Towson Department of Dance: Course requirements for the Majors Program

PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Dance offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance. For students who are interested in teaching, there is an optional teacher certification program available. Dance majors may elect to take courses that will enable them to meet university, college and Maryland teacher certification requirements in K-12 education. The department offers courses that fulfill various General Education (GenEd) requirements, including (DANC 220 I.B), I.D (DANC 321), I.E (DANC 235), II.B.1 (DANC 127), II.B.3 (DANC 101, DANC 106), and II.C.1 (DANC 123, DANC 125, DANC 133).

The B.F.A. Program promotes excellence in the process of becoming a dance professional and/or pursuing graduate studies. The experience of moving is the most potent way of understanding dance in this program. Our dual emphasis in ballet and modern dance involves cognitive, affective and physical ways of doing and knowing. The curriculum promotes dance as a primary vehicle for communication and expression that unifies diverse populations and has innate cultural value. An active professional faculty provides intensive studio, production and theoretical exposure that supports dancing for a lifetime.

Towson University is the only institution of higher education in Maryland to offer the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. All students major in Dance Performance. Students may elect to add the education component. Towson University is an accredited institutional charter member of the National Association of Schools of
Dance. The Dance major program is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification.

Major in Dance Performance

The major in Dance Performance leads to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Students in the major must complete 65 units of required dance courses, 6 units of required interdisciplinary courses, 15 units of dance electives, 3 units of other electives, GenEd requirements (DANC 125, DANC 220, DANC 235 and DANC 321: specified components of the Dance Performance major), and the performance requirements outlined below. A grade equivalent of 2.00 or
higher is required for all courses in the major. All majors are required to be enrolled in a ballet and modern class each term prior to their scheduled jury.

Requirements for the Major
Please note: asterisked courses indicate specific General Education courses required by the dance department.
Dance Courses (65 units)
DANC 125 Introduction to Dance: Overview (3)
DANC 216 Sophomore Crew (1)
DANC 220* Using Information Effectively in Dance (3) I.B
DANC 223-4 Level I Ballet (4) (2 per term)
DANC 227-8 Level I Modern (4) (2 per term)
DANC 235* Composition I (3) I.E
DANC 245 Scientific Bases for Movement Analysis I (3)
DANC 263 Dance Design and Production (3)
DANC 316 Junior Crew (1)
DANC 321* Responding to Dance (3) I.D
DANC 323-4 Level II Ballet (6) (3 per term)
DANC 327-8 Level II Modern (6) (3 per term)
DANC 335 Composition II (3)
DANC 336 Composition III (3)
DANC 345 Scientific Bases for Movement Analysis II (3)
DANC 423-4 Level III Ballet (3)
DANC 427-8 Level III Modern (3)
DANC 436 Composition IV: For the Proscenium (3)
or
DANC 437 Composition IV: For the Camera (3)
DANC 480 Senior Project: Seminar (2)
DANC 491 Senior Project: Concert (3)
Performance majors must take 9 units of Level III and must include courses in both ballet and modern. Majors in Dance Performance K-12 certification must take 6 units of Level III in either or both disciplines.

Interdisciplinary Courses (6 units)
THEA 101 Acting I (3)
MUSC 120 Music Fundamentals for Dance Majors (3)
Dance Electives (12 units)
DANC 101 The Alexander Technique (3)
DANC 105 Movement Skills Enhancement for Men (3)
DANC 109 Jazz Dance I (2)
DANC 209 Jazz Dance II (2)
DANC 111 Tap Dance I (2)
DANC 211 Tap Dance II (2)
DANC 201 Developmental Movement (3)
DANC 251 Methods of Teaching Dance (3)
DANC 310 Jazz Dance III (2)
DANC 341 Pointe Technique I (2)
DANC 342 Pointe Technique II (2)
DANC 351 Teaching Dance Technique (3)
DANC 370-379 Special Topics in Dance (1-3)
DANC 383 Modern Dance Repertory (3)
DANC 384 Ballet Repertory (3)
DANC 451 Dance Education and Public Policies (3)
DANC 481 Dance Company (3)
DANC 492 Practicum in Dance Technique (variable)
DANC 495 Independent Study in Dance (1-3)
Technique classes taken after completing major requirements.
At least 6 units of electives must be in Modern Repertory, Ballet Repertory or Dance Company.

Other Electives (3 units)
Performance Requirements for Majors
To fulfill performance requirements for graduation, Dance majors must audition for the TU Dance Company a minimum of two times during their tenure at Towson and must fulfill one of the following:
1. Perform with the TU Dance Company (3 units—audition required) or Ballet or Modern Repertory (3 units each) for a minimum total of 6 units, and 9 additional units of works in sections of Dance Composition III and IV for a total of 15 performance units.
or
2. Transfer students must consult with the chairperson of the Department of Dance to arrange equivalent performing
experiences.

