DANC 181 - Dance and Social History

Unit(s): 4

This course examines dance in relationship to society and issues of social justice. With the history of 20th century dance as the backdrop, we examine how dance artists have addressed identity, culture, and politics through body techniques and aesthetic choices. Looking at the relationships between ballet, jazz, modern, post-modern, hip hop, and social and vernacular forms, we interrogate the ways political and social structures affect which voices are heard and which bodies are seen. Course includes creative and scholarly research, attendance at off-campus events, guest artist master classes, interdisciplinary meetings with music and theater students, and engagement with the broader Bay Area community. This course is required for PASJ Dance Majors and open to others. Some prior movement experience helpful but not required.

College of Arts and Sciences