Course Info

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Course Info for THDN - 220 - 01, Fall 2023
Class number: 3213 Title: Kathak: Philosophy & Practice Department: Theater and Dance
Career: Undergraduate Component: Studio Session: Regular
Instructor's Permission Required: No Grading Basis: Regular Units: 1.00
Enrollment limited to 16 Current enrollment: 17 Available seats: 0
Start date: Tuesday, September 5, 2023 End date: Thursday, December 21, 2023 Mode of Instruction: In Person
Schedule: TR: 4:00PM-5:30PM, TC - 152 Instructor(s): Agrawal, Rachna
Prerequisite(s): None
Distribution Requirement: Meets Art and Global Requirements
Note: Seat reservations: 4 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores, 4 first years.
Course Description:
This course emphasizes the practice, theory, and philosophy of Kathak, a classical dance of India, which originated over 2,000 years ago. Evolving from a blend of Middle Eastern dance styles and ancient Indian storytelling art form, Kathak combines dance, drama, and music to convey ideas and emotions. Modern Kathak emphasizes geometric patterns and design with special emphasis on footwork, pirouettes and intricate rhythms. The course covers specific techniques as well as the cultural context from which they evolved. The course also includes analyses of philosophical, economic, political, and gender issues that facilitated the development of Kathak. Also listed under international studies/Asian studies.