Courses for Undergraduates
101 Introduction to Dance (3:3)
GE Core: GFA
For non-majors; Dance majors should enroll in DCE 117.
Introduction to the basic concepts and principles of modern/postmodern dance through readings, studio experiences, discussions, and concert attendance. (Fall & Spring & Summer)
111 Beginning Contemporary Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Introduction to the movement techniques of contemporary dance, with emphasis on aesthetic and expressive qualities. (Fall & Spring)
112 Advanced Beginning Contemporary Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Development of technical skills in contemporary dance, including rhythmic perception and spatial awareness, with emphasis on aesthetic and expressive qualities that lead to performance. (Fall & Spring)
113 Beginning Ballet (1:0:3)
Pr. enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Introduction to basic ballet techniques. (Fall & Spring)
114 Advanced Beginning Ballet (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Development of technical skills in ballet, including directions of the body, alignment, function and access of turnout, and use of the French ballet lexicon, with emphasis on safe and efficient body use. (Fall & Spring)
116 Beginning Jazz Dance (1:0:3)
May be repeated for credit.
Introduction to the style, technique, and rhythmic structures of jazz dance with emphasis on increasing movement capabilities and personal expression. (Fall & Spring)
117 Movement as a Medium (3:2:3)
Pr. dance majors only
Orientation to the art of dance and the principles governing it. Presentation of materials and experiences related to a realistic concept of the roles of dance in society. (Fall)
132 Beginning African Dance (1:0:3)
May be repeated for credit.
Introduction to the history and vocabulary of West African dance, emphasizing the central role that dance plays in African cultures. (Fall)
133 Beginning Tap Dance (1:0:3)
May be repeated for a maximum of two (2) credits.
Introduction to theory, historical context, and technique of traditional and contemporary tap dance forms. (Fall)
143 Introduction to Dance Repertory (1:0:3)
Pr. Dance major
May be repeated once for credit.
Development of basic dance performance skills through creation/restaging, rehearsal, and informal or formal presentation of choreography created by dance faculty or by departmentally approved dance artists. (Fall or Spring)
200 Dance Appreciation (3:3)
GE Core: GFA
GE Marker: GL
Selected sections meet Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.
Selected sections may be designated for Dance majors.
Introductory study of dance through a variety of critical lenses and practical experiences. Lectures, films, demonstrations, and practical dance experience. (Fall & Spring)
205 Dance History I: World Dance Traditions (3:3)
GE Marker: GN
Pr. Dance majors and minors only
Study of the histories and aesthetic systems of selected world dance traditions, emphasizing interconnections between aesthetic practice and religious and social needs and the impact of cultural convergence on dance. (Spring)
212 Intermediate Contemporary Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Further development of technical skills in contemporary dance, including increased movement capabilities, rhythmic accuracy, and spatial relationships, with emphasis on aesthetic and expressive qualities that lead to performance. (Fall & Spring)
214 Intermediate Ballet (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Development of technical skills in ballet, including safe and efficient alignment and clear articulation of movement vocabulary, with emphasis on increased vocabulary and musicality. (Fall & Spring)
216 Intermediate Jazz Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for unlimited credit.
Continuation of 116. (Fall & Spring)
217 Exploration and Improvisation in Dance (2:1:3)
Pr. Dance major or permission of instructor
Guided exploration in the elements of dance for the creative development of personal movement repertoire, spontaneous group interaction, and choreographic and movement observation skills. (Spring)
230 Somatic Practices in Dance (1:0:3)
Priority enrollment given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
The study of somatic practices in dance. Students will explore and discuss issues related to one body practice. Topics include body awareness, alignment, injury prevention, and movement observation.
231 Global Dance Forms (1:0:3)
Pr. required placement in DCE 112 or 114 dance technique or departmental permission
May be repeated for credit.
Classical and vernacular dances from Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. Particular dance form varies by semester. (Fall & Spring)
232 Intermediate African Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Intermediate-level African dance technique. Further exploration of the principles of West African movement and the historic and cultural contexts in which the dances are presented. (Fall & Spring)
233 Intermediate Tap Dance (1:0:3)
May be repeated for credit.
Continuation of tap dance technique through traditional movement vocabulary, contemporary forms and improvisation, and historical context of tap dance. (Spring)
241 Music for Dance (2:1:2)
Pr. Dance majors only
Study of the relationship of sound and movement, accompaniment and dance, accompaniment/composer and teacher/choreographer, and a practical application of these understandings. (Spring)
243 Beginning Dance Repertory (1:0:3)
Pr. or Coreq. DCE 212 or higher
May be repeated for credit.
