Modern Dance History
Dr. Clemente
Syllabus Addendum (Written Assignments in order of Due Dates)
Research Paper
Due: 10/30/07
200 points
Requirements:
6-7 typed, double-spaced pages; word count: 1500-1750.
Papers will adhere strictly to MLA Style. If you are unclear about MLA Style, consult
Diane Hacker’s A Pocket Style Manual (sold in the bookstore) or ask for assistance. No
exceptions will be made for errors in MLA style.
Assignment:
Choose a period of modern dance and a representative choreographer (s) from the period.
Research the social, historical and cultural contexts out of which the choreographer (s)
produced their work. In the paper, investigate how and why the choreographer is a
“typical” product of their environment/time period, as well as how they are unique to the
times in which they emerged.
References:
5 total references are required—3 in addition to the 2 course texts. Of the 3 outside
references, only one may be an internet source; the other 2 must be books.
Citations:
Numerous citations are necessary throughout a research paper for any ideas and quotes
that are not your own (see MLA style).
Grading: Point Distribution:
Content: Historical, Social, and Cultural context of the time period chosen: 60 pts.
Content: Investigation of Choreographer (s)’ role in the time period: 60 pts.
Appropriate Length: 20 pts.
Adherence to MLA Style (including proper citations): 40 pts.
Required References: 20 pts.
Total: 200 pts.
Critic’s Review (Synthesis Paper)
Due: 11/20/07
50 points
Throughout the semester collect dance critic’s reviews from prominent newspapers,
choosing at least 2 from the New York Times, 1 from the Philadelphia Inquirer, and 1
from another major city’s newspaper. This work (done throughout the semester) will
supplement classroom discussion during Weeks 13 and 14 (Nov. 20- 29) of the course.
On Nov. 20, 2007, submit a synthesis paper (of one of the reviews) that outlines the
following:
Dance Critic’s name
Title of review
Newspaper that ran the review
Your source for the newspaper (internet, newsstand, library, home delivery)
Concert/dancer/choreographer reviewed
Titles of works reviewed
Summary of the critic’s descriptions of the work (s)
Analysis of the critic’s opinion of the work (s)
Your desire (or not) to see the work or other works by the choreographer based on the
critic’s review
Along with the synthesis paper, submit the four reviews you have gathered throughout
the semester, marking the review that you synthesized with an *.
Grading: Point Distribution:
Each category above is worth 5 points.
Performance Attendance (written response)
Last possible due date: 11/27/07 (may be submitted at any time during the semester,
preferably a few days after attending the performance) (100 points)
Requirements:
2-3 typed, double spaced pages; word count: 500-750 words
Submit program and ticket stub from the performance along with the paper.
Assignment:
At any time during the semester, go to a live dance concert off-campus. While at the
concert, take notes and write a response paper based on the following questions:
I. In your opening paragraph, discuss the performance that you witnessed:
WHO performed?
WHAT did they perform?
WHEN was it performed?
WHERE and in what venue was the performance?
II. In the paragraphs that follow, describe at least two dances on the program, paying
attention to the type of movement performed.
WHAT did the dancing actually look like?
WHAT production elements were used to enhance the performance?
DESCRIBE the movement in a way that produces an image in the reader’s mind.
III. Then, discuss the meanings of the dances.
WHAT was the choreographer’s (s) intention in producing the work?
WHAT do you think the dance meant?
IV. Lastly, relate the performance to class discussion and movement experiences.
HOW was it similar/different to classroom work this semester?
Grading: Point Distribution:
Appropriate Length: 10 points
Program and Ticket Stub submitted: 10 points
Opening Paragraph: 20 points
Descriptions: 20 points
Meaning of Dances discussed: 20 points
Connection to Classroom Work: 20 points
Total: 100 points
Modern Dance Family Tree (visual representation)
Due 12/4/07
50 points
On the first day of class, you were given a pre-test of many of the choreographers to be
studied this semester. Throughout the semester, you will record information for each
choreographer as you find information through reading, video viewing, class discussion,
or independent research. On Tuesday (Dec. 4) of the last week of classes, you will bring
a Modern Dance Family Tree to class. This tree should be a visual representation of all
of the names on the pre-test, with clear links to their lineage in the family of Modern
Dance. The tree will serve as a study guide for the Final Exam, along with the recorded
information for each choreographer.