DAN 272Y - Intensive Course Abroad (1-4 Cr.)

(GCR Arts area if taken for at least 3 credits)

ARTS AND CULTURE IN WEST AFRICA: GHANA (1/4) West Africa’s rich and deep cultural traditions have persisted through centuries of colonization, strife, governmental corruption, and other, often extreme hardships. An intensive dance experience, in collaboration with Connecticut College, students will participate in the disciplinary study of Ghana’s arts, specifically dance, and experience both city and village living. This course involves travel to Kumasi, the Cape Coast, and the capital city of Accra and will include workshops, classes, performances, and field excursions to visit historical sites and museums. This course requires a pre-course in the fall semester. Winter 2019/2020 and alternate years. Program faculty.

THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION: A CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE (1/4) The pre-departure course is designed to prepare the student for the international experience by engaging life skills, examining Scottish history, culture, and art, and preparing for the array of performance viewing opportunities available at the Edinburgh International and Fringe Festivals. The three-week international experience in Edinburgh, Scotland is during one of the most vibrant artistic times of the year. The international course will be divided into two distinct but related parts. The first half will situate the student locally in Edinburgh and more expansively in Scotland via day trips outside the city, visiting historic sites, exploring natural wonders, and participating in highland culture through activities such as dancing and storytelling. During the second half of the trip students will immerse themselves in the Edinburgh International and Fringe Festivals where they will be exposed to art forms from across the world both traditional and contemporary. These include theatre music, physical theatre, dance, circus, cabaret, comedy, improv, visual arts, readings, poetry slams, workshops, etc. Students are encouraged to select experiences that will inform their own artistic work and expand their personal outlook and aethetic.