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Version No. 2.1 © University of West London 2018

Module Study GuideAcademic Year 2019–2020

Contemporary Techniques 2 – MU5FD17S

Level: 5

Credits: 20

Academic Partner: Creative Academy

Table of contents

Key team contact details....................................................................................................21 Module overview...............................................................................................................2

1.1 Introduction, aims and summary of content.........................................................21.2 Learning outcomes to be assessed.......................................................................21.3 Scheduled contact hours........................................................................................2

2 Assessment and feedback................................................................................................2

2.1 Summative assessment grid...................................................................................22.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes...................22.3 Learning materials...................................................................................................2

3 Things you need to know..................................................................................................2

3.1 Attendance................................................................................................................23.2 If things don’t go to plan.........................................................................................23.3 Getting support for your studies............................................................................23.4 Student support.......................................................................................................23.5 Module evaluation – have your say!.......................................................................2

Module Study Guide template – May 2019 2

Key team contact details

Module Leader Shamita Ray

Subject Area & School/College Creative Academy

Email [email protected]

Phone 01753 875 400

Location Creative Academy

Module Tutor Shamita Ray & Sunita Bolton


Phone 01753 875 400


Course Administrator Cassia Rudge


Phone 01753 875 400


Subject Librarian The Curve


Phone 01753 875 400

Location The Curve & Creative Academy

The Course Leader overseeing this module is George Kirkham, and can be contacted at [email protected]

The Head of Subject overseeing this module is Gavin Baker, and can be contacted at [email protected]

The Head of School responsible for this module is Professor Nicholas McKay, and can be contacted at [email protected]

The External Examiner responsible for this module is Jane White

The Academic Partner Link-Tutor responsible for this module is Emma Evans and can be contacted at [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]


1 Module overview

1.1 Introduction, aims and summary of contentStudents will learn a great deal about contemporary dance, specific techniques, methods of improvisation, and key practitioners. Students will participate in physical technique classes with one primary tutor; visiting practitioners will facilitate specific techniques and company repertoire. They will gain a physical understanding of the devices and methods used by contemporary practitioners. Students will gain a sound understanding and experience of the technique and vocabulary of movement in various contemporary techniques including Release, Graham, improvisation, Cunningham and Humphrey/Limon.

Students will explore the principles, dance techniques and choreography of selected contemporary dance pioneers, and will be encouraged to identify and assess the cultural context which shaped their vision. Students will experiment with various techniques including Graham, Cunningham, improvisation, and release, ensuring that they can make effective use of a range of appropriate genres of movement in their own creative work.

The aims of the module are to:

Enable students to further develop professional competence in various contemporary techniques specifically Graham, Release, and improvisation.

Enable students to critically analyse the choices and theory behind contemporary practitioners.

Ensure students develop a sound understanding and can replicate physically contemporary dance, placing in context the artistic / creative choices of the pioneers.

1.2 Learning outcomes to be assessedBy the end of the module students will be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate a clear and strong understanding of contemporary dance techniques and be able to identify, replicate and reproduce the foundations of those techniques confidently;

LO2. Articulate constructively how peer/self can make improvements to technique;

LO3. Evaluate and critical analyse a range of techniques associated with identifiable cultural forms or practitioners;

LO4. Professionally perform, demonstrating a clear range of contemporary technique skills;

LO5. Apply a variety of Contemporary Dance Technique principles to improvisation

1.3 Scheduled contact hours

Teaching Contact Hours 42 hours

Independent Study Hours 158 hours

Total Learning Hours 200 hours


2 Assessment and feedback

2.1 Summative assessment grid

Type of Assessment

Word Count or

equivalent

Threshold

(if Professional Body-PSRB

applies)

Weighting Pass Mark

Submission due-date &

time

Method of Submission & Date of Feedback

Technique exam

120 minutes (or 5000 words)

100% 40 Week 14

10 working days after

the technique

exam

2.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes

Teaching will be delivered through weekly lectures, practical workshops and considerable use will be made of recorded resources. These will be supported by group seminars in which students will discuss specific issues relating to each topic. Handouts will be provided in some of the lectures and there will be background reading to do some weeks. Students will be expected to undertake significant independent study to complete assignments, requiring them to familiarise themselves both with the LRC resources and additional Creative Academy resources.

It is anticipated that electronic bulletin boards and e-mail correspondence will be used to facilitate the exchange of information between students and staff.

The internet will also be a useful source of information for students when they come to completing assignments. However, information found on the net must be handled with extreme caution: there is no evidence to demonstrate how valid or accurate it is.

