Module Code - Title:
MD6101
-
INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPROVISATION
Year Last Offered:
2024/5
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To provide an overview of improvisational processes within the context of current dance and music practices. To introduce the students to a range of aesthetic and technical approaches to improvisation. To provide for students to research improvisational processes and to integrate and apply this knowledge in their own practice.
Syllabus:
Students will attend a number of workshops in which music and dance faculty will demonstrate and explore improvisational processes and practices. Students will develop improvisational scores based on the materials presented.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Identify a range of approaches to improvisation with specific reference to their disciplinary context.
Demonstrate an ability to critically engage with principles underpinning discipline-specific improvisational practices.
Experiment with a number of approaches to improvisation.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Differentiate the principles most relevant to their field of practice.
Synthesise the principles studied in the workshops in order to create short improvisational scores.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Skilfully perform the findings of the research.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is taught through a series of workshops and group-based processes. The approach taken is based on Experiential Learning Theory which is a heterodox theory referring to processes of learnings which entail involvement and action from the learner. Making spaces for action, reflection and critique is key to experiential learning, and for students to be able to achieve the learning outcomes above. Reflection involves a range of dimensions of awareness of self and experience. In this module the students will be encouraged to reflect in a creative and knowledgeable manner through doing, thinking, speaking and writing about their experiences of improvisational processes. They will also use reflective processes to individually and collaboratively examine and interrogate different approaches to improvisation.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Higgins, L., & Sheehan-Campbell, P. (2010)
Free to be musical: Group improvisation in music
, Rowan and Littlefield
Tufnell, M., & Crickmay, C. (2003)
A Widening Field: Journeys in Body and Imagination
, Dance Books Ltd.
Barbour, K. (2011)
Dancing across the page: Narrative and embodied ways of knowing
, Intellect Books
Albright, A. & Gere, D. (2003)
Taken by Surprise a Dance Improvisation Reader
, Wesleyan
Tufnell, M., & Crickmay, C. (1990)
Body space image: Notes towards improvisation and performance
, Virago
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MACSPETFA - CLASSICAL STRING PERFORMANCE
MACOMUTFA - COMMUNITY MUSIC
MADAPETFA - DANCE PERFORMANCE
MDEDMUTFC - Education (Music)
MAETCHTFA - ETHNOCHOREOLOGY
MAETMUTFA - ETHNOMUSICOLOGY
MAFEARTFA - FESTIVE ARTS
MAITMPTFA - IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE
MAMUTHTFA - MUSIC THERAPY
MARCSOTFA - RITUAL CHANT AND SONG
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Seamus.Gordon@ul.ie