Course Descriptions
Dance Education
(DCED)
(faculty, see Department of Health and Kinesiology)
200. Dance in Society. (3-0). Credit 3.
Introduction to dance art, entertainment and culture; emphasis on appreciation and understanding of movement as an art form; emphasis on expression of human values; historical, cultural values and traditions; current issues in dance.
301. Dance History. (3-0). Credit 3.
Overview of current dance scene, career fields, education; development of theatrical, social, educational dance from lineage based to contemporary cultures; emphasis on dance in America, genres, roots, heritage, pioneers, crusading artists; impacts, influences, growth, development, trends and continual metamorphosis in the art world. Prerequisites: DCED 200 or approval of instructor.
302. Dance Production. (3-0). Credit 3.
Overview of philosophy, major aspects and common elements in producing dance concerts; lighting, sound, stage design, terminology, costuming, management, production designs, practical experience with on-stage performances. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification; must have prior dance experience or approval of instructor.
303. Health Practices for Dancers. (2-0). Credit 2.
Overview of health issues common for the dancer; focus on diet, body weight, body image; training schedules, stress, exercise demands of the body and injuries; study of physical, psychological and emotional factors of common issues among dancers.
304. Creative Dance for Children. (3-0). Credit 3.
Theory and practice of creative movement classes for children; the development stages and learning outcomes of creative movement; incorporation of creative movement into children’s classes; dance elements and benefits of creative movement; lesson plans and student assessment. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
305. Human Movement in Relation to Dance. (3-0). Credit 3.
Exploration and evaluation of dance experiences through movement, video, journals, live performances, critiques, literature; study of dance as activity in education through elements, qualities, concepts, responses, patterns, spatial awareness of human movement relating to dance; study of aesthetics of life, culture, society and education relating to human movement/dance. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor.
400. Dance Composition. (3-0). Credit 3.
Introduction to choreographic devices related to group work movement studies; learn design principles, methods, movement concept and elements including space, time, energy and force; focus on choreographic tools including cannon, motif and development, theme and variation, rondo, inversion, ABA form, retrograde, repetition, improvisation and creativity in the dance making process. Prerequisites: DCED 200; 301; 303 and prior dance experience in modern dance; junior or senior classification; approval of instructor.
401. Dance Pedagogy. (3-0). Credit 3.
Study of dance pedagogy; major aspects of a dance teacher including knowledge of injury prevention, correct technique, preparation, presentation, evaluation of dance materials, levels and technique class; focus on various teaching methods, tools, planning, communication/instructional skills and learning experiences/styles. Prerequisites: DCED 200; 301 and 400 or approval of instructor; junior or senior classification.