Exploring Cultural Diversity Through the Performing Arts Instructor: Juliet McMains, Dance In this course, we will use dance as a window into exploring cultural difference. We will examine the historical, social, political, and aesthetic meaning of a cross-section of dances from around the world, including: African dance, capoiera, flamenco, salsa, hip-hop, bharatanatyam, powwow, hula, and raqs sharqi. Whatever career you choose, you will likely have to relate to people from very different backgrounds than your own. While you might not learn to speak ten different languages, you could learn how to listen to the music or watch the dances of ten different countries and gain tremendous insight into their cultures. This course will be of great value to everyone regardless of your intended major, and NO DANCE EXPEREINCE IS REQUIRED. In addition to readings, lectures, discussions, viewings, and writing assignments, we will be learning about many dance practices through physical experience. Whenever possible, we will have a (beginning level) movement class in the form we are studying. At times, we will bring practitioners of these forms into our classroom, but we will also venture out into the city on fieldtrips to performances and classes in the community. Meets: MTWTh 9:30-12:00
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