AFR 201
African Dance and Percussion Fall 2021
Division II
Cross-listed MUS 220 / DANC 201
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

We will examine two forms that embody continuity of tradition or the impact of societal, political or economic change. Lamban was created by the Djeli, popularly called Griots served many roles in the kingdoms of Ghana and Old Mali from the 12th century to current times. This dance and music form continues as folklore in modern day Guinea, Senegal, Mali and The Gambia where it is practiced by the Mandinka people. Bira is an ancient and contemporary spiritual practice of Zimbabwe’s Shona people. While these forms are enduring cultural practices, Kpanlogo from the modern West African state of Ghana represents the post-colonial identity of this nation’s youth and their aspirations for independence at the end of the 1950s. We will also consider the introduction of these forms outside of their origin. This course can be taken for academic and/or PE credit
The Class: Format: studio; class hours will be used to learn and use the dance and music of at least two forms including historical context, a group and individual research project or paper. When possible, our process will include guest artists and field trips to see live performance as well as use of the archives at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.
Limit: 12
Expected: 12
Class#: 1422
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: discussion of assignments, group response performances, and short research paper. Students enrolled for PE credit are responsible only for the performance-based projects
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: students who have taken a 100 level dance course of DANC 202; have experience in a campus-based performance ensemble; or have permission of the instructors
Distributions: Division II
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
MUS 220 Division I DANC 201 Division I AFR 201 Division II
Attributes: GBST African Studies
MUS World Music/Ethnomusicology

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