African Grooves and Moves

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus delivery only. Please note this subject is not offered externally or via distance education.

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It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

The subject, offered in intensive mode, is aimed at those with a personal interest in African music and/or those wishing to take the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and music materials from this area into the classroom. It provides students with a hands-on experience of one the world’s most influential performing traditions: West African drumming and dancing. Integrating academic and practical study, this subject traces the musical influence of West African drumming from traditional Ewe and Ashanti ‘talking drum’ ensembles to hip-hop and reggae youth culture. Through the study of polyphonic drumbeats and danceable bell patterns, students will learn to sing and play in drum circles and hear the interdependent relationships between their parts. The lecture component focuses on (1) understanding the musical complexities of West African genres in their sociocultural contexts and (2) the issue of musical migrations as a theme to examine how West African musics permeate popular culture and influence jazz, rock and popular music.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:
• achieve a competent level of performance in West African music and dance;
• demonstrate an understanding of the historical, social and contemporary contexts of West African music and dance;
• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between dance movement and music patterning;
• demonstrate a broad knowledge of polyrhythm from various styles of drumming, execute call and response and conceptualize ‘back beat’;
• vocalize drum patterns and song text in regional African languages; and
• apply critical thinking and an understanding of relevant theories including music and migration, musical identity and hybridity.

Participation in all practical activities (10%), Practical Demonstration Day 4 (50%) and a Written Report of 2,500 words (40%).

Less than 80% attendance will result in a fail. All components of the assessment must be passed in order to gain a pass in the subject.

Readings will be available online through the LMS before the commencement of the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:
• demonstrate skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation that allow for effective working in teams;
• apply time and people management skills to rehearsal and performance planning;
• demonstrate skills in cooperation, communication and negotiation that allow for effective working in teams;
• demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently;
• make informed critical responses to academic discourse on music and migration, music and identity, and musical hybridity; and
• demonstrate an informed and critical awareness of issues related to musical diversity.