AFR 206
African Dance and Percussion
Last Offered Fall 2019
Division II
Cross-listed DANC 202 / MUS 221
This course is not offered in the current catalog

Class Details

Before the 20th century, the African continent was the source of dance and music that influenced new forms rooted on and off the continent. These forms are shaped by the impact of religion, colonialism, national political movements, travel, immigration, and the continuing emergence of technology. In South Africa, the labor conditions of miners instigated the creation of Isicathulo, Gum boots, and in Brazil the history of colonialism is a factor that anchors Samba as a sustaining cultural and socioeconomic force. The birth of Hip Hop in the 20th century finds populations across the globe using its music, dance, lyrics, and swagger as a vehicle for individual and group voice. Hip Hop thrives as a cultural presence in most countries of the African continent and in the Americas. We will examine the factors that moved this form from the Bronx, New York, to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Rio, Brazil. We will examine at least two of these forms learning dance and music technique and composition material that will inform their practice. Each of these genres generated new physical practices, new and enduring communities while continuing to embody specific histories that have moved beyond their place of origin. What is their status in this century?
The Class: Format: studio; class hours will be divided among discussion of media and readings; rehearsal of dance and music techniques; field trips to view performances; research at the Jacob Pillow's archives; and interaction with visiting artists
Limit: 20
Expected: 20
Class#: 1320
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: a series of discussion, research, and individual and group projects; all of which will inform collaboration on mid-term and final projects
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: students who have taken DANC 100 or DANC 201; 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:
DANC 202 Division I AFR 206 Division II MUS 221 Division I
Attributes: GBST African Studies
MUS World Music/Ethnomusicology

Class Grid

Updated 6:34 pm

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