2003-04 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705
 

Department of Theater and Dance

College of Fine Arts

Credit designation below each title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (cr) credits per semester.

DANC 102 Introduction to Dance

3c-0l-3cr

Examines dance as a performing art in both the historical and cultural contexts. Also includes the analysis of a major piece of choreography, attending live performances, and viewing select works of dance. No previous dance experience is required. (Offered as THTR 102 prior to 2001-02)

DANC 150 Fundamentals of Dance

3c-0l-3cr

A basic dance technique that sequentially develops the elements of movement (space, time, force) into a variety of dance genres and period styles. Covers special care and safety of the instrument–the body. (Offered as THTR 150 prior to 2001-02)

DANC 250 Contemporary Dance

3c-0l-3cr

Contemporary dance techniques, improvisation, and choreography. Examines the historical development and cultural influences on the changing philosophies of contemporary dance performance today. Performance of creative work required. (Offered as THTR 250 prior to 2001-02)

DANC 260 Jazz Dance

3c-0l-3cr

Jazz techniques, dynamics, and style for theater dance from the 1920s through the present. Emphasizes analysis of music for choreography. (Offered as THTR 260 prior to 2001-02)

DANC 270 Ballroom and Tap Dance

3c-0l-3cr

A sequential development of tap and ballroom dance techniques in the context of historical development and period styles. Performance for an audience is required. (Offered as THTR 270 prior to 2001-02)

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DANC 280 Ballet

3c-0l-3cr

Sequential development of barre and center techniques that progress to linking moves, turning, and jumps, to dance sequences and choreography. The historical periods of development and the status of the art today are examined in a cultural context which includes gender and minority influences. (Offered as THTR 280 prior to 2001-02)

DANC 281 Special Topics

var-1-3cr

Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content

Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students.

DANC 290 Ethnic Dance

3c-0l-3cr

Includes dance techniques from a variety of indigenous forms from Western and Eastern cultures. Presented in the historical and social context. An emphasis is given to the needs of theater production. (Offered as THTR 290 prior to 2001-02)

DANC 351 Choreography

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisite: One of the following introductory or advanced-level dance classes: DANC 150, 250, 260, 270, 280, 485; or instructor permission

Introduces the necessary choreographic tools needed to manipulate dance as a medium to create dance works. The class learns and uses various approaches to the choreographic process to create dance works, one of which is presented in a public showing at the end of the semester. (Offered as THTR 351 prior to 2001-02)

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DANC 353 Dance Curriculum and Instruction

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisite: One of the following theater courses: DANC 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, or 485; or instructor permission

Introduces the necessary teaching skills and curriculum development needed to understand the pedagogical structure for teaching dance. The class learns the approaches to teaching that are unique to dance and learns how to design dance curriculum. (Offered as THTR 353 prior to 2001-02)

DANC 481 Special Topics

var-l-6cr

Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content

Special topics courses are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics not included in the established curriculum. A given topic maybe offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students.

DANC 482 Independent Study

var-l-6cr

Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office

Independent study in dance may be either purely academic or may be a practical production project, supported by a written document giving evidence of significant scholarly investigation or original, creative effort. May be repeated to a maximum of 6cr. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.

DANC 485 Dance Studio

3c-0l-3cr

Prerequisite: DANC 250, 260, 270, or 280 (beginning technique

class taken must be the specific dance genre of the Dance Studio class offered); or by instructor permission

Furthers the development of the dancer at the intermediate level of a specified genre of dance. Development in dance requires the integration of both technique and artistic development. The specific genres vary from semester to semester, including modern, ballet, tap, and jazz as alternating semester options. May be repeated with a different focus each time. (Offered as THTR 485 prior to 2001-02)

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