ARTH 204
Historical Research in Dance and Performance Studies Fall 2020
Division I
Cross-listed DANC 103 / ARTH 204
This is not the current course catalog

This course is an introduction to the historical context of dance forms prevalent in the US and analysis of movement-based performances. While readings and viewings will focus on the socio-historical background of dance genres practiced at Williams and beyond, an important element of the course will be the practice of documenting, interpreting, and writing about performances as historical and cultural mediums. The course will enable students interested in dance, theatrical and visual arts (including advertising and marketing) to hone their skills in the practice of analyzing still and moving images, while also offering students of history and art history the opportunity to develop competency in historical research. This is primarily a discussion-based seminar course. Learning objectives: to understand the social and political contexts for various performance genres; to explore interdisciplinary and embodied modes of engaging with movement; to develop the ability to document, analyze, and write about dance as a historical and cultural text.