Juries
As a mechanism for assessing progress toward the degree, all Dance majors will be evaluated by a jury of faculty members at the end of the spring term of the sophomore year. The jury will consider a video portfolio of selections from the audition, movement exams and performances of each student. In addition, each student will perform a combination of movement material at the time of the jury meeting. Written and verbal assessment will be given to each student in relation to the expected student outcomes of the program. Should the jury find a student to be in difficulty from a technical or academic standpoint, he or she may be placed on probation or advised to consider an alternative program of study. Special note: All majors are required to be enrolled in a ballet and modern class each term prior to their scheduled jury.

Crews
All Dance majors are required to register for and complete both a Sophomore Crew (DANC 216) and Junior Crew (DANC 316).
These assignments are made annually by the department. Successful completion of each crew course is a requirement prior to registering for DANC 480 and for graduation with the B.F.A. degree in Dance Performance or the B.F.A. degree in Dance Performance with K-12 Certification in Dance Education.

MAJOR IN DANCE PERFORMANCE WITH K-12 CERTIFICATION OPTION

Dance majors may elect to obtain State Teacher Certification to teach dance at the elementary and secondary levels. Students in this program receive certification to teach dance in grades K-12 in the public schools in Maryland and reciprocal states. The program leads to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and
K-12 Certification in Dance Education.

Admission to the K-12 Certification Option and student teaching requires:
1) admission to the university
2) admission to the major
3) a personal interview
4) completion of a Criminal Background Disclosure Form that must be notarized and kept on file in the
Center for Professional Practice (CPP)
5) completion of a criminal background check that must be kept on file in the CPP before the
student enters into an intensive/extensive internship or student teaching experience in a public or private school setting (pre-K through 12)
6) passing score on the Praxis I examination
7) successful completion of the speech and hearing test.

All seven items listed above are prerequisites for the internship application.
Continuance in the program requires the maintenance of an overall GPA of 2.50 and a GPA of 2.75 in major classes each term, the maintenance of a current membership in the National Dance Education Organization, and maintenance of behaviors and attitudes set forth by Towson University’s Conceptual Framework for Professional Education.
Students whose GPA falls below the minimum requirement will automatically be placed on departmental probation and given one term to improve their GPA. Failure to do so may result in suspension from the program.

The Teacher Education Executive Board (TEEB) reserves the right to refuse, deny or revoke the application for admission to professional education programs or entry into student teaching of any student whose observed conduct is deemed incongruent with established guidelines of student demeanor for those planning to enter
the teaching profession as excerpted from the “Statement of Professional Behavior for Undergraduate and Graduate Teacher Education Students,” in the Towson State University Compass (1987 Student Handbook), and “NEA Code of Ethics” (1975), adopted by the College of Education Council in September 1988, and reaffirmed by TEEB in November 1990, October 1995, February 1996 and February 2000.

Students must complete the required Dance and Interdisciplinary courses set forth for the major, the Performance Requirements for Majors listed below, jury and crew requirements, and an additional 33 units of professional education components listed below. Students must also be placed by the faculty in both Level III Modern and Level III Ballet.

DANC 201 Developmental Movement (3)
DANC 251 Methods of Teaching Dance (3)
DANC 391 Student Teaching in Elementary School (6)
DANC 392 Student Teaching in Secondary School (6)
DANC 451 Dance Education and Public Policies (3)
PHEC 183 Ballroom/Folk/Square Dancing (1)
PSYC 201 Educational Psychology (3)
ELED 324 Integrated Reading K-12 Certification (3)
EDUC 401 Foundations of Education (3)
SPED 301 Introduction to Special Education K-12 (3)
DANC 493 Pro-Seminar in the Teaching of Dance (1)
(to be taken concurrently with DANC 391 and DANC 392)

Performance Requirements for Majors
To fulfill performance requirements for graduation, K-12 Certification Dance majors who choose the Education Certification Option must audition for the TU Dance Company a minimum of two times during their tenure at Towson and must fulfill one of the following:
1. Perform with the TU Dance Company (3 units—audition required) or Ballet or Modern Repertory (3 units each) for a minimum total of 3 units, and 12 additional units of works in sections of Dance Composition III and IV for a total of 15 performance units.
or
2. Transfer students must consult with the chairperson of the department to arrange equivalent performing experiences.
Post-baccalaureate Certification Option For students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in dance, the
Department of Dance offers a post-baccalaureate program leading to Maryland K-12 certification in dance. Prospective students interested in this option need to contact the department to set up an appointment with the program coordinator to have their transcript(s) analyzed and a program of study developed based upon state certification and departmental requirements.
104
SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE FOR K-12 CERTIFICATION OPTION

