Movement, the Camera & the Creative Process Interim 2011   Dance Department St. Olaf College

Credit: 1 Schedule: MTWTHF 10:40 am - 12:00 pm in DC Studio 1 & 1:00-3:00 pm in DC 100 Faculty: Anthony Roberts Phone: 3622 Email: awr Office: DC 327 Class Alias: dance-150

Rational: American Modern Dance and the motion picture camera both came into focus in the late 19th century, and dance was among the earliest subject matter to be filmed. Similarly, Thomas Edison's improvement upon the incandescent light bulb helped pave the way for dance artist Loïe Fuller to further advance the integration of dance and technology. Fuller melded movement, light and fabric to create revolutionary dance forms and technical innovations that inspired scores of comtemporary and future artists. Continuing the spirits of Fuller, Edison, and other pioneering artists, Movement, the Camera & the Creative Process aims to introduce and encourage St. Olaf College students to explore the integration of technology (new media) and dance.

Class Description: Integrating the human body, the digital video camera, and the computer, students design, develop, observe, describe, analyze, revise, and perform movement as artistic expression through the exploration of the elements of dance (body, space, time, energy). Emphasizing conceptual and practical approaches, students employ improvisational structures and practices to create, learn, compose, edit and perform movement material using the human body, 3D virtual representations of the human form and digital video technology. Students create individual and group movement projects. Students examine and discuss a wide variety of dances made for the camera. The class culminates with an evening public event. No prerequisites or previous dance or computer experience is required. There is a materials fee, including purchase of mini-dv tapes and blank dvd-r disks. Students receive SPM (Studies in Physical/Human Movement) or PHA (Physical Activity) and ALS-A (Artistic & Literary Studies-Artistic).

The material for this course is learned through your active participation in all class related activities.

Objectives -- by the end of the course, you will have been Encouraged to:

1. Explore the elements of human movement, 3D character animation of the human form and videodance with consideration of the body in space, time and energy.
2. Engage in and expand your familiarity and ability in movement improvisation, creation, exploration, composition and performance in individual and group settings.
3. Design, create and explore movement projects with consideration for the formal and creative properties inherent in film/video.
4. Observe, reflect upon, discuss, evaluate and make recommendations for revisions of your individual and your peers' collective works-in-process.
5. Develop a greater awareness of the human form.
6. Expand your physical movement vocabulary and artistic creative and performance capabilities.
7. Establish and apply a functional language for description and analysis of course related material.
8. Gain a foundational understaning of the history of screendance.
9. Develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation for movement and screendance.

Methods -- You Will:

1. Employ improvisational structures and practices to create, learn, compose, edit and perform movement material using the human body, 3D virtual representations of the human form and digital video technology.
2. Engage in consistent and iterative exploration of course related material.
3. Read about the practice of screendance from professionals in the field.
4. Perceive, assess and provide critical feedback on course related material to other students.
5. Receive, process and assimilate critical feedback on course related material from the instructor and peers.
6. Consider and discuss supplemental course material (video, articles, etc).
7. Reflect upon your individual progress.

Technologies Used:

1. The human body.
2. Poser 8: 3D character animation software.
3. Final Cut Pro 7: video editing software.
4. Digital Video Cameras.
5. Apple Computers: operation, capability, file management.
6. iDVD: DVD creation software.
7. Supplemental technologies, such as Photoshop, Garage Band and/or Soundtrack Pro may used in conjunction with the above materials.

Student Responsibilities for the Course:

Participation: The material for this course is learned through active, consistent and responsible student participation in all class related activities. The participation grade is not merely based on attendance but on the consistency and quality of your involvement in all class related activities.

Work Diligently, with Curiosity: Independently and Collaboratively: Once the class gets underway, you are expected to be self-motivated and highly driven to explore, create and problem solve using course materials and concepts without undue supervision (i.e.: not waiting to be told to get to work or what to do). You are ultimately responsible for your learning experience.

Vocabulary/Language: You are responsible for learning the vocabulary/language specific the processes and practice of the movement and technological experiences introduced in class, as well as developing and demonstrating an accomplished level of literacy with the vocabulary/language through in class discussions and written work. I suggest you build and maintain an ongoing vocabulary/language list to reference throughout the term. A comprehensive glossary of terms will be developed as the class progresses.

Movement Retention / Engagement with Material Outside of Class: You are expected to work diligently both in and outside of class, alone and in groups, to cognitively and physically retain, analyze and refine material experienced and developed in class. The movement experiences explored during class will likely be utilized and developed as the term progresses.

As a registered student in this dance class, you are welcome and encouraged to use the Dittmann dance studios for class-related work. See studio sign-up sheet on bulletin board between studios 2 and 3 to reserve space.

Interim Contact/Study Hours: Students are expected to devote a minimum of 40 hours of study per week directly related to the Interim course, including class time, outside reading, and other course-related work. In general, faculty and student contact hours for the Interim approximate the contact hours per course during the regular semester: 35-40 hours for the entire Interim or 8-10 hours per week. Class attendance is required on the last day of the Interim for examination or evaluation purposes. Grades are based on evaluation procedures similar to the regular semester.
http://www.stolaf.edu/catalog/academicregs/specialreg.html

As Dance-150 (Movement, the Camera, & the Creative Process involves 13 & 1/3 contact hours per week, you are expected to devote a minimum of 26 and 2/3 hours each week to your course-related work.

Activities / Assignments:

1. Daily Activities/Assignments: The student will complete daily work and assignments geared toward individual and group exploration of the body in space, time and with energy. These experiences will focus on human movement, 3D virtual representations of the human form (Poser) and screendance studies (exercises/assignments).
   
   
2. Projects: You will complete three student-designed movement projects that substantially explore and incorporate concepts, material and techniques introduced in this class, along with the elements of dance: the human body/form, space, time, energy, with intention. The majority of your time and energy during this course will be spent on the creation, development and completion of your projects.
   • A screendance project using the 3D character animation program Poser and Final Cut Pro. Each individual student will edit and export their own finished video. This project is to be completed using the Apple computers in DC 100 Computing Lab (Design Studio).
   • A group human videodance project designed and created in collaboration with members of this class and using Final Cut Pro. Each individual student will edit and export their own finished video. This project is to be completed using the Apple computers in DC 100 Computing Lab (Design Studio).
   • A live group movement project designed and created in collaboration with members of this class to be performed during the public class event on Thursday, 1/27 @ 7:00 PM in Dittmann Center Wagner/Bundgaard Studio 1 (Participation Required).
     
     
3. Public Class Event (Participation Required): There will be a public event/performance of select student projects from this class. This will include projected showings of your Poser and Videodance projects, as well as live performances of student movement solos and/or group studies from class.
   Public Event/Performance on Thursday, 1/27 @ 7:00 PM in Dittmann Center Wagner/Bundgaard Studio 1 (Participation Required). Performer call time (time performers should be in the building to begin preparing for the performance) is 5:30 PM.

4. Assigned Readings/Reflection Papers: Students will read The International Journal of Screendance, Vol 1, No 1, 2010 (available as a free pdf file download), in addition to a few other articles on screendance. You are responsible for submitting online written reflections pertaining to the readings. Although the majority of your time in this course will be spent on the creation of your projects, these readings and reflections will encourage broader/deeper consideration of the course material and concepts and will continue to encourage you to develop effective skills in multi-modal communication. Refer to Written Assignment Submission Guidelines below in this syllabus.
   
   
5. Historical Timeline of Dance for the Camera (videodance, screendance, cinedance, etc.): Each student will research and post relevant information on one or more historical and/or current figures in the field of screendance.

Late assignments will receive only 50% of graded amount.

Final Examination: The student will complete a comprehensive final examination covering the following:

• the concepts and functional vocabulary/language introduced in this class.
• supplemental material introduced in class (video, articles, etc.).
• timeline of historical videodance figures

Final Examination: Friday, 01/28 @ 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in DC 100.

Course Guidelines / policies:

Class Etiquette

1. Studio Rules:
   1. No street shoes in the dance studios. Please remove your shoes before entering the dance studio and leave them outside the studio.
   2. No food or drink other than water (recommended) in a closable, non-glass container.
   3. No chewing gum or smoking allowed in the studio.
   4. Cell phones/pagers need to be turned off prior to class.
2. Dress Code:
   1. You will be dancing in bare feet.
   2. Dance clothes for class should be comfortable without hiding or distorting the lines of the body. Close fitting dance/athletic wear or similar is best. Jeans and similar kinds of pants are not acceptable. Excessively baggy clothing is not acceptable. Gentlemen should consider purchasing a dance belt (artistic athletic supporter). Let me know if you have questions.
   3. Hair needs to be pulled back from the face and neck
   4. Long earrings and large or noisy jewelry should not be worn.
   5. You may consider purchasing kneepads to reduce the potential for irritation when the knees encounter the floor while performing movement combinations with floor work.
      
3. Conduct: You are expected to:
   1. Be courteous and respectful of the people with whom you are working.
   2. Have a positive mental attitude.
   3. Be consistent, self-motivated, and committed to your work.
   4. Be well prepared for and focused on all tasks you are expected to perform.
   5. Pay close attention to details and directions (guidance for enhancing your dancing).
   6. Understand that general directions, while not given to you specifically, may still pertain to you as a member of the class.
   7. Take constructive criticism and apply it to your work without allowing your personal feelings to interfere with the process.
   8. Ask questions of the instructor. Beyond this, students should not engage in unnecessary conversation and should give the instructor their full attention at all times.
   9. Take responsibility to help create a positive atmosphere in the studio classroom.
   10. Stay engaged. Sitting between combinations is considered poor etiquette as well as being physically detrimental.
       
4. Writing Materials: Bring writing tools to all class meetings: You will need to write down questions, class vocabulary, concepts, and movement material during class.
5. Injuries: Due to the experiential and participatory nature of dance classes, it is important that you be able to participate, physically and mentally. If you have an injury that impedes or prevents you from participating fully in a class, please inform me at the beginning of the class period.
   
6. Tactile Teaching: Tactile (of, having or perceived by the sense of touch) teaching involves hands on correction by the instructor, and is a valuable teaching aide in assisting the student in understanding aspects of proper alignment, placement and movement concepts during class. If any student is uncomfortable with this aspect of the technique class, please let the instructor know immediately.

Computing Lab

1. Lab Computers for Class Related Work Only: Especially during class time, the lab computers are to be used ONLY for class related work only. Please refrain all computer related activities that are not directly related to this course (email, social media and websites, other curricular and co-curricular activities).
2. Attentive & Courteous: The work we will be engaged in is at times engaging and engrossing. Please be attentive and courteous when the instructor and/or your peers are speaking or demonstrating, as this will facilitate everyone's learning and growth.
3. Food/Beverages Prohibited: Please do not bring food or beverages into the computing lab, with the exception of water in a closeable container.
4. Do Not Prop Door: Please do not prop the computing lab door open out of class lab times.
5. Keypad Access Code: Everyone having permission to use the labs are presented with a keypad access code. You are not to share your code with anyone, or allow anyone without a code to enter the labs.
6. You may use the computer lab and dance studios for your class work during open building hours.

• Dittmann Center Computing Lab Policies
• Dittmann Center Building Hours:
• Monday - Friday: 7 am - midnight
• Saturday: 8 am - midnight
• Sunday: 10 am - midnight

Absence Policy

• You are expected to be present, on time, appropriately dressed, able and ready to move for every class period. You are expected to plan your personal and curricular schedule of activities to accommodate your full participation in each class period.
• You are expected to meet with classmates to learn and/or review movement material missed as a result of an absence. It is your responsibility to obtain class information and/or handouts missed as a result of an absence.
• You are allowed one absence without effect. Every absence after that lowers your grade by one grade level (from A to A-, etc.).
• Second or third absences must be made up in other dance technique classes. See Make-up Class Policy /Options below for more information.
• Failing to make up absences beyond the first will result in a grade of F for this course. No other make-ups are allowed.
• The fourth absence is an automatic F for the course.
• If a situation arises in which you must miss class for more than 2 consecutive days, you must immediately inform me and the Dean of Students so that appropriate accommodation may be made. Such accommodation will be made on a case by case basis, with consideration given to your health, well-being, academic integrity and the academic integrity of the Dance program and the College.
• If you are not able to participate during a class period due to illness or injury, but you are well enough to sit and watch class, you can avoid an absence by observing the class and submitting an observation paper.
• Exceptions to the Absence Policy:
  • If you must miss class for a College sanctioned event, you will be allowed one additional absence without effect, provided that official notification (email or signed document from faculty/administrative staff supervising the event) is sent to me prior to the day of the class being missed.
    • Job Interviews, non-emergency medical appointments, meetings with advisors and the like are not valid exceptions to the absence policy.

