Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Dance Composition I (Face-to-Face)

DANC 2510-01

Course: DANC 2510-01
Credits: 2
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: TA
CRN: 10929

Course Description

Elements of space, time, and qualities of movement are basis for improvisational and compositional study. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): DANC 2080 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Repeatable for Add’l Credit? Yes - Total Times: 2 Registration Restriction(s): Dance and Dance Education majors or Dance minors only

Required Texts

Writing the Other by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward

All other texts will be provided on canvas or through the SUU Library Website

Learning Outcomes

 Successful completion of this course will enable you to (Connected to SUU Learning Outcomes: Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Communication, Problem Solving, Inquiry & Analysis, Integrative & Lifelong Learning): 
• Develop an awareness of fundamental compositional elements 
• Choreograph in response to a variety of stimuli (music, sound, objects, ideas, etc.) \
• Integrate contrasts of speed, tension, continuity, shape, size, direction, and level into choreography 
• Integrate a range and complexity of body actions (including step patterns and use of body parts) into choreographic process 
• Describe and critically analyze choreographic projects presented in class and in live concert 

Course Requirements

Dance Concert Attendance and Analysis
Compositional Studies
Choreographic Projects
Participation
Readings and Discussion

Course Outline

Theme and Motif exploration studies
BESS studies
Narrative and Abstraction
Choreographing the Othered
Choreography Final

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

I do not accept late assignments. That being said, I do not consider an assignment late if it is turned in before I finish grading. This gives the entire class generally about a week to get the assignment turned-in around the due date. 

Attendance Policy


SUU Dance Program Attendance Policy: 


Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel. A student is allotted three unexcused absences (for classes meeting two-days per week) or four unexcused absences (for classes meeting three-days per week). Following the allotted unexcused absences for a specific course, each additional unexcused absence will incur a half letter grade deduction from a student’s cumulative grade as outlined below:

  • 0 additional unexcused absences: A 
  • 1 additional unexcused absence:   A- 
  • 2 additional unexcused absences: B 
  • 3 additional unexcused absences: C+ 
  • 4 additional unexcused absences: C- 
  • 5 additional unexcused absences: D

In addition to attendance, grades are contingent upon the completion and quality of all other course requirements as outlined by the professor.


Taking care of yourself and time management should be a top priority. Please note these absences are meant to include any illnesses you incur, rest and recovery days, or mental health days needed. Long term illnesses or injury will require temporary accommodations with the Disability Resource Center on Campus and a meeting to set up a plan to move forward in the course. 


 


Tardiness:
If a student arrives to class more than 5 minutes late, they will observe and complete an observation form to be handed in to the instructor at the end of class. Three instances of tardiness to a class will be counted as one unexcused absence and applied to the attendance grading policy. 


 


Observation:
If a student is unable to participate in a studio-based class due to an injury or otherwise, students are allowed to sit out and observe. They will fill out a hard copy observation form to be handed in to the instructor at the end of class (found in each dance studio’s sound cabinet). Students exceeding three observations will meet with the instructor to develop a plan moving forward.  


Religious Holidays and Class Attendance Policy


SUU TDAA recognizes the importance of religious expression in the lives of our community and therefore students may make arrangements to make up course work missed for religious holidays. Students will be allowed to complete required assignments after returning and religious holidays will NOT count toward the total of excused absences allowed in a given class.

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.