Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE DCS3010

 
TITLE Individual Dance Project

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 10

 
DEPARTMENT Dance Studies

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit offers a framework for students to identify a key aspect of their dance practice to be investigated through both theory and practice. The results of their theoretical research and practical investigations will be presented first in an essay, and then in a lecture demonstration and viva. This study-unit allows for revision and discussion of applications of the theoretical approaches studied in Level 2, with additional theoretical perspectives to include a introduction to practice-as-research, as well as deeper studies of semiotics applied to dance analysis, phenomenology, and further in-depth study of aspects of cultural theory. It includes the selection and management of source material appropriate to the chosen topic, including literature, the use of reports, statistics and other primary sources. Students engage with research methods and the selection of appropriate methodologies including use of data gathering instruments such as workshops questionnaires, interviews, and participant observation. Students will identify frameworks/methods to be employed in analysis and interpretation of information collected. An investigation of the ways in which the conceptual concerns of study can be employed and explored in practical enquiry should be made explicit. Topics are to be negotiated with tutor.

Study-Unit Aims:

- To introduce practice as research as a framework to analyse, interpret and evaluate;
- To develop tools to formulate an appropriate conceptual framework and design a full investigation in relation to a chosen dance topic;
- To develop the students' ability to appraise the use and results of practical investigation in dance.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding,/u>:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Formulate a theoretical framework in relation to a chosen dance topic;
- Use conceptual frameworks to analyse, interpret and evaluate dance investigations;
- Arrive at thoughtful well-supported conclusions based upon the theoretical investigation;
- Articulate proposals for further investigation in practical workshops;
- Formulate a framework for practical investigation in a chosen topic.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Problem solve in terms of project design;
- Devise project in terms of conceptual concerns;
- Research appropriately;
- Relate theory to practice;
- Synthesise, write up and design appropriate series of workshops.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

- Fraleigh, Sondra Horton and Penelope Hanstein, (eds.). 1999. Researching Dance: Evolving Modes of Enquiry. (London: Dance Books) .
- Nelson, Robin. 2013. Practice as Research in the Arts: Principles, Protocols, Pedagogies, Resistances. (Palgrave Macmillan UK).

Additional texts as defined by each student and appropriate to the topic.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Fieldwork, Ind Study, Lect, Project, Seminar & Tut

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Oral Examination (15 Minutes) Yes 20%
Presentation (10 Minutes) Yes 30%
Essay Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Paula Guzzanti Ferrer
Margaret Jean Westby

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit