KDB210 Dance Composition


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:KDB210
Credit points:12
Equivalent:KDB209
Assumed Knowledge:

A level of physical condition appropriate to the unit content and to safe dance practices is required.

Coordinator:Csaba Buday | c.buday@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit introduces the fundamentals of dance composition through exploring a range of choreographic practices. It focuses on understanding the tools available for composing dance and using these to develop successful choreographic outcomes. Through studio-based shared practice sessions, online activities, reflecting on readings and performance documentation you will begin to develop an aesthetic understanding applicable across your artistic practice. The unit examines movement ideas, shifting from simple to complex group configurations, and understanding how to develop a compositional methodology for a particular context. It offers the opportunity to develop your choreographic skills and understanding by working in collaboration with a choreographer.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an applied understanding of a range of compositional tools used in dance making practices.
  2. Understand stylistic and technical devices used in dance composition and their application across various dance genres and contexts.
  3. Develop reflective and documentation techniques relating to your emerging dance compositional practice.

Content

The unit content addresses approaches to dance composition and their application in a range of dance contexts. Studio-based workshops with a choreographer will introduce you to approaches to dance composition and choreographic processes. It is expected that you will review online materials – readings and performance documentation (among others) and be prepared to engage in each studio-based shared practice session. From your experience of working with a choreographer you will then be mentored in the creation of a collaboratively developed dance composition work.

Learning Approaches

Classes will comprise of studio-based workshops, lectures and online directed tasks and independent practice.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during workshops, lectures and discussions throughout the semester.

Assessment

Overview

There are two assessment items for this unit to support your creative development in dance composition. The first is the submission of a multi-faceted reflective journal arising from your learning in the unit and the second item is a demonstration of a collaboratively developed compositional task.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Demonstration

Summative: In small groups, you will collaboratively develop a dance composition that has emerged from your experience in the studio-based workshops and lectures, dance toolbox, guided and independent research of others' practices and approaches to dance composition.

Weight: 60
Length: 5-minute presentation plus a two (2) page written document.
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Dance Toolbox

Formative and Summative: A web-based toolbox comprising a series of tasks, procedures, methods, scores or other arising from the series of studio-based workshops. The Dance Toolbox is submitted for feedback throughout semester and is assessed mid and end semester.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Late Semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Relevant unit readings and reference material will be available online.

Risk Assessment Statement

All students and staff are required to complete the Tier 1 General Health and Safety Induction for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.

The study in this unit involves physical training in purpose-built dance studios. Full physical participation in any class / workshop / rehearsal is subject to compliance with safe dance practice. Physical challenges are an inherent part of dance training. The development of essential risk-management skills that minimise potential injury is a high priority with all lecturing staff. All students are taught safe dance principles as life-long learning skills and it is expected that they apply them in this unit. Due to the athletic nature of dance training, the dance discipline provides the necessary duty of care in emergency situations through its first-aid and health and safety officers at all venues in which you are required to participate in this unit.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

KK34 Bachelor of Fine Arts

  1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
    Relates to: ULO1
  2. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
    Relates to: ULO1
  3. Demonstrate technical proficiency in at least one area of your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO2
  4. Discern, critically analyse and synthesise knowledge in complex creative practice settings.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3
  5. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through reflection and by acting on the informed critique of others.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3