Course content

The modules Basic Ethnochoreology I-II provide students with an outline of the genres and dialect variation in dance and music found in traditional Norwegian folk dance, as seen in the larger context of cultural and dance history. Instruction will include lectures and student work with film and notation. Parallel variants from other countries will be included. The two modules are closely interrelated, and in order to obtain the complete picture, both are needed. Basic Ethnochoreology II provides an introduction to theory, scientific method and techniques, and the specific genre and dialect variation related to roundel and rural traditional dance. The students will choose a selection of traditional dances for their exams. Working with popular style and dance technique from film documentation is a central element. A few examples of folk music are included.

Learning outcome

The students will acquire an understanding of Norwegian folk dance from an ethnochoreological approach, along with expertise in dance analysis and an understanding of popular dance technique.

Learning methods and activities

Compulsory lectures (gatherings), practical exercises and tutoring.
Assessment based on portfolio, presentation of main dance exercise and practical test.
The students will submit a portfolio of finished exercises, which will be assessed together at the end of the course with a letter grade. The presentation of the main dance exercise and one practical test of the dance curriculum will be assessed with letter grades. The portfolio counts for one-quarter of the grade, while the presentation of the main dance exercise one-half and the practical test the final quarter. The portfolio will contain a set of dance analysis exercises answered in class, and one discussion exercise answered in discussion groups, with a final individual answer in class. The portfolio’s three parts count equally in the assessment. Failure of one of the assignments (portfolio, main dance exercise, practical test) requires that that particular assignment be retaken. Failing the portfolio assignment requires submitting the entire portfolio again.

The students attending BA in Dance studies, Performance Studies in Traditional Dance, the main dance exercise will be jugded after more stictly rules. For these students the exam will be public.

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment/Main dance assignment
• Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction

Required previous knowledge

DANS1001 Basic Ethnochorology I.

Credit reductions