Electronic Communication

Information is often sent via email. It is your responsibility to check your email on a regular basis, and to read and promptly respond to all messages related to this class.

Make-up Class Policy / Options

Second or third absences must be made up in other dance technique classes.
You must make-up a missed class by participating in or observing any St. Olaf Dance Department dance technique class.

1. You need to obtain the permission of the instructor of the make-up class in advance to make sure you may participate in or observe the class on the day you wish to attend.
2. You need to fill out the Make-Up form located near the Companydance bulletin board in the hallway between studios 2 & 3, and obtain the signature of the instructor of the make-up class. Let me know if you have difficulty finding the Make-Up form.
3. No make up classes will be permitted during the last two weeks of classes. This is generally an important time of culmination for all dance classes, and the presence of additional students can impede the effectiveness of this process. So, if you know you will have an absence during the term, plan ahead to schedule and attend a make-up class.
   

Observing Class Policy / Submission Guidelines

If you are not able to participate during a class period due to illness or injury, you may avoid being counted absent for the day by observing the class and submitting an observation paper. This option may be used once, as two observations equal one absence. Below are guidelines to be followed in completing an observation paper.

• Bring pen/paper/laptop with you to the class you plan to observe. You should take detailed notes on the process/progress of the students in class, taking into consideration dance technique, performance and other aspects from class that we are working on and you deem relevant.
• You should reflect upon your individual class process and submit a one-page paper comparing/contrasting your process with that of the other students in class.
• The observation paper must be submitted prior to the beginning of the next class period to avoid receiving an absence for the observed class.
• Please follow the Written Assignment Submission Guidelines for this course.
  
  

Open Door Policy

Students may make an appointment with me at anytime during the semester. Email (awr) is likely the most efficient method for making an appointment, but feel free to call my office (3622), home (645-8849) or catch me sometime between classes.

Tardy Policy

• You are expected to be present, on time, appropriately dressed, and ready to move for every class period. If you are not present when roll is called you will be marked tardy. If you are late for class 3 times, you will receive 1 absence (6 times late = 2 absences, etc.). If you arrive late for a class period, please inform me at the end of class, so I can mark you as 'present'.
• If you are 10 minutes late to class, you will not be allowed to participate, but must observe class and complete the corresponding observation paper (see Observation Paper Guidelines below). This is in consideration of the your health, injury prevention, and with respect for your peers in this class. If you must leave class early, please inform me before class begins. You will receive either a tardy or an absence, depending upon how much class is missed. If you choose to leave class without informing me, you will receive an absence for the class.

Written Assignment Submission Guidelines:

• General:
  • Unless otherwise specified, all written assignments (except the class journal) should be completed in Microsoft Word, typed, double-spaced and checked for correct grammar and spelling. The electronic assignment file should follow the correct naming scheme specified below.
  • Include in your written paper:
    • your first and last names.
    • the name and section of the course in which you are enrolled.
    • the name/title of the assignment.
  • Papers should address the requirements of the assignment thoughtfully and concisely, and there is no required number of pages for written assignments.
• Naming Scheme for the Electronic File:
  • You are asked to submit your electronic assignment documents with a very specific naming scheme. This process is in place to assist with efficient file management of your assignments.
  • Submit all your written assignment files for this class using the following naming scheme:
    • your last name-first initial of your first name-assignment name-course number and section.doc (make sure you use the suffix is '.doc' or '.docx' depending upon the version of Microsoft Word you are using).
    • For example, I would save my assignment files for Modern I, section Z (dance-111z) with the following names:
      • Initial Goal: roberts-a-goal-dance-111z.doc
      • Self-Evaluation: roberts-a-eval-dance-111z.doc
      • Observation Paper: roberts-a-observation-dance-111z.doc
      • Performance Impressions Haiku: roberts-a-impressions-dance-111z.doc
  • Any assignments failing to be follow the correct naming scheme must be correctly resubmitted. This may result in a late assignment, which will result in a 50% reduction in grade.
• Submit your assignments through the St. Olaf College Moodle website/server.
• Late assignments:
  • 1 day late will receive only 50% credit.
  • 2-3 days late will receive only 25% credit.
  • Over 3 days late will receive zero credit

Academic Integrity:

St. Olaf College's Honor System Policy applies to tests, quizzes and examinations, whether in-class, take-home, or on-line.