Development of performance skills for low intermediate dancers through rehearsals and performances of a significant dance work choreographed by dance faculty or approved dance artists in the field. (Fall & Spring)
250 Dance Performance Practicum (1:0:3)
Pr. open by audition or invitation
May be repeated for a maximum of five credits.
Grade: Pass/Not Pass (P/NP)
Extensive rehearsal culminating in formal or informal presentation of choreography created by students. (Fall & Spring)
253 Choreography I: Craft (2:0:6)
Pr. DCE 241; Dance major
Study of the elements of time, space, and design as they are artistically significant in dance. (Fall)
255 Dance Production Practicum I (1:0:3)
May be repeated for credit.
Supervised experience in introductory level technical production work supporting dance performances. (Fall & Spring)
305 Dance History II: Dance in the United States (3:3)
Pr. any WI course (DCE 200 recommended)
Dance majors only.
Study of the history of dance in the United States, emphasizing concert and social dance as syntheses of African and European dance traditions and including discussion of Native American performance. All sections are taught as Writing Intensive (WI). (Fall)
312 High Intermediate Contemporary Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Further development of technical skills in contemporary dance, including increased complexity of movement capabilities, rhythmic structure, and spatial designs, with emphasis on aesthetic and expressive qualities that lead to performance. (Fall & Spring)
314 High Intermediate Ballet (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Further development of technical skills in ballet, including dynamic alignment, body/mind connection, and proprioception, with emphasis on self expression through the ballet aesthetic. (Fall & Spring)
316 Advanced Jazz Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for unlimited credit.
Continuation of 216 for further development of skill, style, and understanding of the jazz form of dance.
323 The Arts as Human Experience (3:3)
An examination of the meaning of the arts experience, including its historical and personal significance. Includes reading and related work in art, dance, drama, and music. (Same as ART 323, THR 323)
324 Contemporary Dance: Theory and High Intermediate-Level Technique (2:1:3.5)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Theory and practice of intermediate-level contemporary dance technique and its relationship to the artistic and professional field. (Fall & Spring)
332 Advanced African Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. departmental permission
May be repeated for credit.
Advanced study of complex rhythms of African dance. The class will connect traditional songs, dances, and music with the culture and use those elements in choreography. (Spring)
340 The Body and Motion in Dance (3:3)
Study of the body and movement as relevant to dance. Emphasis on anatomical and kinesiological principles, alignment, body issues, prevention and care of injuries. (Fall)
343 Intermediate Dance Repertory (1:0:3)
Pr. or Coreq. 312 or higher
May be repeated for unlimited credit.
Development of performance skills for intermediate dancers through rehearsals and performances of a significant dance work choreographed by dance faculty or approved dance artists in the field. (Fall & Spring)
345 Dance Education in Elementary Schools (2:4 for 10.5 weeks)
Pr. junior, senior, or graduate standing in elementary education or elementary education & special education dual major
Observation/participation of dance education with elementary schools, as well as some special education students of varying ages, with reflection on the nature of dance and its educational significance.
353 Choreography II: Process (2:1:2)
Pr. DCE 217 and 253
Study of and experience in various approaches to the choreographic process as related to artistic concepts and to the philosophy of art as espoused by various traditional and contemporary dance artists and as developed by the individual student. (Spring)
355 Dance Production Practicum II (1:0:3)
Pr. 1 credit of DCE 255
May be repeated for credit.
Supervised experience in advanced level technical production work supporting dance performances. (Fall & Spring)
359 Foundations for Dance Education (2:2)
Pr. Dance major
Introduction to the major issues being faced in the field as they affect decisions about teaching dance.
365 Practicum: Dance in School and Community Settings (1–6:0:3–18)
Pr. junior or senior standing; 2.70 overall GPA with a 3.0 GPA in Dance; and permission of instructor
May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 hours.
