DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE
DANCE PROGRAM
DANCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
DNC 533 The Development of Advanced Skills in Dance This course includes theoretical concepts and laboratory experiences in modern dance and ballet. Course may be repeated for credit with approval of Dance Program Coordinator. Credit 3.
DNC 560 Seminar in Dance Production. An opportunity to produce all aspects of a dance concert from pre-production planning to post-production meetings. Costume design and construction, lighting design and board operation, sound recording and board operation, publicity, fund raising, box office, house management, video operation and editing, are experienced in actual production settings. Credit 3.
DNC 571 Theory of Dance. An examination is made of the component elements of dance as an art form. Credit 3.
DNC 573 Advanced Laban Movement Analysis. This course provides an overview of Laban Movement Analysis at the graduate level. It emphasizes the areas of Body, Effort, Shape, Space and the components necessary to understand and support non verbal communication. The course focuses on psychophysical connectivity to facilitate efficiency and expressivity in movement. The material will be introduced through observation, improvisation, exploration, composition, readings, group discussions, and movement assignments as both a methodology and an observation/ description of the structural and qualitative aspects of human movement. A brief history/application of LMA is included in the curriculum. Prerequisites: PHY 135 and BIO 245 or their equivalents. Credit 3.
DNC 574 Advanced Laban Movement Analysis II. This theory based movement course employs a codified means for examining human movement at the advanced graduate level. The material exemplified by the course supplies a detailed means for describing, analyzing, criticizing, and eventually prescribing movement. It can be applied to dance technique, choreography, performance, research, criticism, and other areas related to human movement. Prerequisite: DNC 573. Credit 3.
DNC 576 Contemporary Dance Composition . This course includes the analysis of various components of design and development of basic dance studies into more extended dance works. Credit 3.
DNC 577 Independent Studies. This course is adaptable to the needs and interests of the individual student. Students with specific interests are provided the opportunity to investigate and make application in theoretical, creative or field experience approaches to their area of concentration. May be repeated provided the repetition is in a different area of study. Prerequisites: Permission of Dance Program Coordinator. Credit 3.
DNC 578 Advanced Composition in Contemporary Dance. The purpose of this course is to extend understanding of dance as an art and a craft, and to improve ability to choreograph an extended dance work. Prerequisite: DNC 576 or permission of instructor. Credit 3.
DNC 585 Research Methods in Dance. Research methods specific to dance theory, choreography, and performance are introduced. Standard and electronic information resources, methods of investigation, and various means of organizing a review of literature are examined. Written and organizational skills are evaluated. Competencies and deficiencies in oral presentations are reviewed, recorded, and assessed. The course culminates with the development, refinement, and oral presentation of a written thesis proposal in dance. Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of the instructor. Credit 3.
DNC 698 Thesis. This phase of the thesis development involves the selection and design of a suitable performance and/or creative project with the completion of review of related literature and research work necessary. The thesis committee must approve a pilot showing of the work-in-progress. Credit 3.
DNC 699 Thesis. The exhibition of the thesis will consist of a formal thesis concert of the student’s performance and/or creative work accompanied by a supporting paper. The written paper must comply with the specifications of the written thesis, which are available in the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The student must also pass an oral examination, testing general knowledge of dance concepts and traditions that relate to his/her thesis work. (The student must be registered in DNC 699 the semester in which he/she receives the M.F.A. degree.) Credit 3.