Apr 18, 2024  
Course Catalog 2022-2023 
    
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Course Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Dance Major

The major consists of a minimum of 9.5 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the major.

arrow View the catalog page for the Dance department.   

Potential dance majors are advised to complete the Breadth of Study requirement first.

Students planning to major in dance must secure the approval for a program of study from a member of the dance faculty who thereby agrees to act as the student’s academic advisor.

At the time of their major declaration and in consultation with their academic advisors, students will provisionally specify those courses that will meet the Focused Study requirement.

All Dance majors must sign up for required courses during pre-registration. Only courses requiring a placement class or audition are exempt from this rule.

Summary of Requirements

Off Campus Study

Before credit is awarded for off-campus study, students must obtain tentative prior approval from the chair of Dance and the Office of Study Away. After the study is completed, the student must supply evidence of satisfactory participation. A maximum of 3 courses of off-campus study may be applied to the major in Dance.

Honors

In the second semester of the junior year qualified students may be admitted to the Honors Program in Dance. The Honors project may be either, 1) a creative project in dance performance or choreography, or 2) research in dance history, criticism, or theory resulting in a substantial written thesis. Any creative project also includes a significant research and written component. At the completion of the senior Honors Project, a panel consisting of the Honors student’s faculty advisor and at least two other faculty members, including a faculty member from outside the department, will examine the student’s work.  Applications and further information concerning Honors work are available in the Dance Department office, Warner Center, and online.

Dance Major Requirements

Breadth of Study

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Critical Inquiry Courses

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Theoretical and historical studies in dance.

Physical Techniques Courses

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Courses which focus on technical proficiency and experiential insight into various dance forms.

Creation and Performance Courses

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Choreographic and improvisational creative work and performance.

Somatic Studies Courses

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Learning about the body through a variety of movement practices and theoretical approaches which develop kinesthetic awareness and understanding of how the body functions.

Focused Study

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Three full courses, half of which must be above the introductory level.

In consultation with their major advisor, students will choose further courses which will create a focus in the major. Up to two courses taken outside the dance program can be used toward this requirement provided that those courses relate directly to the chosen area of study and will be meaningfully integrated in the Senior Project.

Remaining Requirements

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Design and Production Courses

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Senior Project

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Rising seniors whose capstone project involves creation or performance, and who (in consultation with their academic advisors) qualify for a senior concert, must request a senior production by April 1st of their junior year. Forms are available in the Warner Office or online.

Production Crew

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