FRESHMAN YEAR
First Term (16 units)
ENGL 102 Writing for a Liberal Education (3)
DANC 263 Dance Design and Production (3)
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
GenEd II.C.1 (3)
Ballet (determined by placement) (2)
Modern Dance (determined by placement) (2)
Second Term (17 units)
DANC 245 Scientific Basis for Movement I (3)
PSYC 201 Educational Psychology (3)
HIST 145 History of the U.S. to the Mid-19th Century (3)
or
HIST 146 History of the U.S. since the Mid-19th Century (3)
GenEd II.A.1 Lab Science (4)
Ballet (determined by placement) (2)
Modern Dance (determined by placement) (2)
*Additional requirements during the freshman year: Dub ballet and modern combinations from audition to personal video portfolio; join NDEO.

SOPHOMORE YEAR
First Term (18 units)
DANC 345 Scientific Basis for Movement II (3)
DANC 220 Using Information Effectively in Dance (3) GenEd I.B
SPED 301 Introduction to Special Education K-12 (3)
GenEd II.D (3)
Ballet (determined by placement) (3)
Modern Dance (determined by placement) (3)
Second Term (17 units)
DANC 201 Developmental Movement (3)
DANC 235 Dance Composition I (3)
ELED 324 Integrated Reading K-12 Certification (3)
MUSC 107 Music for Dance (3)
Ballet (determined by placement) (3)
Modern Dance (determined by placement) (3)
*Additional requirements during the sophomore year: Register for Sophomore Crew (DANC 215); dub practicums and jury information for sophomore jury in March/April.

JUNIOR YEAR
First Term (16 units)
DANC 335 Dance Composition II (3)
DANC 321 History of the Dance (3) GenEd I.D.
PHEC 183 Ballroom/Folk/Square Dancing (1)
GenEd I.C (3)
GenEd II.B.2 (3)
Ballet/Modern (determined by placement) (3)
Second Term (18 units)
DANC 336 Dance Composition III (3)
THEA 101 Acting I (3)
COMM 131 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3)
GenEd II.A.1 Lab Science (4)
GenEd II.C.3 (3)
Tap/Jazz (determined by placement) (2)
*Additional requirements during the junior year: register for Junior Crew
(DANC 315); Praxis.

SENIOR YEAR
First Term (14 units)
DANC 251 Methods of Teaching Dance (3)
DANC 436 Dance Composition IV (3)
DANC 480 Senior Project: Seminar (2)
Ballet/Modern (determined by placement) (3)
Dance Company (3)
Second Term (14 units)
DANC 451 Dance Education and Public Policies (3)
DANC 491 Senior Project: Concert/Lecture Demonstration (3)
EDUC 401 Foundations of Education (3)
Tap/Jazz (determined by placement) (2)
Elective (3)
*Additional requirements during the senior year: register for graduation;
apply for student teaching in the Center for Professional Practice.
Third Term (13 units)
DANC 391 Student Teaching in Elementary School (6)
DANC 392 Student Teaching in Secondary School (6)
DANC 493 Pro-Seminar in the Teaching of Dance (1)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DANC 101 THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE (3) An examination of the psychophysical pressures of contemporary American life and the application of the Alexander technique as a method to investigate the issues of mind/body disciplines and alleviate tension and stress. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. GenEd II.B.3.

DANC 105 MOVEMENT SKILLS FOR MEN (3) Using movement techniques to improve athletic and movement skills. GenEd. II.B.3.

DANC 106 FUNDAMENTALS OF DANCE MOVEMENT FOR NONMAJORS (3) Floor and standing work to develop upper/lower connectivity, increased rotation, efficient movement patterns, and proper supportfor dance movement. GenEd II.B.3.

DANC 109 JAZZ DANCE I (2) American jazz dance as traced historically through movement from Afro-Caribbean and vaudeville forms to Broadway show styles from the 1920s through the 1950s. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 111 TAP DANCE I (2) A beginning study of the technical fundamentals of tap dance. Includes basic one and two sound movements performed at the barre and simple rhythmic combinations in center. Also includes time steps and simple turns. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.

DANC 123 INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: EUROPEAN COURT (BALLET) (3) Western concert dance as a cultural phenomenon, methods of training, evolution of dance aesthetics, and building a world view through movement. GenEd II.C.1.

DANC 124 BALLET FOR NON-MAJORS (2) Classical ballet class with emphasis on placement and alignment of the body, turn-out, footwork, barre work, simple allegro movements, adagio, and grande allegro movements required in the establishment of a basic technical foundation. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 123, previous ballet training, or consent of instructor.

DANCE 125 INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: OVERVIEW (3) Western concert dance as a cultural phenomenon, methods of training, evolution of dance aesthetics, and building a world view through movement. GenEd II.C.1.

DANC 127 INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE (MODERN) (3) American concert modern dance as a cultural phenomenon, methods of training, evolution of dance aesthetics, and building a world view through movement. Field experiences may be required. GenEd II.B.1.

DANC 128 MODERN DANCE FOR NON-MAJORS (3) Course work in modern dance technique as derived in part from principles of American founders of modern dance. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: DANC 125 or DANC 127 or previous modern dance training, or consent of instructor.

DANC 133 HONORS INTRODUCTION TO DANCE: EUROPEAN COURT (BALLET)(3) European court concert dance as a cultural phenomenon, methods of training, evolution of ballet aesthetics, and building a world view through movement. Field experiences may be required. GenEd II.C.1.

DANC 200 OUR DANCE CORRIDOR: A BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON SAMPLER (3) Experiencing American culture through theatrical dance performances in Balitmore and the surrounding area. Field trips are required. GenEd. II.B.1.

DANC 201 DEVELOPMENTAL MOVEMENT (3) Movement-based experiences in developmental stages of children; motor actions, personality development, spatial organization, and emerging literacy. Prerequisite: PSYC 201.

DANC 209 JAZZ DANCE II (2) A continuation of Broadway show from the early 1960s to the present day. Includes study of contemporary jazz technique with emphasis on rock, funky, lyric, and percussive movement. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 109 or consent of instructor.

DANC 211 TAP II (2) A continued study of tap dance including complex rhythms, tempi, barre and center work. New movements include wings, trenches, riffs and advanced turns. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 111.

DANC 216 SOPHOMORE CREW (1) Formal crew work, including experiential training in the set-up, operation and/or strike for the TU Dance Company mainstage production(s). Prerequisites: DANC 263.

DANC 220 USING INFORMATION EFFECTIVELY IN DANCE (3) Gathering, evaluating, and communicating information from traditional and electronic sources germane to dance. GenEd I.B.

DANC 223-224 LEVEL I BALLET (2) Elementary classical ballet technique: classical form, static and dynamic alignment, rotation, weight shift, breath support, and level change with application to classical ballet vocabulary. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 227-228 LEVEL I MODERN (2) Study of elementary modern dance technique: level change, weight shift, dynamic alignment, breath support and expression, and application of modern dance vocabulary. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 235 DANCE COMPOSITION I (3) Introduction to the creative process through improvisation activities: self exploration, group interaction, relating musical tone and character to the development of thematic and abstract movement invention. GenEd I.E.

DANC 245 SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR MOVEMENT I (3) Introduction to anatomical, physiological and biomechanical principles of human movement and applying these principles to body alignment and movement for dance. Majors only, special permit required. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 106.

DANC 251 METHODS OF TEACHING DANCE (3) A developmental approach to the teaching of creative movement and dance to children in grades K-12. Includes lesson and unit planning, observation, peer-teaching, assessment and reading and writing in the content area. Prerequisite: DANC 201.

DANC 263 DANCE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION (3) Costume, lighting, make-up, management, scenery, safety, sound and rigging techniques and practices. Not open to those who successfully completed THEA 263. Prerequisite: Dance major.

DANC 310 JAZZ DANCE III (2) A continued study of contemporary jazz technique with emphasis on performance of styles used on the concert stage, television and motion pictures. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 209.

DANC 316 JUNIOR CREW (1) Informal crew work, including experiential training in the set-up, operation and/or strike for non-TU Dance Company dance department production(s). Prerequisite: DANC 216.

DANC 321 RESPONDING TO DANCE (3) Advanced writing course using a variety of dance eras, genres and cultures. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing; ENGL 102 or 190; DANC 125 and DANC 220. GenEd I.D.

DANC 323-324 LEVEL II BALLET (3) Continued study of classical ballet technique: emphasis on exploring and embodying a particular world view, including intermediate level enchainments, shifting weight; physically and musically connecting movement sequences; sequencing combinations designed to develop both strength and flexibility. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 327-328 LEVEL II MODERN (3) Continued study of intermediate modern dance technique: emphasis on exploring and embodying a particular world view, including expanded movement vocabulary involving sequences of greater complexity — kinesthetically, spatially and musically. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 335 DANCE COMPOSITION II (3) Solo and duet choreography. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 235, Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 336 DANCE COMPOSITION III (3) Group studies: continued exploration of thematic and abstract material; elements of dance and musical forms. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 335, Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 341 POINTE TECHNIQUE I (2) Basics of pointe (toe) work essential to students whose interest is in total comprehension of the elements necessary to the performance of classical ballet. Includes work to strengthen the ankles and insteps and acclimation of body weight and placement sur les pointes. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 223-224.

DANC 342 POINTE TECHNIQUE II (2) Continuum of Pointe Technique I with emphasis on tempi, allegro combinations, enchainments au milieu, and barre supported adage. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisite: DANC 341.

DANC 345 SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR MOVEMENT II (3) Continued study of the anatomical, biomechanical, developmental and qualitative principles of human movement and applying these principles to increase movement function and expression for dance. Majors only, special permit required. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 421. Prerequisite: DANC 245.

DANC 351 TEACHING DANCE TECHNIQUE (3) Organization, sequencing, and teaching techniques for studio dance classes in ballet, modern, jazz and tap dance.

DANC 370-379 SPECIAL TOPICS IN DANCE (1-3) Workshops and courses designed for study of special topics in dance not available in existing courses. Examples: Principles and Practices of Auditioning, Dance Repertory, Seminar in Dance Education, etc. Will be offered depending on student and faculty interest and availability. May be repeated for credit provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: consent of department chair.

DANC 383 MODERN DANCE REPERTORY (3) Concentrated study of historical, current, or new repertory in modern dance, culminating in (a) performance(s). May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisite: DANC 327-328 or consent of the instructor.

DANC 384 BALLET REPERTORY (3) Concentrated study of historical, current or new repertory in ballet, culminating in (a) performance(s). May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisite: DANC 323-324 or consent of instructor.

DANC 391 STUDENT TEACHING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (6)

DANC 392 STUDENT TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOL (6)

DANC 423-424 LEVEL III BALLET (3) Continued study of classical ballet technique: advanced level enchainments, standard classical divertissement and style distinctions including progression of technical complexities and approaches to contemporary ballet stylization. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisite: Dance majors only, special permit
required.

DANC 427-428 LEVEL III MODERN (3) Continued study of advanced modern dance technique utilizing complex movement and sequences. Focus on interpretation and performances. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisites: Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 436 DANCE COMPOSITION IV: FOR THE PROSCENIUM (3) Advanced study of choreography tailored to individual student interests with applications to traditional proscenium work. Includes interdisciplinary, site-specific and/or collaborative formats. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 435. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 336, special permit required.

DANC 437 DANCE COMPOSITION IV: FOR THE CAMERA (3) Advanced study of choreography tailored to individual student interests with applications to dance for the camera work. Includes interdisciplinary, site specific and/or collaborative formats. Not open to students who have successfully completed DANC 435. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 336, special permit required.

DANC 451 DANCE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC POLICIES (3) Examination of strategies for dance arts advocacy and dance education policies in public school contexts with emphasis on project-based and field experiences. Prerequisites: DANC 251, Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 480 SENIOR PROJECT: SEMINAR (2) Preparation for producing a dance concert or lecture-demonstration: planning, programming, technical production, box office management, budgeting, publicity and documentation. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 316, DANC 263 and senior Dance major standing, special permit required.

DANC 481 DANCE COMPANY (3) Study and performance of advanced compositions including works by professional guest choreographers in ballet, modern and jazz/musical theatre style culminating in a performance. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 24 units. Prerequisite: audition.

DANC 491 SENIOR PROJECT: CONCERT/LECTURE DEMONSTRATION (3) Student-directed concert and/or lecture-demonstration production; publicly produced in the spring term of the senior year. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: DANC 480, Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 492 PRACTICUM IN DANCE TECHNIQUE (1-6) Student-directed studio course work in dance technique at a departmentally approved professional training school or program. May be repeated for a maximum
of 6 units. Prerequisites: Dance majors only, special permit required.

DANC 493 PRO-SEMINAR IN TEACHING DANCE (1) Critical analysis of curriculum, instruction and assessment procedures related to the promotion of literacy with movement and dance education in the context of the student internship. Prerequisites: taken concurrently with DANC 391 and DANC 392; Dance majors only; special permit. Graded S/U.

DANC 495 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN DANCE (1-3) Self-directed study of an academic or creative project designed to focus on a specialized area of dance. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 units. Prerequisite: approval of plan of study by instructor and department chair.