Assessment 1: Journal (40%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
A substantial illustrated Reflective Learning Journal, containing key performance milestones that have occurred over a significant period of time - typically from the 19th century through to the 21st century - with reference to national and international social, cultural and political context. The Journal should include influential examples relating in particular to choreography and dance practice.

Assessment 2: Performance (60%) [4, 5, 6]
A 20 minute performance in a workshop setting, developed through exploration of choreographic techniques and working practices associated with selected dance practitioners.

Formative Assessment:
Participation in discussions considering past and contemporary performance techniques.

You will be able to explore the artistic, social and political influences on performance over a significant period, in order to evaluate reasons for current trends, particularly in dance. You will gain insights into the impact of context on sector trends so that you can plan your practical work with a better understanding of the cultural expectations of the audience you are aiming for. By recording your findings in your Reflective Learning Journal you will be able to develop your analytical and evaluative skills through discussing the ideas and influences relating to your work.

You will be introduced to professional practice within a dance context, developing dance skills popularised by choreographers during the modern era, and contrasting these with the stylistic qualities of contemporary dance. Through structured technical workshops and rehearsal you will develop a repertoire of choreographic techniques informed by the styles and working practices of a range of influential practitioners. You will continue to practice your physical warm up regime in accordance with health and safety expectations.

Your work will culminate in a workshop based performance of contrasting choreographed selections that demonstrate your strengthening technical knowledge of each style, and your ability to assimilate techniques with attention to performance quality. Practical dance assessments may include solo, duo or ensemble work and therefore strong elements of teamwork are expected to be demonstrated throughout the module.

Independent research is expected to be applied in relation to choreographers and practitioners within the field whose works relate to the applied dance style in order to demonstrate a complete understanding of the dance discipline and how it informs current practice.

1. Recognise key performance movements and influences. Relate your learning gained in practice and in taught sessions to the challenges encountered when responding to a work-based brief that relates to the performance industry.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Use a range of research and study skills to support your discussion of the performance industry through its development to current times.
Enquiry

3. Understand the relationship between cultural inheritance and current sector activities.
Analysis

4. Demonstrate your assimilation of various techniques through your ability to reproduce choreography through rehearsal and workshop performance to a professional standard
Application

5. Work as part of a team to identify common goals and associated needs requiring solutions. Suggest creative ways of resolving problems, and organise and implement realistic, achievable solutions.
Problem Solving
Working with Others

6. Develop and deliver performances that use a range of communication techniques. Be able to justify your own work in relation to the contexts in which your performance is placed.
Communication

Learning in this module will be facilitated through a mix of theory and practice. Activities will be both tutor-led, and managed by you and your peers in individual and group work.

Your Module Handbook will include a week-by-week summary of activities including, but not limited to:

Lectures, visits and seminars relating to performance history and context
Workshops developing journal content with studio tutorials
Problem solving exercises
Performance skills development
Research workshops
Practical studio workshops
Participation in the rehearsal and performance of selected dance pieces.
Methods of evaluation
Group discussions and critiques with formative feedback
Individual tutorials

Lecture/seminar space
Library and IT access
VLE
Rehearsal & Performance Space
Licensed performance material (as appropriate, e.g. dance notation, texts, manuscripts, scores, libretti and lyrics)
Ancillary costume, props and set equipment (as appropriate)
Performance recording equipment, to support critique and assessment

Butterworth, J & Wildschut L (2009). Contemporary Choreography A Critical Reader. Oxon : Routledge
Climenhaga, R (2009). Pina Bausch. Oxon: Routledge.
Copeland, R (2004). Merce Cunningham. London: Routledge.
DeFrantz, T (2004). Dancing Revelations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Foulkes, J (2002). Modern Bodies. Chapel Hill: The University Of North Carolina Press.
Jordan, S (2007). Stravinsky Dances. Alton : Dance Books Ltd
Macaulay, A (2011). Mathew Bourne and his adventures in dance mac. London: Faber & Faber.
McFee, G (1992). Understanding Dance. London : Routledge
Preseton-Dunlop; Valerie (1998). Rudolf Laban An Extraordinary Life. London : Dance Books Ltd
Sander, L (2004). Akram Khans' Rush. Alton: Dance Book Ltd.
Siegel, M (1993). Days on Earth. London : Duke university Press