TFMS245 African American Expression

This course will examine the role of African-American expression in American dance, theater, literature, music, and film from the 1830s to the present. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how artists and writers have inscribed the African presence and shaped American thought and culture.

TFMS 250 Movement I

This course is designed for students interested in self-growth and/or performance. Designed to heighten students’ awareness and understanding of their own bodies and movement habits and the process and importance of non-verbal communication. Corrective work in basic movement mechanics leads to increased flexibility and fitness, better alignment and less stress in performing everyday movements, and to a more relaxed, confident presence on stage. Tools of movement analysis and terminology are presented. Improvisation frees inhibitions, challenges the imagination, and develops students’ abilities to work well within a group. This course satisfies the general education requirement in arts.

Course materials are available in PDF format:

TFMS260 Movement and Masks
This introductory level course will engage students in the theory and praxis of movement and mask performance studies. Primarily an active, experiential class, the use of masks in a variety of cultural contexts, performance venues, and actor training will be explored. Basic movement skill building, readings, discussion, and mask making will be included. No prerequisite.