Course content

The subject provides an outline of main directions in ethnochoreographic and anthropological dance research. There is a focus on theory and method. Instruction will be given in a small selection of projects from around the world, or one specific topic may be chosen as a basis for instruction. The course will also provide an introduction to methods of field work and documentation with respect to dance. The students will be supervised through one project, where they document dance on video and then register, analyse, discuss and present the material in a written assignment. The field work will be done either in groups or individually, but the assignment is submitted individually. The course also provides a simple introduction to the international system of notation, Kinetography Laban (Labanotation).

Learning outcome

Students should aquire an understanding of theory formation within ethnologic and anthropological dance reasearch. They should also acquire a knowledge of and experience in field work technique and dance notation.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, practical exercises and supervised project assignment.
Assessment: Project assignment, practical exercises, portfolio assessment and approved presentation of the written assignment.
Students must submit a portfolio assessed as a unit. The portfolio will be assessed with a letter grade at the end of instruction. The portfolio should contain the discussions to two sets of assignments. The two sets count the same. Students will also be assessed with a letter grade based on one written project assignment, including a field work video. The project assignment and the video is based on an approved presentation of the material. A letter grade assessment will also be given for a practical Labanotation test. The portfolio counts for 2/5, the project assignment 2/5 and the practical test 1/5. Failing one part of the assessment (portfolio, project assignment, practical test) requires that the student retake the failed component later. Failing the portfolio assessment requires redoing the entire portfolio.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation of the assignment and the video