Undergraduate Dance Course Offerings
  PERF-102
Modern Dance I (3)
Students learn interrelationships between dance and society, which form the context for movement expression. Skill development is accompanied by a study of twentieth century choreographers and the social conditions shaping their artistry. Readings, videos, concerts, classwork, written work, and work in technique enhance participants’ knowledge.
  PERF-103
Beginning Jazz Dance (3)
Study of jazz as a form emerging from African immigrant encounters with American society. The development of jazz dance in America covers the history of minstrelsy, vaudeville, and music theater. Technique development is augmented by readings, videos, readings, concerts, and written papers.
  PERF-104
Beginning Ballet (3)
Study of ballet from the sixteenth century European courts, as a form expressing the power and hierarchy of various monarchs, to its contemporary manifestations. Readings, videos, and concerts provide a social context while development of technical skill helps cultivate proficiency and understanding.
  PERF-108 03/11/2008p Dance (3)
Study of tap’s emergence as a cross-cultural integration of Irish and African forms in the United States and of its development as a creative expression for urban African Americans. Technical development is augmented by readings, videos, concerts and written papers.
  PERF-109
Dance Practicum (1)
May be repeated for credit within the same term; dance technique must be different for each credit hour. Provides the student with the opportunity to continue his/her current level of dance technique course. Student may register for practicum only if he/she has completed the 3 credit dance course at the 100 level. Prerequisite: completion of equivalent 3 credit dance technique course and permission of the director of dance.
  PERF-200/200G
Dance and Society (3)
Students learn about the cultural importance of dance throughout history, including its ritual, social, and theatrical functions. Students discover the diverse ways and cultural contexts in which people express fundamental experiences and emotions through dance. Prerequisite for General Education credit: ARTS-100G or LIT-105G or PERF-110G or PERF-115G.
  PERF-202
Modern Dance II (3)
Continuation of PERF-102. Study of additional choreographers and the social context of their work. Skill development is augmented by readings, videos, concerts and written papers, promoting and understanding of the role of dance as a form of creative expression that gives insight into society. Prerequisite: PERF-102 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-203
Intermediate Jazz Dance (3)
Continuation of PERF-103. Analysis of jazz as an integral part of a creative expression in America and as developed by choreographers in a variety of twentieth century dances. Technical work is augmented by readings, videos, concerts, and written papers. Prerequisite: PERF-103 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-204
Intermediate Ballet (3)
Development of technical skills and performance ability in classical ballet vocabulary. Prerequisite: PERF-104 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-208
Intermediate Tap Dance (3)
Study of the impact of segregation on the development of tap and the form’s resurgence in the 1970s as a corollary to the civil rights movement. Also, the use of tap by contemporary artists. Technical development is augmented by readings, videos, concerts, and papers. Prerequisite: PERF-108 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-209
Dance Practicum (1)
May be repeated for credit within the same term; dance technique must be different for each credit hour. Provides the student with the opportunity to continue his/her current level of dance technique course. Student may register for practicum only if he/she has completed the 3 credit course at the 200 level. Prerequisite: completion of equivalent 3 credit dance technique course and permission of the director of dance.
  PERF-302
Modern Dance III (3)
Continuation of PERF-202. Study of choreographers and their social context augmented by readings, videos, concerts, and written papers. Advanced technical development and artistry emphasized. Meets with PERF-602. Prerequisite: PERF-202 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-303
Modern Dance IV (3)
Continuation of PERF-302. Study of choreographers and their social context augmented by readings, videos, concerts, and written papers. Advanced technical development and artistry emphasized. Meets with PERF-603. Prerequisite: PERF-302 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-304
African Dance (3)
Students learn the inter-relationship between movement and sound in African dance and develop a sense of creative expression and group interaction. Assigned readings, class trips, concert viewings, and class discussions enhance the participants’ knowledge of traditional African society while providing a historical outlet for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
  PERF-305
History and Philosophy of Dance I: Fifteenth–Nineteenth Century (3)
The evolution of Western theatrical dance, with emphasis on the fifteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Meets with PERF-605.
