Ways of Knowing: The Use of Creative Research and Artmaking Practices
DANC 245
Spring 2011
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
PHYS 245 |
This course will engage students in original creative research on the topic of origins. How can we apply the tools of rigorous artistic inquiry, including improvisation, synthesis, modes of expression, and production values to the investigation of other disciplines? Does the application of these processes affect a deeper comprehension of the subject matter? In the first part of this course, students will assemble and experience creative research methods that support the pursuit, arrangement and demonstration of knowledge. We will be using tools developed at the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange over the past 30 years that engage creative research as a basic means of discovery, learning, and building curiosity and basic comprehension. We will work together using methods that draw on varied artistic disciplines including processes for discovering and generating content, shaping, sequencing, and structuring work; applying contrast, repetition, and variation; working with narrative, representation, and abstraction. Engaging in direct assignments, students will conduct research, produce raw material, and engage in collaboration in crafting interim and final assignments.
In the second part, students will investigate the various means of expressing knowledge and analyze the impact these forms have on the understanding of the maker, as well as on the intended audience, whether through book or blog, digital or live, private or public performance. Our content for the course will be THE MATTER OF ORIGINS. Faculty from physics (Brian Stewart), astronomy (William Herbst) and religious studies (Mary-Jane Rubenstein) will partner with us in our investigation and provide the essential ingredients for our examination by delivering three different points of view on a single subject. Students will be expected to produce two different outcomes that demonstrate their research into the topic, which may include but are not limited to: a text-and-movement solo, environmental installation, written op-ed piece, mini video documentary, graphic novelization and poster art. These projects will undergo editing and critical analysis based on the Critical Response Process. Finally, we will observe the impact on our understanding of the topic as a result of these multiple formulations. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Designing, Creating, and Realizing, Interpretation |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA DANC |
| Course Format: Studio | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Reading packet including, but not limited to, excerpts from the following:
Art Spiegelman, MAUS I: A SURVIVOR'S TALE: MY FATHER BLEEDS HISTORY
Edith Warner, IN THE SHADOW OF LOS ALAMOS: SELECTED WRITINGS OF EDITH WARNER
Lawrence Kushner, HONEY FROM THE ROCK: AN INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH MYSTICISM
Jonathan Weiner, THE BEAK OF THE FINCH: A STORY OF EVOLUTION IN OUR TIME
Bill Veeck and Ed Linn, VEECK - AS IN WRECK: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BILL VEECK
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Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
For Permission by Instructor:
Contact Michele Olerud in Dance Dept. by email: molerud@wesleyan.edu for information regarding permission into this course. Ongoing registrations by appt.
The course follows a non-traditional schedule and students are required to attend a three-day intensive before classes begin Jnauary 15-17 from 10-6pm. Regular weekly classes will then begin on Monday, January 24 and follow a MW 9:00-10:20am through Wednesday, February 23. Students are required to attend the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange event on Thursday night, February 24 and a final class session on Sunday, February 27 from 1-5pm. |
| Instructor(s): Lerman,Liz Times: TBA; Location: TBA |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 12 | Permission of instructor will be granted during the drop/add period. Students must submit either a ranked or unranked drop/add request for this course. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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