St. Olaf College's Academic Integrity Policy applies to all other work, including papers, posters, research, internships, lab work, etc.

Disability Services

If you have a documented disability for which accommodations may be required in this class, please contact Ruth Bolstad (bolstadr@stolaf.edu ) or Connie Ford (ford@stolaf.edu) in the Academic Support Center (x3288) located in the Modular Village. If you already have documentation on file with Student Disability Services in the Academic Support Center you are required to present your letters to the professor within the first two weeks of class.
For more information: http://www.stolaf.edu/services/asc/sds.html

Assessment:

Grading Systems:

In determining your final grade for this course, the following factors are taken into consideration:

1. Assessment definitions in reference to the St. Olaf College Grade and Marking System: While much of the language reflects a focus on language-intensive rather than movement-intensive classes, such as a dance class, there are obvious parallels to the high standards and expectations the dance department maintains when assessing students at St. Olaf College.
2. Assessment definitions derived from discussions with dance colleagues and resources.
3. Personal experience concerning of expectations of dancers in the profession.
4. This course is movement-intensive in nature. In determining your final grade in this course, more weight will be placed upon your your physical practice; however, your language-intensive work in this course may play a significant role.
   

Assessment Definitions:

St. Olaf College Grade and Marking System:
Final letter grades and their corresponding grade point values are listed below along with short descriptions at each grade level. The descriptions give students, faculty, graduate schools, and employers of St. Olaf College graduates a general sense of the gradation of academic expectations at a glance.

In the leftmost column below, one can link to a list of grade benchmarks that is meant only as a guideline for St. Olaf College faculty and students. Individual faculty members are free to grade according to their own systems; students should consult with their professors for accurate information about course requirements and expectations.

Links to Benchmarks	Description	Grade	Grade Point
Superior Achievement	Outstanding Excellent	A/A+ A-	4.0 3.7
Good Achievement	Very Good Good Generally Good	B+ B B-	3.3 3.0 2.7
Adequate Achievement	Satisfactory Sufficient Marginal	C+ C C-	2.3 2.0 1.7
Limited Achievement	Poor Very Poor Extremely Poor	D+ D D-	1.3 1.0 0.7
Inadequate Achievement	Failure	F	0.0

Grade Benchmark Achievement Levels

Superior achievement (A level):

The grade of A recognizes exceptional performance and achievement that exceeds course expectations and consistently demonstrates, where applicable, many of the following characteristics:

• Thorough, deep, and mature understanding.
• Genuine comprehension, insight, and synthesis.
• Significant mastery of challenging topics and issues.
• Extensive familiarity with relevant literature and previous work.
• Highly developed communication skills.
• Thorough preparation and extensive, thoughtful class participation.
• Integration of knowledge, concepts, and principles across disciplines.
• Originality of analysis and interpretation.
• Technical competence in skills and procedures. Precision of ideas and clarity of expression.
• Thinking that is independent, creative, and focused.
• Understanding of nuance and subtlety.
• Consistent coherence in argument and discussion.

Students who receive the grade of A consistently demonstrate, where applicable, the ability to:

• Analyze arguments using specific examples and original sources.
• Think logically, draw inferences, and make predictions in complicated situations.
• Communicate reasoning clearly and concisely.
• Think abstractly.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in arguments, policies, and practices.
• Integrate information to draw well-founded conclusions.
• Connect course content to issues of other courses and world affairs.
• Use models appropriately; recognize their strengths and accommodate their inherent limitations.
• Foresee and evaluate consequences of proposed policies and actions.
• Use technology creatively and effectively.

Good Achievement (B level):

The grade of B recognizes work that meets course expectations and typically demonstrates, where applicable, many of the following characteristics:

• Clear understanding without much originality
• Competent grasp of course materials and subject matter
• Familiarity with relevant literature
• Competence in communication skills
• Regular preparation for and participation in class
• Integration of course knowledge, concepts and procedures
• Some evidence of critical and creative thought
• Clear connections between inferences and evidence
• Care in the use of evidence and quotations with only occasional thinness in argument, detail, or precision.

