DRA144 Summer2008

CRN 61791

offered during SUMMER SESSION I, 2008

Instructor: Dr Lynette Hunter (please contact her for more information: Theater and Dance, Room 228; ude.sivadcu|retnuhl#ude.sivadcu|retnuhl)
Mondays - Thursdays, 4:10PM-5:50PM at the University Club.
(This course will finish July 18th or July 25th depending on organization.)

Traditional Chinese Daoist movement, breathing and energy practices, taught in dance lab conditions. Applications encouraged in a wide range of areas (eg performance, education, sport), but the focus of the course will move toward presence, centeredness and dynamic responsiveness.
Course assessed by participation, movement projects, and a final project that is accompanied by a journal of process and a critical evaluation.

UPPER DIVISION ELECTIVE
OR: IN LIEU OF UPPER DIVISION ACTING
GE IN TOPICAL BREADTH: ARTS HUMANITIES SOCIAL SCIENCES
+ GE IN DIVERSITY


TOPICAL OUTLINE:

The course consists of the following study blocks. Chinese Physical Culture (CPC) elements are built upon by integrating new facets each week. There is a focus on stress management objectives.
1) Traditional Daoist knowledge: sources for the Lishi system
CPC elements: Stances (postures), Steps (basic movement), Kai mun (tendon extension and relaxation), Tai Ji Quan (formal movement coordinating with breath).

2) Daoist breathing practices
CPC elements: Dao Yin (basic breathing techniques), posture (alignment), Adhering Hands (partner work)

3) Daoist energy work
CPC elements: Balance, Qi work, The Dance (lighter and swifter formal movement), Whirling Arms (partner work).

4) Combining movement, breath and energy in solo and partner work
CPC elements: Whirling Hands (partner work), Qi expressions (energy alignment), Nutrition.

5) Combining movement, breath and energy in solo, partner and group work
CPC elements foot patterns (timing and range work), the geometry of arm strokes, hand formations.

6) Yang arts focus
CPC elements: Clockface and T-Cup, Rollaways (interaction with partners).

7) Yang arts focus
CPC elements: Wrist/Arm, Ankle/Leg control (joints, connective tissue and responsiveness).

8) Applications in Actor Training
CPC elements: Sho Pay Fah form (dynamic movement and awareness).

9) Applications in Performance
CPC elements: Du Shou form (hand-eye coordination, proprioceptive movement).

10) Projects
CPC elements: basic Chi Shu (physical coordination from the ground).

GRADING PERCENTAGES:

Students will be assessed by participation and engaged progress (40%), project work in presentations to the class through the quarter and journal of process (30%), final examination project (30%). Projects will be applications of the movement developed in discussion with the instructor. They will be accompanied by a journal of process, a project, and a written critical evaluation of the project of between 1200-1500 words.

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