Participation (60% of final grade)
This is a participatory class – your presence is imperative. Engaged participation is more than simply
speaking or dancing in class. Students should demonstrate consistent commitment and focus,
continually exhibiting personal motivation and openness to the learning process; professional and
mature behavior is always needed. Further, students are expected to support each other in creating a
safe/brave space for experimentation, creativity, and expression. Course discussions should be
relevant, respectful of individuals (which is different than respectful of ideas), and constructive. I
understand people show engagement in different ways. I do not expect everyone to participate in the
same ways; however, if you are a student who does not frequently speak in whole group discussions,
please make sure you actively participate in small groups and speak to me separately about how to
participate in ways that contribute to the classroom community and to your own growth.
Participation grades, which will be averaged from those assigned at the midpoint and end of the
semester, will be given based on these requirements.
Technical Assessment (20%)
While it is expected that every class—and, frankly, every combination—should be treated as a
performance opportunity, students will perform class material for assessment at both the mid-point (10%)
and end of the semester (10%). Your technical assessment is based solely on your own individual
progress throughout the term. The mid-semester assessment will occur during regularly scheduled class
time. Another handout will more thoroughly detail the expectations of this assessment.
Progression to any Dance Major Level III technique course requires mentorship and/or faculty approval. If
a student desires to progress to a Level III technique course, it is required to meet with the Faculty
member before requesting a course registration approval. Please note: Faculty's determination for Level
III advancement will take into account student's attention to previous DANC coursework, completion of
core dance training within the Theater/Musical Theater major, technical ability, injury prevention, and
relative level of incoming students.
Creative Final Project & Paper (20%)
Part 1: Create a work of Art
Drawing on the class experiences, discussions, and written reflections students will create an art object
and/or demonstration of their choosing that fully articulates the weight and breadth of their experience in
the course. Some options may include but are not limited to: sculpture, collage, painting/drawing, song
lyrics, monologue, screenplay, performance art exhibition, experimental film, photography series, etc.
Students are encouraged to explore other art mediums beyond dance performance in order to attempt to
represent and translate course ideas to another artistic form of expression. Students will present their
creations to the class for discussion during Week 10. Worth 9% of final grade.
Part 2: Faculty Dance Concert Attendance & Ticket Stubs
Students will attend the Faculty Dance Concert (Nov 1-4) and present their ticket stub (or other form of
proof like a selfie in the theatre) to Canvas for credit, due 11/6 by start of class time. Worth 2% of final
grade. Note, you cannot earn a grade for your paper (part 3) if ticket stub/proof is missing. Missing proof
will equal a 0% for part 3’s paper.
Part 3: Write a Paper Comparing your Work of Art to Faculty Dance Concert
After attending the Faculty Dance Concert, students will write a short response paper comparing and
contrasting their experience observing the performance, dancing in class, and creating their art object. A
more detailed prompt will be provided via Canvas. Papers should be 2-3 pages, typed, double spaced, 1
inch margins, 12pt, Times New Roman font, with MLA formatting