DANCE AND PERFORMANCE ART HISTORY

The course is part of two different degree programs: the Master’s Degree in History of the Arts and Conservation of Artistic Heritage (which aims to provide a broad and in-depth understanding of artistic phenomena to foster their full comprehension and valorization), and the Master’s Degree in Economics and Management of Arts and Cultural Activities (EGArt) (which offers tools to understand the nature and processes of cultural production, bridging the professional worlds of management and culture and activating marketing strategies). The course introduces students to artistic practices and theoretical discourses related to the creation, production, and reception of contemporary dance and performance.

Students will be able to situate a choreographic work or a performance within the broader context of contemporary arts and the artistic and cultural heritage they represent. They will also be able to apply key concepts of curatorial and managerial practices to these artistic fields. During the course, they will learn to take notes both from lectures and assigned readings, to identify and internalize the main concepts, thus developing skills in synthesis and critical thinking. Students will, finally, learn to use specialized vocabulary with awareness and precision. The final paper and oral examination, or alternatively the written exam (the two available assessment options), allow students to verify the knowledge acquired during the course and relate it to what they have learned throughout their academic journey.

A working knowledge of English is required to understand some of the texts included in the exam syllabus, as well as the videos and documentaries screened and discussed during the course.

The course presents and analyzes a selection of choreographic works and performances from the 20th and 21st centuries, placing them within their historical contexts. Analysis is grounded in the in-class screening of selected video recordings of performances, which serve as a basis for introducing and discussing the theoretical issues underlying choreographic and performative practices, as well as their critical reception. The course alternates between the examination of artistic genres, creative and production processes, and focused discussions on the mechanisms that shape audience reception. Particular attention is given to the analysis of specialized terminology, which is essential for engaging with the assigned readings. Students who do not attend classes are invited to contact the instructor before taking the exam (via email or during office hours by appointment).

A selection of essays and videos will be available in the dedicate section of Moodle

The assessment of learning takes place by means of a test chosen by the student from among: the student from among:
1) A written paper on a topic (and related bibliography) agreed in advance with the lecturer.
2) A written test in closed book mode (without access to devices or the wi-fi network) consisting of approximately five short questions (to be answered in one or two lines and aimed at verifying a minimum of notions learnt during the course) and three questions that can be answered in any length of 8 lines, 15 lines or 20 lines. In order to pass the exam, at least two out of three questions (with 15-line and 20-line answers) must be answered.
The written test lasts 2 hours and students must answer the questions by making precise references to the bibliographic and video materials on the syllabus (see Moodle).

written and oral

For both the paper and the written test, the assessment criteria are based on the punctuality and extent of knowledge of the topics covered in class and/or learned through the study of the compulsory bibliography (50%); correctness and propriety in the use of the specific vocabulary (30%) and care in written exposition (20%). Grades in the 18-22 range correspond to a sufficient level; grades in the 23-26 range correspond to a fair level; grades in the 27-30 range correspond to an excellent level and honours is awarded for excellent level evidence.

Face-to-face course using image and video projections. The course page (moodle.unive.it) provides information on the texts and videos discussed in class (the password is provided in class by the lecturer).

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development