DNCA-151: Beginning Modern Dance

School
Liberal Arts
Division
Fine & Performing Arts
Department
Dance
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Dance
Course Number
151
Course Title
Beginning Modern Dance
Credit Hours
2.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Eligible to take ENG courses at HFC.
Catalog Course Description

Explores Modern Dance as an art form that has a limitless way to express oneself in human movement. Primary emphasis is on developing technique of the basic Modern movement vocabulary. Course also covers skeletal muscular anatomy and function as it applies to dance movement, and an introduction to improvisation and composition.

Goals, Topics, and Objectives

Goal Statement

To be able to correctly identify and execute Modern dance movement vocabulary with correct technique and skill and to discover new ways to create and manipulate movement.

Core Course Topics
  1. Basic Movement Vocabulary
    • Identify basic Modern Dance vocabulary from a demonstration.
  2. Skill and Technique
    • Execute correct technique from given movement vocabulary.
  3. Dance Elements
    • Identify and explain the elements of Dance.
  4. Modern Dance Pioneers and Current Choreographers
    • Identify selected pioneers of Modern Dance and current choreographers and explain their significance and contributions.
  5. Skeletal-muscular structures and functions
    • Label skeletal-muscular anatomy and functions as they apply to dance.
  6. Body Conditioning
    • Describe fitness components of muscular endurance, strength, flexibility and balance as they apply to dance skill and assess personal improvement.
  7. Improvisation and Problem Solving
    • Create solutions to given movement problems through improvisation and classroom dance movement studies.*
  8. Musicality

    Execute all basic movement vocabulary, combinations and phrases with accurate musicality.

Assessment and Requirements

Assessment of Academic Achievement
  1. Written exam: identify movement vocabulary from a demonstration.
  2. Class Assignment: keep a written log of technique notes and individual corrections. Movement exam: execute given movement with correct technique.
  3. Written exam: list and explain the elements of dance.
  4. Classroom presentation: written, oral and video presentation of selected Modern Dance artists.
  5. Written exam: label skeletal-muscular anatomy and explain their functions as they apply to Dance.
  6. Fitness testing: pre- and post-tests for muscle endurance, strength, flexibility and balance.
  7. Class assignments and studies: create solutions to given movement problems.
  8. Movement exam: execute given movement with accurate musicality. Written exam: define music terms. Class Assignment/s: create rhythmic patterns and compose movement reflecting them.
Texts

The Dancer Prepares - Modern Dance for Beginners, 5th ed., Penrod and Plastino 

Outcomes

Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No

Credit for Prior College-Level Learning

Options for Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Other
Other Details

Determined by department.

Effective Term
Winter 2022