Power, Structure, and the Human Body

In this studio course open to anyone with a body, we will explore power, structure, and human bodies through personal, political, anatomical, kinesthetic, and aesthetic lenses. We will delve into these issues as artists do: by reading, thinking, talking, moving, and making performances, actions, sense, and change.  Each day we will literally incorporate what we study by using tools from dance, somatic and creative practices. We will explore what it means to be an engaged intellectual. Readings include contemporary thinkers about race, gender, sexuality, disability, and performance. Students design final creative projects.

Sample reading list:
Ta-Nehisi Coates, Letter to My Son
Audre Lorde, Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power
Abigail Levine, Being a Thing: The Work of Performing in the Museum
Alison Kafer, Feminist, Queer, Crip
Solmaz Sharif, Look
edited by Peter Orner, Narratives of Undocumented Lives (Voice of Witness)

Reading/Writing assignments:
Ongoing creative and reflective assignments (approximately 2 hours outside class/week); reading, viewing art and performances (approximately 2 hours outside class/week), several short response papers and a final project.

Other information:
This course is designed for all students, whether new to or experienced in dance and/or art making practices. It meets twice a week. Attendance in all classes and completion of all work required including: creative assignments, papers, and participation in final project is required to pass the course. There are seats reserved for each class year. All unused reserved seats will be released to all class years for further enrollment during the Add/Drop period.

Faculty

Sections

U01

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30 - 4:20 p.m.

Instructor(s)

Aynsley Vandenbroucke