Module Code - Title:
DA6002
-
CRITICAL ENCOUNTERS WITH IRISH TRADITIONAL DANCE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The objective of this module is to contextualise Irish dance performance practices. By critically examining relevant literature on the subject, this module will seek to provide a socio-cultural understanding and an historical awareness of Irish dance practices. Practical dance classes will form an important aspect of this learning process. In addition, audio-visual material on Irish dance performances to date, together with written documentation of Irish dance, will be studied and examined, and when considered relevant to texts, actual dance performances will accompany these. At the end of this module, students will be expected to have acquired a critical understanding of Irish dance practices, their histories and socio-cultural and political framings, their contexts of transmission, and their related performative aesthetics.
Syllabus:
The history, theory and practice of Irish dance; the examination of individual dance genres within historical and cultural context; analyses of characteristic dance forms; the exploration of patronage and aesthetic interest; and the relationship between music and dance. Students will also be expected to participate in relevant dance workshops.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
1. Critique and evaluate literature and audio-visual material within the field of Irish dance.
2. Demonstrate in theory and in practice an understanding of the history and cultural backgrounds of different Irish dance practices.
3. Illustrate an awareness of the diverse approaches undertaken by scholars and performers in the field.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the different repertoires and styles within Irish dance practices.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
1. Challenge ethnocentricity in researching and learning about diverse Irish dance practices.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
1. Demonstrate competence at presenting an Irish dance as taught on the programme.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is taught through seminars and workshops to provide a cognitive and embodied understanding of Irish dance.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Foley, Catherine E. (2012)
Irish Traditional Step F=dancing in North Kerry: a Contextual and Structural Analysis (Book and DVD)
, Listowel: North Kerry Literary Trust
Foley, Catherine E. (2013)
Step Dancing in Ireland: Culture and History
, Farmham: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.
Brennan, Helen (2004)
The Story of Irish Dance: the First History of an International Cultural Phenomenon
, Dingle: Brandon
O'Connor, Barbara (2013)
The Irish Dancing: Cultural Politics and Identities, 1900-2000
, Cork: Cork University Press
Hall, Frank (2008)
Competitive Irish Dance: art, sport, duty
, Madison: Macater Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Ni Bhriain, Orfhlaith (2008)
The Terminology of Irish Dance
, Madison: Macater Press
Stirling Film and Television Productions (2000)
Rising Steps
, Belfast: Stirling Film and Television Productions
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAETCHTFA - ETHNOCHOREOLOGY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
orfhlaith.nibhriain@ul.ie