The George Washington University

Fall 2000

TRDA 049, Section 10

Building J; 2-3:30, T,Th
 
 

Instructor: Mary Buckley

Course text: Reading Packet

Phone: 202/242-6694 on MVC campus

Office Hours: Mon & Wed2-4pm @MVC – Academic 204

The aim of this experiential dance course if to introduce some of the different philosophical approaches in movement training. Movement Awareness focuses on approaches to authentic movement which engage both the intellect and the body, and most importantly, the dialogue between the two In this class students are encouraged to experience movement rather than simply replicate movement patterns created by the instructor.

Somatics, a field of study that supports an expanded range of volitional movement consciousness, is at the core of many movement principles that will be examined. The teaching methods of Moshe Feldenkrais, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Ida Rolf, F.M.Alexander, Irmgard Bartenieff and others will be analyzed through exercises, lectures, readings, and guest lecturers.

The Movement Awareness class will incorporate a variety of somatic modalities and philosophical perspectives to increase the student’s awareness of personal movement characteristics and potential. Students will observe, clarify, and experience basic movement connections through an experiential learning format that emphasizes balance, alignment and control. By the end of the course the student will be expected to be conversant in the different philosophical movement principles and perspectives presented in class.

COURSE TEXT

Required: Reading Packet

Attendance 30%

Participation 30%

Synthesis Paper 20%

Concert Review 10%

Journal 10%

ATTENDANCE is essential to your learning process in this studio class. Every class will further your understanding of the subject and experiences missed in studio classes cannot be made-up. Because of this, all absences and tardies will effect your grade as follows:

Absences Attendance Grade

0/1 100%

2 90%

3 80%

4 60%

5 40%

6 10%

7 or more absences will result in an automatic failure of the course

Each tardy over 2 lowers your attendance grade by 10%

PARTICIPATION includes:

-full physical involvement in movement experiences

-informed engagement in discussions

-concentration in class

-willingness to try new experiences

-intellectual curiosity

Tardies and absences indirectly effect your grade

JOURNAL

A journal entry should be made for each class session. Please type these entries or write legibly. Not only does your journal let me know how you are incorporating the movement principles into your own movement vocabulary, but these entries will help you when writing the synthesis paper.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS (Synthesis paper and concert review)

Each student will write an 8-10 page synthesis paper covering the materials presented and experienced in class. This paper is due December 1.

Each student will go to see a live dance concert and write a 3-4 page review of the event. This paper may be handed in any time before December 1.

Assignments will be handed in on the day indicated and late submission will effect your grade. Work will not be accepted more than one week after the due date. The papers must be typed, double spaced, and stapled. You will be given specific guidelines and criteria for these papers later in the semester. For your own insurance, please keep a copy of your paper.