Learning Activities:

The approach taken to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding will make use of a blended learning approach. The range of teaching and learning methods on this course will include:

• Tutor input during classroom sessions i.e. lectures and practical workshops with one primary tutor and visiting practitioners. The module will provide students with the opportunity to analyse selected film material and pictorial imagery underpinned with practical demonstrations and replication. Students will be provided with selected reading and individual library based/internet research;

• Self-directed learning through work-place learning and independent research;

• Visiting practitioners and speakers, including representatives from national and local business;


• Student input in seminars and lectures;

• Student group and individual presentations, practical demonstrations;

• Viewing professional dance companies’ performances; and

• Guided reading.

Assessment methods:

A variety of Assessment methods will be used, however the primary vehicle for assessment will be through on-going tutor observation, and a technique exam. Students will be required to work to deadlines, both within teams and independently. The work will be assessed using a variety of methods including:

Technique exam.

Individual progress in class will be continuously monitored and feedback will be given to students by the module tutor, with input from visiting tutors. An understanding of the socio-cultural issues that shaped the development of contemporary dance will be identified when assessing student performance in class. The particular requirements of various contemporary techniques will be considered through the technique exam.

Assessment 1

Assessment task: Technique exam

Weighting: 100%

Date/time/method of submission: Week 13

Word count or equivalent: 120 minutes (or 5000 word essay if the student Is injured)

Assessment criteria:

At the start of the semester students will be given an overview of the requirements of contemporary dance and replication of technique and choreography. The student’s movement and physical understanding should demonstrate an understanding of appropriate genre / style characteristics. Through the course, students will be taught a set piece of choreography and the technique relevant to specific contemporary dance genres. Students must arrive to class ready to work and time keeping is a very important element of this assessment.

Marking scheme:

These are the criteria that students will be assessed upon:

Students will be marked against trueness of replication of technique and choreography. The student’s movement and physical replication should demonstrate a clear understanding of appropriate genre / style characteristics associated with specific contemporary dance techniques and set choreography. Students will be assessed on attendance, time keeping and participation in physical workshops on an ongoing basis throughout the semester.


This is how standards / grades will be determined:

90 – 100 The work excels in all of the following: technical ability in specific contemporary dance styles (Release, Graham, Cunningham and improvisation); criticality; rehearsal; thoroughness; performance; perspicacity; synthesis (of a broad range of sources or objects of study); intelligence. Students have attended 100% of module. The technical ability of the student is pertinent, correct and well performed. Students will demonstrate a professional attitude in the delivery of technique work and class.

80 – 89 The work excels in most of the following: technical ability in specific contemporary dance styles (Release, Graham, Cunningham and improvisation); criticality; rehearsal; thoroughness; performance; perspicacity; synthesis (of a broad range of sources or objects of study); intelligence. Students have attended 100% of module. The technical ability of the student is pertinent, correct and well performed. Students will demonstrate a professional attitude in the delivery of work and class.

70 – 79 The work excels in three or more of the following: technical ability (Release, Graham, Cunningham, and improvisation); criticality; rehearsal; thoroughness; performance; perspicacity; synthesis (of a broad range of sources or objects of study); intelligence. Students have attended 100% of module. The technical ability of the student is pertinent, correct and well performed. Students will demonstrate a professional attitude in the delivery of work and class.

(60 - 69 The work displays one or more of the following properties: technical ability (Release, Graham, Cunningham, and improvisation); criticality; rehearsal; thoroughness; performance; perspicacity; synthesis (of a broad range of sources or objects of study). Students have attended 90% of module. The technical ability of the student is pertinent, correct and well performed.

50 – 59 The work shows some evidence of involvement, and a little independence of thought from a range of sources. It is largely technically correct, pertinent and coherent, if not very well executed, though this may be inadequate in places.

40 – 49 The student shows no independence of thought or much technical development and performance, and no signs of any involvement. It might be poorly performed with a certain amount of redundancy, but involvement must be at least partially pertinent and coherent, and the student must have 90 % attendance.

20 – 39 The assignment fails when it is at least three of the following: very badly performed; no understanding is demonstrated physically of Graham, Cunningham; Release and improvisation; the performer is heavily redundant; incoherent; lacking energy and student demonstrates an un-professional attitude and student misses less than 90% of classes.

Fail 0 – 19 The work/replication fails (badly) when it is all, or all but one, of the following: very badly ordered; heavily redundant; technically incoherent; irrelevant; lacking in


energy and the student demonstrates an un-professional attitude; timekeeping is constantly bad and student misses less than 90% of classes.

For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at:

http://www.uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp

2.3 Learning materialsThe reading list for this module is available on Blackboard in the module area or by searching https://uwl.rl.talis.com/index.html. This shows real-time availability of books in the library and provides direct links to online resources, recommended by your lecturer.

Remember to log into Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available at your module sites!

Subject guides (https://www.uwl.ac.uk/library/finding-and-using-information/subject-guides-libguides) are also available to help you find relevant information for assignments, with contact details of the Academic Support Librarian for your School.