Grade: Pass/Not Pass (P/NP)
Practical experience in an approved dance or dance-related setting. Each credit earned requires a minimum of 45 clock hours. (Fall & Spring)
390 Experimental Course: Community and Studio Dance: Methods and Experience (3:3)
Pr. DCE 212 or 214 or 216 or 232 or permission of instructor
Methods for teaching dance in community, studio, or alternative settings. Observation, participation, and limited planning, teaching, and evaluating in a variety of settings. (Offered fall '11)
412 Advanced Contemporary Dance (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Refinement of technical skills in contemporary dance at the advanced level, including complex movement capabilities, rhythmic structures, and spatial designs, with emphasis on aesthetic and expressive qualities that lead to performance. (Fall & Spring)
414 Advanced Ballet (1:0:3)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Mastery of kinesthetic, expressive, and aesthetic principles of contemporary ballet at an advanced/professional level. (Fall & Spring)
417 Contact Improvisation (1:0:3)
Pr. 217 or permission of instructor
May be repeated for credit.
Development of improvisational performance skills for advanced dancers through a thorough study of Contact Improvisation. (Fall)
424 Contemporary Dance: Theory and Advanced Level Technique (2:1:3.5)
Pr. department placement at this level; ineligible students will be withdrawn; enrollment priority given to dance majors.
May be repeated for credit.
Theory and practice of advanced-level contemporary dance technique and its relationship to the artistic and professional field. (Fall & Spring)
443 Advanced Dance Repertory (1–3)
Pr. DCE 312, 324, 412, or 424, and permission of instructor
By audition or by invitation of the instructor
May be repeated for credit.
Development of performance skills for advanced dancers through rehearsals and performances of a significant dance work choreographed by dance faculty or approved dance artists in the field. (Fall & Spring)
453 Choreography III: Group Forms (2:0:6)
Pr. DCE 217 and 253
Study of and experience in developing choreographic materials for various sized groups. Special emphasis on techniques for the integration of formal values and artistic intention. (Fall)
455 Career Management for the Dance Artist (2:3)
Pr. Dance majors only, or permission of instructor
Overview of the professional dance world. Course work involves viewing videos of today’s touring companies and learning basic skills in auditioning, applying for jobs, grant writing, and organizing promotional materials. (Alt Spring)
456 Field Study: Dance in New York City (1)
Pr. Dance major or permission of instructor
A one week trip to New York City over Spring Break; activities include attending dance concerts and selected classes, and meeting with dancers who live and work in the City. (Even Spring)
459 Dance Education Methods and Field Experience (4:2:6)
Pr. permission of department; must have earned a grade of B (3.0) in DCE 212 before beginning high school placement
Pr. or Coreq. DCE 359
May be repeated twice for a total of twelve credits. In order to repeat the course, one of ELC 401, ERM 401, SES 401, TED 401, TED 402, or TED 403 must be successfully completed and student must be admitted to the Teachers Academy.
Methods of teaching dance with observation, participation, and planning/teaching/evaluating at elementary, middle, or high school level.
461 Student Teaching in Dance Education (11)
Pr. admission to Student Teaching through application
Grade: Pass/Not Pass (P/NP)
Supervised student teaching experience in dance education. Full-time teaching in a school setting. (Fall & Spring)
463 Seminar in Dance Education (1:1)
Pr. all Dance licensure requirements except DCE 461
Reflection on student teaching experiences and preparation for future career as a dance educator. (Spring)
470 Creative Synthesis in Dance (3:3)
Pr. grades of B or higher in DCE 353 and 453 and senior status in B.F.A. or permission of instructor
Culminating choreographic experience for students completing choreography concentration in B.F.A. (Spring)
475 Independent Study (1–3)
Pr. demonstrated competency for independent work and permission of academic advisor and instructor
May be repeated for a maximum of 6 s.h.
Intensive work in area of special interest in dance. Available to exceptionally qualified students on recommendation of academic advisor and instructor. (Fall & Spring)
476 Selected Topics in Dance (1–3)
Pr. permission of instructor
May be repeated for credit if topic varies, up to a maximum of nine (9) credits.
Current topics and issues in dance as art, education, or therapy for students with sufficient preparation for intensive study of identified area.
487 Performance Theory and Practice (2:1:3)
Pr. or Coreq. 3 s.h. of DCE 312, 324, 412, or 424
Rehearsal and performance of choreography designed to challenge student dancers at their highest level of performance. Choreography by full time faculty. Selected readings and written assignments accompany practical work.
493 Honors Work (3–6)
Pr. permission of instructor; 3.30 GPA in the major, 12 s.h. in the major
May be repeated for credit if the topic of study changes.