  PERF-306
History and Philosophy of Dance II: Twentieth Century (3)
A chronological survey of dance in the twentieth century. Writings and videos of contemporary dance authorities and artists are used as source materials. Meets with PERF-606. Prerequisite: PERF-305.
  PERF-309
Dance Practicum (1)
May be repeated for credit within the same term; dance technique must be different for each credit hour. Provides the student with the opportunity to continue his/her current level of dance technique course. Student may register for practicum only if he/she has completed the three credit dance course at the 300 level. Prerequisite: completion of equivalent 3 credit dance technique course and permission of the director of dance.
  PERF-396
(Selected Topics: Non-Recurring)
Advanced Modern/Contemporary Dance
Refining clarity of movement initiation, phrasing, and dynamics is emphasized. Students are challenged structurally and qualitatively in movement sequences to continue building the maturity and sophistication of a dance artist/scholar. Discussions focusing on readings and movement observations help students expand movement vocabulary from aesthetic and action points of view. Meets with PERF-696 001.
  PERF-404
Advanced Ballet (3)
Continuation of PERF-204. Emphasis on development of artistry and complexity of skills and movement combinations. Advanced readings and written work on contemporary ballet as a reflection of society. Meets with PERF-604. Prerequisite: PERF-204 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-411
Composition of Dance I (3)
May be repeated for credit with different topic. Introduction to the vocabulary and techniques of choreography. Students create their own choreographies. Meets with PERF-611. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
  PERF-412
Composition of Dance II (3)
May be repeated for credit with different topic. Continuation of PERF-411. Meets with PERF-612. Prerequisite: PERF-411 or permission of instructor.
  PERF-506 Course level: Graduate and Advanced Undergraduate
The Moving Body (3)
The practical application of anatomy and kinesiology to performance work in dance, music, and theatre. Warm-up exercises, injury prevention, sports, and everyday activities are also covered. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
  PERF-507 Course level: Graduate and Advanced Undergraduate
Principles of Movement (3)
Principles of Movement is a system of analysis for describing and understanding the qualitative aspects of movement. Students learn to expand their movement vocabulary, both spatially and dynamically, and to develop their verbal skills in observing and describing dance.
  PERF-596 001 Course level: Graduate and Advanced Undergraduate
Selected Topics: Non-Recurring: Dance Improvisation
An introduction to the fundamental ingredients of movement to expand and enrich students' movement vocabulary through an exploration of movement's essential components. The class serves as a springboard to dance composition as well as performance skills.
  PERF-596 002 Course level: Graduate and Advanced Undergraduate
Selected Topics: Non-Recurring: Movement and Text
When in conscious relationship, the spoken word and the articulation of the moving body are two languages that enhance one another. This course serves as a catalyst for the performer to find new depth.
  PERF-596 002 Course level: Graduate and Advanced Undergraduate
Selected Topics: Non-Recurring: Contact Improvisation
Analysis and exploration of problem solving with individuals and groups for movement concepts.
  PERF-596 003 Course level: Graduate and Advanced Undergraduate
Selected Topics: Non-Recurring: Spanish Dance
This class includes basic elements of traditional regional dances such as Escuela Bolera and Classical/Neoclassical with discussions of language and history. Special attention is paid to the Flamenco dance and its rhythmic structures.
  PERF-650 001 Course level: Graduate
Rotating Topics in Theatre: Dance Styles for Music Theatre
Audition techniques are explored specifically for the dancer in music theatre. The course examines choreography and different dance styles from choreographers such as Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, and Gus Giordano. The student develops skills in phrase development and "quick study," analysis of space, time and effort, and movement improvisation. Meets with PERF-450 001.

 

Department of Performing Arts, College of Arts and Sciences, American University
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