The choreutic parameter: A key determinant of choreographic structural style

Space is an intrinsic element of performance dance. Not only does the dance as a totality exist within space, but at one and the same time, it creates its own unique spatiality - the choreutic space, which is created in and through the dancing body. In many dance works, the choreutic parameter - that concerned with this instrinsic spatiality - assumes a dominant role in both the choreographic structure and its aesthetic or meaning significance. In doing so, it plays a key role in the shaping of structure and meaning : it is thus a key determinant of choreographic structural style. In other works however, the parameter plays no such dominant role; while it remains an inherent aspect of the movemement itself, other parameters take precedence - both structurally and symbolically. Using certain principles put forward by eminent music theorist Leonard Meyer on the structural dominance of parameters in music, this study establishes the conditions for key determinacy in the first instance, and proposes a theoretical model for key determinacy. The study then examines the core principles of the model - those of primary pattern-forming, syntactic viability, and of mobility and closure - and establishes their general validity vis-à-vis the choreutic parameter. It thus establishes the conditions under which the choreutic parameter is a key determinant of choreographic structural style. Significantly then, the model accounts for choreutic structure as an interactive and dynamic structuring force which has aesthetic significance. To further empirically substantiate the findings, and to demonstrate the practical utility of the model, the core principles are demonstrated by way of the analysis of the work Adieu (1990), created by the Australian choreographer Leigh Warren. The examination establishes that in this particular work, the choreutic parameter plays a dominant role in the generation of both structure and meaning : it is a key determinant of its choreographic structural style. The use of Adieu to exemplify the principles is significant in that it is the first Australian work to be considered from a choreological (and specifically choreutic) perspective. Hence, while contributing knowledge to the field of choreuticsper se, this dissertation contributes to the study of works created in Australia by Australian choreographers. Importantly, it also makes a significant contribution to the relatively small quantity of scholarly dance research in Australia

Social capital and voluntary sports clubs : investigating political contexts and policy frameworks

This research project is an examination of the role of voluntary sports clubs (VSCs), within a modernised political and policy process, in creating and sustaining forms of social capital. From 1997 onwards, consecutive New Labour administrations concerned with social inclusion and civic renewal have established a pivotal position for social capital in many areas of social policy. In this context increasing political expectations and policy demands are being made of VS Cs to contribute to this broader social regeneration agenda. Social capital is a contested term between the democratic, rational and critical strains of the concept, not least because each of which has its own conceptual framework. In order to tease out the distinct differences between the competing strains of social capital, and inform on its potential formation or destruction in VSCs, the concept of the political opportunity structure (POS) has been employed as an analytical tool. A qualitative case-study research method, within a critical realist methodology, was chosen for primary data collection. This was based on a two-phase approach to capture the perceptions of both VSC members and external stakeholders in relation to the meaning, value and output of VSCs. Based on semi-structured qualitative interviews: thirty-one for phase one and twenty-six for phase two, three case studies were generated. This study shows that social capital is a powerful comparative and reflexive concept that can facilitate a critical picture of how social relations operate at the micro level of the VSC, and how these inform on a range of other social processes and conditions. New Labour's modernisation programme was clearly indicated as a key structural process that highlights the importance of structure and top-down processes in developing social capital in VSCs at grass roots level. This research project shows how implicit tensions between modemisation and mutual aid, when embedded in a voluntary based organisation and serviced by a simplistic interpretation of social capital, tend to lead to policy misdirection at best and at worst the entrenching of contradictory processes that may destroy the very edifice that is targeted by much social policy

A conceptual framework for 'Islamic architectural' education.

At present "Islamic Architecture" is a controversial topic of debate within architectural forums, very much talked about but lacking a clear definition. Saudi Arabia, birth place of Islam, modern pin-up board for many an example of "islamic architecture", has cause to be intimately linked with the area concerned and has initiated a programme for its incorporation within one of its universities. The following study is an attempt to bring a conceptual clarity to the term "Islamic Architecture" and devise an educational programme for its teaching at tertiary level of education in the Saudi Arabian context. The adjective "Islamic" necessitates that any noun that it qualifies should conform to the tenets of Islam. This may not be possible with "Architecture" which, as a term, is tinged with the ethos of. Classical Greece and is associated with "technique" and "object worship". In contrast, the equivalent term used in Islam's own epistemology, Al-Imarah, associates the discipline with "shaping the most suitable environment for the sustenance of human life". Therefore it will be more appropriate to speak of a distinct discipline of Al-Imarah instead of "Islamic Architecture" In defining the parameters of an independent discipline of Al-Imarah one can also establish parameters for a universal educational model that will train those who will be responsible for the shaping of the environment conforming with the attributes of Al-Imarah. In this model, Islam's own "system of thought" and "world view" will become the postulate and the ideal "Muslim Society enjoined by Islam" as its terms of reference. Based on this model a new university programme for the teaching of AI-Imarah, together with the structure of the courses, method of teaching of the courses, and contents of the courses will be proposed. Existing programmes for the teaching of "Architecture" are also suggested to be modified in order to facilitate the incorporation of ideals embodied in the concept of Al-Imarah