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KHE210

Introduction To African And Folk Dance

  • Education
  • 200 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 117 pages
  • 14 units

This course introduces students to the history, concepts, and types of African and folk dance. It explores dance notation, reading, and writing dance notes. The course also analyzes dance steps and movements in traditional African dance, comparing them with European dance steps. Furthermore, it examines the utilization of dance as a fitness exercise, highlighting its physical, mental, social, and economic benefits. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of dance in various contexts.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
52 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical, practical
Practical work
Yes
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assignments
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

KHE210 · UNIT I HISTORY OF DANCE

Dance is as old as mankind that even the lower animals also dance. Our ancestors danced from time immemorial for ceremonial purposes such as marriages, new yam festivals, burials, rituals, traditional religious reasons and moon light plays.

What you should be able to do

  1. Explain the history and concepts of African and folk dance.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of dance notation systems.
  3. Analyze dance steps and movements in traditional African dance.
  4. Compare African and European dance steps.
  5. Evaluate the utilization of dance as a fitness exercise.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Dance Instructor
  • Choreographer
  • Dance Therapist
  • Fitness Trainer
  • Cultural Arts Officer
Where it is applied
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Healthcare
  • Tourism
  • Cultural Preservation

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Introduction to Reading and Writing Dance Notations

    Unit 3: Reading and writing dance notes

    Understanding the abstract symbols and their relation to actual dance movements requires strong visualization skills and spatial reasoning.

  • Module 3: Dance Steps and Movement in Traditional African Dance

    Unit 2: Analysis of African dance steps and movement

    Analyzing the intricate steps and movements of traditional African dance requires a deep understanding of cultural context and rhythmic patterns.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 43 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: History and Concept of African and Folk Dance
    • Unit 1: History of Dance · 2 hours

      Read about the origin and evolution of dance.. Identify key figures and historical periods in dance history.. Discuss the role of dance in early societies and cultures..

    • Unit 2: Concept of Dance · 2 hours

      Define the concept of dance and its various interpretations.. Explore the different types of dance based on function and nature.. Discuss the rationale and aesthetic for dancing..

  2. Week 2Module 1: History and Concept of African and Folk Dance
    • Unit 3: African Dance · 2 hours

      Examine the characteristics and significance of African dance.. Discuss the role of dance in African societies and cultures.. Identify examples of African dances and their purposes..

    • Unit 4: Folk Dance · 2 hours

      Define folk dance and its cultural significance.. Classify folk dances based on major categories.. Discuss the rationale and significance of folk dances..

  3. Week 3Module 2: Introduction to Reading and Writing Dance Notations
    • Unit 1: History of Dance Notation (notes) · 2 hours

      Outline the history of dance notation and its pioneers.. Discuss the importance of dance notation in preserving dance forms.. Research the different systems of dance notation..

    • Unit 2: Concept of Dance Notation · 2 hours

      Explain the concept of dance notation and its purpose.. Define staff and neume in the context of dance notation.. Discuss the difficulties in dance notation..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Introduction to Reading and Writing Dance Notations
    • Unit 3: Reading and writing dance notes · 2 hours

      Define reading and writing in the context of dance notation.. Explain Labanotation and its components.. Discuss the history and evolution of Labanotation..

  5. Week 5Module 3: Dance Steps and Movement in Traditional African Dance
    • Unit 1: African Dance Step and movement · 3 hours

      Define dance steps and movement in traditional African dance.. Explain the categories of traditional African dance.. Discuss the influence of music on dance steps and movement..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Dance Steps and Movement in Traditional African Dance
    • Unit 2: Analysis of African dance steps and movement · 3 hours

      Analyze the steps and movements of various African dances.. Discuss the cultural and social significance of these dances.. Compare and contrast different African dance styles..

  7. Week 7Module 4: Comparison of African and European Dance steps
    • Unit 1: African dance steps · 2 hours

      Identify and describe various African dance steps.. Discuss the cultural context and significance of these steps.. Analyze the movements and rhythms associated with African dance..

  8. Week 8Module 4: Comparison of African and European Dance steps
    • Unit 2: European dance steps · 2 hours

      Identify and describe various European dance steps.. Discuss the cultural context and significance of these steps.. Analyze the movements and rhythms associated with European dance..

  9. Week 9Module 4: Comparison of African and European Dance steps
    • Unit 3: Comparison between African and European dance steps · 3 hours

      Compare and contrast African and European dance steps.. Discuss the similarities and differences in their cultural significance.. Analyze the historical influences on both dance styles..

  10. Week 10Module 5: Utilization of Dance as a Fitness Exercise
    • Unit 1: Dance and fitness exercise · 2 hours

      Define fitness and physical exercise.. Discuss the types of exercise and their benefits.. Explore the utilization of dance as a fitness exercise..

    • Unit 2: Dance as fitness exercise · 2 hours

      Discuss the physical, mental, social, and economic benefits of dance.. Explore the use of dance as a therapeutic tool.. Analyze the impact of dance on overall well-being..

  11. Week 11Module 1: History and Concept of African and Folk Dance
    • Module 1 Review · 4 hours

      Review the history and concept of African and Folk Dance.. Revise the types of dance and their cultural significance.. Practice identifying different dance styles..

  12. Week 12Module 2: Introduction to Reading and Writing Dance Notations
    • Module 2 Review · 4 hours

      Review the history and concept of dance notations.. Revise the types of dance notations and their components.. Practice identifying different dance notations..

  13. Week 13Modules 3 & 4: Dance Steps and Comparison
    • Modules 3 & 4 Review · 4 hours

      Review the analysis of dance steps and movement in traditional African dance.. Revise the comparison of African and European dance steps.. Practice identifying different dance steps and movements..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create detailed notes for each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.
  • Practice dance notation exercises to improve understanding of Labanotation and Benesh systems.
  • Compare and contrast African and European dance steps, noting their cultural significance.
  • Review the benefits of dance as a fitness exercise, focusing on physical, mental, social, and economic aspects.
  • Form study groups to discuss and clarify challenging concepts.
  • Practice past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
  • Develop mnemonic devices to remember key dance styles and movements.
  • Create concept maps linking dance history, notation, and practical applications.

Questions students ask about this course

What is KHE210 about?

This course introduces students to the history, concepts, and types of African and folk dance. It explores dance notation, reading, and writing dance notes. The course also analyzes dance steps and movements in traditional African dance, comparing them with European dance steps. Furthermore, it examines the utilization of dance as a fitness exercise, highlighting its physical, mental, social, and economic benefits. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of dance in various contexts.

How many units does KHE210 have?

KHE210, Introduction To African And Folk Dance, has 14 units across 5 modules, over 117 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is KHE210?

KHE210 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Education.

Is KHE210 hard?

KHE210 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.

How long does KHE210 take to study?

About 52 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.

How is KHE210 assessed?

KHE210 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What can I do with KHE210?

Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Dance Therapist, Fitness Trainer and Cultural Arts Officer.

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