You will need to provide an in-depth answer to one of the two essay questions listed below for 40 points. This essay should cover material from throughout the course including Lessons 1-3 as well as Lessons 4-6. Each question must be a 4-page essay; this means to write an in-depth and full analysis of the subject. You may need to write more.
To prepare, study each question and create an outline of the facts. You will need to choose examples from three different Lessons for each essay. Review your Study Guides for related themes and concept words. Each question has three significant parts that address the topic and require multiple examples of dances that illustrate your argument. These examples may be from different dance genres or in different historical periods. Use the resource materials to illustrate and defend your argument. Use form, technique and structure to illustrate how dance practices and artists realized cultural identities.
You only need to answer one of these questions. This is a significant part of the final grade. Therefore you have time to over this next week to establish a well-thought out and thorough discussion of the topic.
Essay Question 1:
A nation creates and develops identity through its stories and art. Central to the identity of America is the theme of “Inclusion”, yet not all cultural groups are represented in the most flattering of lights. Throughout the course, several choreographic works and individuals have presented numerous cultural identities (race, ethnicity, gender, religion) on the stage. In a 4-page essay, discuss the relationship of dance to cultural identities:
Grading Rubric:
A) 0-5 points: Create a thesis explaining what an American Identity is. What does it mean to be American? How do you become an American? What stories, themes, or ideas are central to being American? Is there a shared or unifying idea of American identity? Are there insiders and outsiders within American society? Explain the role dance has played in presenting different cultural identities on stage.
B) 0-10 points: Analyze a dance practice or choreographic work from any Lesson that has presented a specific cultural identity on stage, and explain how this work has represented, misrepresented, centered and/or marginalized that cultural identity addressing the form, technique and/or structure of the work. Describe the socio-historical context surrounding this work.
C) 0-10 points: Choose a second example from a different Lesson. Analyzing a second separate dance practice or choreographic work that has presented a specific cultural identity on stage, and explain how this work has represented, misrepresented, centered and/or marginalized that cultural identity addressing the form, technique and/or structure of the work. Describe the socio-historical context surrounding this work.
D) 0-10 points: Choose a third example from a different Lesson. Analyze this third dancepractice or choreographic work that has presented a specific cultural identity on stage. Explain how this work has represented, misrepresented, centered and/or marginalized that cultural identity while addressing the form, technique, and/or structure of the work. Describe the socio-historical context surrounding this work.
E) 0-5 points: Compare and contrast the two examples and analyze how these cultural representations influence the dominant national image. Do these representations conflict or support your understanding of American identity? Explain how dance has contributed to the national American mythology and/or in promoting diversity and inclusion.
In your analysis in paragraphs B, C, and D you should consider, among other things, the following: What were the intentions of the choreographer or dance group in presenting and performing this work? How has this work been perceived by audiences? How “authentic” was the portrayal of this cultural group?
There are faxes for this order.