UGRC 225 — Introduction to African Studies/African Dance

University-Wide Required Courses (UGRC) · University of Ghana

Course Description This course is to introduce level 200 students to Traditional African Dance. The course will give students the opportunity to understand the role of dance in the Ghanaian Society since the dance is part and parcel of our life cycle. Further explanation of the principles of African Dance movements, and historic and cultural contexts in which the dances are presented will also be explained. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between dance and music, while increasing strength, flexibility, and developing rhythmic sensitivity. By the end of the seven weeks, the student should be able to dance at least three Traditional dances to the drum language. This introductory course has theory and practical components. Dance was, and continues to be, a very important aspect of who we are as Africans. It encompasses all four areas, which make up our living beings. Dance is spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical and dances should be appreciated and accepted as they are presented. Dance in the context of African Tradition is very patent to the life of Africans. To the African, Life with its rhythms and cycle is Dance. We dance to celebrate life, to show appreciation for all the gifts bestowed upon us by the Creator God, in our lives today, and all the generations past since the beginning of time. The dances reflected our daily lives but were represented as bigger, greater and more wonderful.

Credits

3

Level

Level 200

Semester

Semester One

Course details from University of Ghana Volume 3 Handbook for the Bachelor's Degree: Course Descriptions for Programmes in the Sciences (2017).