Program in Dance

The Department of Communication Studies, Dance & Theatre offers a minor in dance. The minor prepares students for further involvement in the dance profession as artists, educators, researchers, leaders, and administrators. The program values individuality, diversity, community, and the empowerment of women through artistic expression. The curriculum fosters the development of the individual creative voice, encourages risk-taking and provides diverse artistic and academic opportunities.

Minor Requirements (12 Hours)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Core Requirement: 4 credit hours:
DANC 242	Dance Composition/Improvisation I	3
DANC 243	Dance Ensemble Workshop (DEW)	1
Electives: A minimum of 4 courses for 8 total credit hours:		8
DANC 144	Modern Dance Technique: Beginning
DANC 145	Ballet Technique: Beginning
DANC 146	Improvisation
DANC 148	Jazz Technique: Beginning
DANC 149	Body Conditioning I
DANC 150	Tap Technique: Beginning
DANC 151	Musical Theatre Dance Forms
DANC 239	History of Ballet
DANC 240	Introduction to Dance
DANC 241	Contemporary Issues in Dance
DANC 242	Dance Composition/Improvisation I
DANC 243	Dance Ensemble Workshop (DEW)
DANC 244	Modern Dance Technique: Intermediate
DANC 245	Ballet Technique: Intermediate
DANC 247	Classical Pointe Technique—Beginning/Intermediate
DANC 248	Jazz Technique: Intermediate
DANC 249	Body Conditioning II
DANC 250	Tap Technique: Intermediate
DANC 342	Dance Composition/Improvisation II
DANC 344	Modern Dance Technique: Advanced
DANC 345	Ballet Technique: Advanced
DANC 347	Advanced Pointe Technique/Variations
DANC 348	Jazz Technique: Advanced
DANC 390	Special Topics in Dance
DANC 397	Independent Study
Total Credits		12

Student Learning Outcomes

The student who successfully completes the minor in dance will have acquired knowledge, understanding, and skills in the following:

Knowledge and understanding:

• of dance as it is practiced in the twenty first century from the perspectives of performer, choreographer, observer;
• across a range of dance technique and movement analysis in order to ensure that certain basic areas essential to dance knowledge are covered;
• to ensure that students will be equipped with the necessary skills and abilities with which to develop their interests at a higher level;
• of the interdisciplinary elements of dance and how to apply appropriate knowledge, concepts, and skills from a range of disciplinary bases;
• of the complex artistic ideas which can be articulated as a choreographer, performer, and knowledgeable observer;
• of current issues within the discipline of dance studies.

Ability to demonstrate skills:

• as a dancer in a range of movement vocabularies and styles;
• in communicating ideas about physical, written, and oral methods of presentation;
• as effective collaborators in their interaction with peers;
• in problem-­solving, risk, and initiative in the conception, creation, and performance of choreography;
• in self-­reflective evaluation as a tool to improve personal performance;
• in sensitive and appropriate critical skills in evaluation of others’ work;
• in the ability to work autonomously, collaboratively, and responsibly.

The superior student may explore the possibility of a Student-Designed Major (SDM) which encourages interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study. 

Note: Students receive 2 hours for technique courses taken for the first time and 1 credit for subsequent enrollment in the same level technique course. Level determination occurs each semester with the dance faculty.

Faculty

M. Foust