Students who receive the grade of B typically demonstrate, where applicable, the ability to:

• Extend ideas by connecting with personal experiences, reading, or world events.
• Analyze data in various forms and from varied sources.
• Utilize information to explain events, draw conclusions, and apply results.
• Present comprehensive answers in a clear and logically correct style.
• Understand and compare various models.
• Distinguish inputs from outputs, and causes from effects.
• Recognize consequences of complex interactions.Use technology effectively.
  

Adequate Achievement (C level):

The grade of C recognizes work that is sufficient to prepare for continued study in the field and generally demonstrates, where applicable, some of the following characteristics:

• Adequate grasp of course concepts
• Partial mastery of knowledge and skills required for understanding
• Incomplete familiarity with relevant readings or references
• Writing that lists facts rather than develops well-reasoned arguments
• Frequent neglect of important information
• Partial appreciation of the meaning or implications of a question
• Answers that are insufficiently developed
• Minimally complete assignments with many areas for improvement.

Students who receive the grade of C generally demonstrate, where applicable, some ability to:

• Assimilate and communicate simple knowledge and procedures,
• Extend ideas by making simple inferences,
• Make connections among and draw conclusions from course concepts,
• Interpret simple information provided in various formats,
• Organize and display data in tables and graphs,
• Use technology competently.

Limited Achievement (D level):

The grade of D indicates a lack of readiness to continue in the field. Students’ work usually demonstrates, where applicable, some of the following characteristics:

• Minimal understanding of the subject matter.
• Poorly developed communication skills.
• Inability to apply subject matter understanding in other contexts.
• Little evidence of critical or creative thinking.
• Lack of apparent seriousness.
• Frequent carelessness in fulfilling assignments.

Inadequate Achievement (F):

The grade of F indicates that course work is insufficient to merit academic credit. Students who receive an F usually demonstrate some of the following characteristics:

• Inadequate understanding of subject matter.
• Inadequate or inconsistent preparation.
• Frequent failure to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Little evidence of critical thought.
• Very poor communication skills.
• Frequent misunderstanding of facts or references.
• Little or no analysis.
  
• Confused or incomprehensible writing.
• Little or no work offering evidence that course objectives have been met.

Grading System specific to, but not exclusive of, movement-intensive Dance Classes

• Excellent (A) = Excellent is for students who do work of an outstanding nature, are consistently self-motivating in individual and group settings, show a hunger to know, a passion for learning, and a willingness to take appropriate physical and artistic risks. An 'A' student responds and contributes to class material, effectively integrates feedback and demonstrates exceptional growth toward the objectives of this course.

Students who receive the grade of A in this class consistently:

• Come to class prepared to dance: physically, intellectually, emotionally
• Demonstrate ample preparation through knowledge of and ability with course material
• Are on time: to class, with assignments, in course-related communication
• Endeavor to engage to a high degree with course material from the moment they enter the studio space until the class period ends
• Strive to discover, develop and deepen
• Demonstrate ingenious independence and self-motivation
• Demonstrate exceptional technical and artistic ability with course material
• Take movement risks
• Assume roles of leadership: frequently stand in front and vary their placement during class, often go in the 1st group across the floor, continue to dance until directed to rest, etc.
• Demonstrate awareness of subtleties in material, even as material develops and evolves
• Ask probing questions and offer points of view that advances critical inquiry

Good (B) = Good is for students whose work is distinctly above average in quality and thoroughness, depicting a solid grasp of the subject matter and are self-motivating in individual and group settings. A 'B' student shows dedication, a willingness to take new steps, concentration, consistent work and demonstrates increased accomplishment of some skills during the term.

Average (C) = Average is for students who do their work and actively participate in class but lack the energy, will or ability to take it to new heights. An average student, although present in class, does not perform in a way that commands to be seen. A 'C' student has accomplished some skills throughout the term, but both student and instructor know it could be better. Work habits are inconsistent. A 'C' student can accomplish more.

Poor (D) = Poor is for students who have not done their work regularly. Lacking the necessary energy, diligence or passion for dance, the 'D' student has shown very little improvement and depicts a limited understanding of the subject matter.

Fail (F) = Fail is for students who have missed more than the allotted number of classes, been tardy or left class so much that there is no base from which to grade, or has made no effort to grasp the material while in class.

Elements for Assessment & