Minor in Dance

The study of the history of dance from antiquity to the 21st century. Emphasis will be placed on the relationships and influences of dance on civilizations and cultures. Students are expected to participate in both dance activities as well as in lectures and discussions.

Choreography is an introduction to techniques of choreography. This course will introduce students to both the exploration of the choreographic process and the basic tools used in choreography. Through creative improvisational exercises, students explore the fundamentals of movement including time, space, and energy and basic choreographic structure and forms. Students will be required to choreograph a major dance piece to be auditioned in the spring dance production.

A course designed for students to develop and apply a working knowledge of the organizational skills necessary to plan and produce a dance concert including: lighting, costuming, programming, audio, stage management, choreographing, marketing, fundraising, audition and performance skills. Additionally, students will develop the ability to define and describe, through visual and written modalities, the various areas of production and how they relate to the performer, the choreographer, and the overall visual aesthetics of a performance.

A theoretical and practical course designed to prepare students to teach and lead fundamental motor skills as the foundation of all physical activity with an emphasis on dance and gymnastics. Students will apply teaching methodologies through a non-traditional approach of linking motor skill progressions into dance and gymnastics routines to enhance success for diverse participants in a variety of educational, fitness, and recreational settings.

A study of gestures as a form of communication and as a basis for visual language. Concentration on the ability to think in pictures and to develop expressive and receptive communication skills in gestures. This course develops artistic sign language translation skills and leads to better understanding of the basic structures of American Sign Language.

The popularity of film, memes and viral videos, and streaming shows in this day and age overshadow the fact that theatre was among the earliest forms of popular entertainment and social media. As an enduring art rich in varying social contexts, theatre has always sought to engage, represent, and spotlight intersectional spectrums of communities and identities, and this course introduces students to the practice and power of theatre from page to stage.  All areas of theatre and production will be explored, complemented by 1) a set of required lab hours outside class and 2) viewings of live performances and past performances via archival video links.  Successful completion of this course is a requirement for declaring one's major/minor in Theatre Arts.  

This introductory course familiarizes students with theories of body movement and trains students in the use of physical space, rhythm, and balance for the purpose of creating mood and character through body movement within a theatrical context.

A course designed to provide the student with a theoretical and practical knowledge of dance therapy. Through this course, students will increase their awareness and understanding of the practical applications of using dance as a means of psychological, emotional, and cultural expression. Readings, discussions, and creative-based activities will be incorporated in the course to foster critical thinking skills.

This course investigates the religious context in which variety of sacred dances occur throughout the world and explores the significant political, cultural, and historical events that shaped the dance rituals and their related religious traditions. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to demonstrate the basic knowledge of liturgical dances; gain a cross-cultural understanding of common elements of liturgical dances; and have the opportunity to perform some liturgical dances. Through discussions, hands on experiences, and observations, students will finish the course having a better understanding of the role of dance within various major global religions and as sacred celebrations within different cultures.

A practical field experience for senior dance minors. Students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in real-life work experiences in the dance company. These observations and experiences will have to be recorded in an on-going journal for a minimum of 40 hours of practical field work.

This course adopts a diverse and flexible approach to subject matter as a means to offer students opportunities to pursue specialized areas of performing arts production, research, and/or scholarship. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, provided that the topics differ. Open to non-majors.

Activities offered focus on physical activity and/or fitness activities. Not more than six hours of credit in physical education activities may be counted toward the requirements for a bachelor's degree.

Activities offered include dance and fundamental movement. Not more than six hours of credit in dance activities may be counted toward the requirements for a bachelor's degree.