Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Inside the Art of Dance (Face-to-Face)

DANC 1010-02

Course: DANC 1010-02
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: TA
CRN: 32988

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce the general student to 1) dance as an emblem of cultural identity and expression of cultural mores; 2) dance as an expression of social order; 3) dance as a classical art; 4) dance as a medium of aesthetic fusion; and 5) dance as a creation of individual artists. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll General Education Category: Fine Arts

Required Texts

There is no required text for this course. All reading materials will be made available through canvas.

Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge of Human Cultures, Intercultural Knowledge & Competence, Inquiry & Analysis:
    • Recognize dance as a medium of sociocultural identity that enables us to discern differences and interrelations among people(s).
    • Demonstrate knowledge of historical circumstances and influential artists that have shaped the American dance canon.
  • Creative Thinking, Communication, Integrative Learning, Teamwork:
    • Participate in the physical, creative, and communal nature of dance as a human experience.
    • Demonstrate comprehension of fundamental dance terminology and aesthetic concepts through both written and kinesthetic formats.
    • Verbally articulate informed observations about live and recorded dance works.

Course Requirements

  • Presence & Active Participation:
This is a participatory class – your presence is imperative. Attendance is recorded daily. Active participation includes a positive and respectful attitude toward yourself, your instructor, and your peers. You will often be paired and/or grouped with other students as a means to elicit additional feedback for class exercises. It is a requirement of the course that you communicate with respectful and constructive feedback while staying on task for the given assignment. **Instructor will notify a student if level of active participation becomes questionable. Making modifications in a timely manner will prevent impact on the student’s grade.

  • Weekly Readings:
Throughout the course, you will be asked to read supplemental material and submit reading comprehension quiz responses via canvas. These assignments will contribute to your participation grade. Criteria for each assignment will be listed.

  • Dance Critique Essay:
As a component of this course, you are expected to view and write about the SUU Spring Student Dance Concert (Anes Theatre, Feb 11, 12, & 14). Guidelines and expectations for this assignment will be discussed in class.

  • Quizzes:
In-class and/or homework canvas quizzes will take place throughout the term. These quizzes, which include content from readings, class discussions, and lectures, are designed to help prepare you for class discussions and exams.

  • Exams:
Your comprehension of class content will be assessed through two exams—a midterm and cumulative final exam. Exams will be administered through canvas and proctored by Proctorio. No make-up exams will be offered, barring any legitimate extenuating circumstances accessed on a case by case basis.

  • Research Presentation:
You are expected to engage in group academic research addressing a topic of your choosing in the dance canon (possible topic areas include: history, culture, genre, and practice). A research proposal will be due early in the term. ­In the final weeks of the term, you will share the findings of your research through a presentation. Presentation guideline and expectations will be discussed in class. 


Course Outline

Week 1 – Introduction to course structure and dance fundamentals. Topics include DANC 1010 key terms, the syllabus, why humans dance, and how to critically look at dance.
Week 2 – Exploration of foundational concepts in world dance. Students define key terms, analyze various dance types, and discuss cultural perspectives.
Week 3 – Study of religious dances with a focus on African and Bharata Natyam traditions. Includes in-depth cultural and historical context plus a live African dance session.
Week 4 – Examination of dance in Ancient Greece and social dance traditions. Students prepare for and complete Quiz 1 while engaging in a hula dance workshop.
Week 5 – Focus on social dances and developing skills for writing about dance. Includes exposure to Mexican folk dance and preparation for the Student Dance Concert critique.
Week 6 – Exploration of royal dances and ballet history/performance. Students experience a ballet demonstration and submit the first draft of their dance critique.
Week 7 – Midterm review and peer feedback on the Student Dance Concert critique. Students take the proctored online midterm exam.
Week 8 – Study of modern dance and dance composition. Students participate in a composition lab and prepare final drafts of their critiques.
Week 9 – Introduction to jazz, tap, and musical theater dance styles. Students submit research presentation proposals.
Week 10 – Quiz 2 review and administration. Introduction to hip hop dance and career paths in dance.
Week 11 – Breaking dance demonstration and research presentation preparation. Festival of Excellence week with no formal Wednesday class.
Week 12 – Research presentations and applied dance lab sessions.
Week 13 – Continued research presentations and dance lab exploration. Students refine presentation delivery.
Week 14 – Final research presentations and review for the final exam.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

I do not accept late assignments for full credit. If a student has an excused absence on a due date, this student will arrange an earlier turn-in time with the instructor.

Attendance Policy

Departmental Absence Policy
Attendance policies vary by instructor and course section. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the specific attendance expectations for each course. These policies will be clearly outlined in the instructor's syllabus or course information. If clarification is needed, students should proactively contact their instructor.
Lecture Based Courses
Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel. Students who miss more than four class meetings for courses scheduled three days a week; three in courses scheduled two days a week, or one is courses scheduled one day a week, shall have their grade lowered by 1/3 of a letter grade with an additional 1/3 for every additional absence.
Studio Based Courses
Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel.  Students who miss more than four class meetings for courses scheduled three days a week; three in courses scheduled two days a week, or one in courses scheduled one day a week, shall have their grade lowered by a full letter grade with an additional 1/3 grade for every additional absence.

Additional Information
  • Any student missing more than 25% of class meetings cannot receive a passing grade in departmental courses.
  • Students who are habitually late to courses will be subject to final grade lowering at the discretion of the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.