Dance Research Paper
Question Description
In general, research papers look at the HISTORY and DEVELOPMENT of a person or a thing. For this paper you will need to find 3 academic sources – at least one library source and one video source. The library source can be a book, magazine, journal, or online versions of these sources. NO NON-ACADEMIC WEBSITES PERMITTED. (Online journals and magazines are different than your average www.website and are OK.)
The video source needs to be more than a 3 minute dance on YouTube (this means that So You Think You Can Dance pieces will not work for this paper). It should delve a little more deeply than just showing a single version of a dance – choose a dance that you can find multiple perspectives of.
General Guidelines
Choose to write about:
- A PERSON:
a dancer or choreographer who interests you-
- What kind of dance did/does this person do?
- How and when did they learn it?
- Who were their teachers?
- How has their career changed or developed over their lifetime?
- Where did they perform?
- Are they formally trained or informally?
- What are they famous for?
- Note the gender, ethnic, racial or class background, if applicable.
- Why are you interested in this person?
-
- A DANCE WORK/CHOREOGRAPHY
Choose a work that has an important place in dance history. The piece you choose should have analysis and papers written about it so that you can build a bibliography around it.-
- Who is the choreographer?
- Who danced the piece?
- When and where was it premiered?
- What made it famous?
- What style of dance is it?
- What is the dance about?
- How does the movement tell the story – try watching the piece on mute in order to actually watch the movement.
Grading Rubric
-
Points |
Excellent |
Above Average |
Average |
Below Average |
|
35 |
ContentInclusion of facts, details, and information. Identification and observation of dance styles, choreographic and theatrical elements, and performance qualities. Is the thesis plausible, based on the dance moves? Is the Historical context accurate? Is the Cultural Context Accurate? |
No errors of fact. Detailed, accurate, and complete. Comments on theatrical elements are insightful and creatively thought out. Thesis is well supported by discussion of the dance movements. Historical context is accurate and well placed. Cultural context is accurate and thoughtfully incorporated. |
No major factual errors. Observation of details is thorough. Paper is complete. Comments on theatrical elements are well thought out and informative. Thesis is somewhat supported by discussion of the dance movements. Historical context is accurate though not thoroughly integrated. Cultural context is accurate though not thoroughly incorporated. |
Minor factual errors. Observation of details is adequate. Includes all dances and chooses one dance in depth. Comments on all theatrical elements. Thesis is barely supported by discussion of the dance movements. Historical and cultural context has some inaccuracies and do not fully support the thesis. |
Numerous factual errors. Observation of details is minimal. Does not observe and comment on important theatrical elements. Does not include all dances or does not choose one dance in depth. Thesis is not supported by discussion of the dance movements. Historical and cultural context have many inaccuracies and do not support the thesis. |
35 |
AnalysisThe evaluation of observational evidence. The synthesis of content and an informed opinion reached based on observational facts and detailed examples. |
Consistently uses creative metaphors and highly descriptive language. Highly thoughtful scrutiny of content and reasoning. Skillfully uses movement analysis to discuss meaning and support thesis. Thoughtfully discusses dance reference to history. | Sometimes uses highly descriptive language. Always supports thesis with examples. Uses movement analysis to discuss meaning and support thesis. High level of critical thinking is apparent. | Uses common descriptive language. Does not always support thesis with examples. Critical reasoning is provided. | No use of descriptive language. Few movement examples to support thesis. Critical thinking is lacking. |
15 |
OrganizationPresentation and mechanics of the written work: Introduction, body and conclusion. Includes adherence to stylistic formatting rules, spelling, grammar and punctuation. |
Logistical and coherent. Topic sentences in well-structured paragraphs with a strong introduction, body and conclusion. No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. Follows all formatting rules. | Well constructed. Flows coherently to valid conclusion. Minor spelling, grammar or punctuation errors. Follows all formatting rules. | Structure is adequate. Includes introduction, body and conclusion. Few grammatical errors, but may have spelling and punctuation errors. Follows most formatting rules. | Incoherent. Impossible to follow. Many grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors. Prepared with little care. Does not follow formatting rules. |
15 |
References and formattingProvide an appropriate video link and bibliography. Paper is between 1000-1500 words. |
Appropriate video link and 3 or more appropriately cited academic sources. Paper is appropriate length. | Appropriate video link and 3 appropriately cited academic sources. Paper is appropriate length. | Somewhat appropriate video link and 2 appropriately cited academic sources. Paper is slightly off from the appropriate length. | No video link and fewer than 2 cited sources. Paper is not the appropriate length. |
Total Points – 100 |
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