Please ensure you log into the student area of the Creative Academy website www.creativeacademy.org if you require log in please email [email protected]



http://www.creativeacademy.org/

3 Things you need to know

3.1 AttendanceAttendance is crucial for your success as a student. Over the years, it has become clear that there is a very clear link between students’ attendance levels and their module marks, so please make sure you give yourself the best possible chances for success through attending your classes, seminars and tutorials. You are expected to attend all forms of learning activity associated with your course of study regularly, and to engage in your course as required by the University’s Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy. Attendance is monitored by tutors.

All students should refer to the Creative Academy learning contract and the published Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy – https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/policies-procedures-and-regulations – and if your course is accredited by a professional body, also to specific course requirements.

3.2 If things don’t go to planThe University recognises that there are times when you may encounter difficulties during your course of study and provisions are made to help you. In all cases, you should speak to your Personal Tutor/Module Leader and seek advice as soon as possible.

If you think you need a little more time past the original deadline, you can approach your Module Leader for a 10-day extension initially.

If an extension is not sufficient and your circumstances have prevented you from submitting on time then you may for instance be able to apply for mitigation. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Students’ Union Advice Service who can support you. Click the link and go to the ‘advice’ section: https://www.uwlsu.com/

Please refer to the University Academic Regulations for further guidance on extensions and mitigation: https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/extensions-and-mitigating-circumstances

If you fall below the pass mark or fail to submit to all elements or part of a module’s assessments, you will be required to do a resit, normally at the next opportunity. Resits do not involve re-enrolment and attendance at classes.

Failure of a resit means you are required to retake the module. Retakes involve re-enrolment, attendance, payment of tuition fee and completion of all elements of the module, and the submission of all assessments. If your course is accredited by a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) certain rules may apply to you; please check this with your Course/Module Leader.

Please refer to the University’s Academic Regulations for further guidance; see https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/policies-procedures-and-regulations

If your course is accredited by a professional body, the module requirements outlined in the above document will specify the elements of assessment that must be passed, those that must be taken, and those that are optional. The relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) rules also apply in such cases.

You are reminded that the University applies penalties to students who commit an academic offence, in which case the Academic Offences Regulations will be used to deal with any cases of academic


misconduct including examination offences, plagiarism and other means of cheating to obtain an advantage.

If you have an issue or complaint about the module, you should speak to your Module Leader, Tutor or Course Leader informally in the first instance. Your Course Representative can also raise your concerns at Course Committees, which take place each semester. If you are unable to resolve it informally, you should refer to the Complaints Procedure which is outlined in the Student Handbook (https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/current-students/student-handbook) and consult the Students’ Union about it. The University aims to ensure that issues are resolved informally as quickly as possible to have minimum impact on your studies.

3.3 Getting support for your studiesThroughout your course of study, you will have access to a wide variety of sources of support depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Your first point of call for getting general academic support is your Personal Tutor. As well as approaching your Module Leader with any questions specifically related to your module and your Course Leader with questions on your Course, do contact your Personal Tutor for academic advice in relation your studies and your academic development.

Apart from the University-wide support framework, which encompasses the Module Leaders, Course Leader, the Subject Librarian and your Course Administrator, you will also have at your disposal the UWL Engagement Team. The Engagement Team offers Academic Skills Workshops throughout the year, helping you to develop skills relevant to your degree. Workshops include for instance Essay Planning and Writing; Critical Thinking; Reflective Writing; Group Work and Presentation Skills.

Contact the Engagement Team at: [email protected]

Maths Support, English Language support and One-to-one academic support opportunities are also available through the Creative Academy Wellbeing Team please email Krissie at [email protected].

For information about all the University services go to the Engagement Team’s website – https://www.uwl.ac.uk/students/support-services-for-students/engagement-team

3.4 Student supportIn addition to the support listed in the previous section, there is also more help offered by The Creative Academy Well-being Team please look on the Facebook group or email [email protected]. You may also wish to contact UWL Student Support Services. These are located in The Street at St Mary’s Road, Ealing campus, but offer drop-in sessions at all UWL sites. They offer a wide range of support and advice services consisting of Student Advice, and Funding & Immigration advice; Careers; Counselling; Disability/Mental Health; Inter-faith Advisor; Placement & Employment; Volunteering; Student Welfare; and Scholarships and Bursaries.

Contact Student Services (general) for more information at:

Email: [email protected]

Tel. 0208 231 2345.




3.5 Module evaluation – have your say!Towards the end of the module you will be invited to provide some anonymous feedback to the Module Leader through an online survey. This is your opportunity to give some direct feedback about the module through a series of questions and free text. Your constructive feedback will help the Module Leader and teaching team to understand the module experience from your perspective and helps inform the development of the module. At the end of the survey period, a response to the survey will be available on Blackboard so that you can see exactly how your voice has been heard.


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