DANC 100 Introduction to Dance

This course includes the study of Western concert dance as a cultural phenomenon, methods of training, evolution of dance aesthetics, and building a worldview through movement. European and American dance forms: Ballet, Modern/Contemporary Dance, Jazz Dance, Musical Theatre, and some Global Dance Forms are studied. Movement experiences includes floor and standing work to increase joint mobility, efficient movement patterns, core strength, proper support for dance movement, and the development of upper/lower connectivity. This course serves as a foundation to prepare the student for course work in Ballet, Modern Dance, and Jazz Dance. This course is designed for students with little or no previous dance experience.

Credits

3

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. Identify and apply critical theories and concepts related to the creativity and aesthetics of
   classical and contemporary dance forms, including vocabulary, music, and movement.
2. Incorporate innovation, risk-taking, and creativity into analysis and problem-solving methods
   by using classical and contemporary constructs as a framework for self-expression though
   dance and creating original movement material.
3. Pose and address questions related to the confluence of creative and/or humanistic
   expression within social and cultural contexts by comparing, contrasting, and evaluating
   Western dance forms within the history and aesthetic of Western concert dance.
4. Assess, reflect on, and critically analyze the role of dance in illuminating the human
   condition by critically analyzing various live and filmed dance performances.

Course Objectives

1. Identify and apply critical theories and concepts related to the creativity and aesthetics of
   classical and contemporary dance forms, including vocabulary, music, and movement.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Dance performance

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP1
2. Incorporate innovation, risk-taking, and creativity into analysis and problem-solving methods
   by using classical and contemporary constructs as a framework for self-expression though
   dance and creating original movement material.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Movement invention and creation activities, collaboration, rehearsal, transmission of ideas and/or meaning to others

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP2
3. Pose and address questions related to the confluence of creative and/or humanistic
   expression within social and cultural contexts by comparing, contrasting, and evaluating
   Western dance forms within the history and aesthetic of Western concert dance.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • View and response assignments and embodied movements experiences.

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP3
4. Assess, reflect on, and critically analyze the role of dance in illuminating the human
   condition by critically analyzing various live and filmed dance performances.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Written and discussion-based analysis of various live and filmed dance perfomances

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Creative Process and Humanistic Inquiry Rubric

   Creative Process

   • CP4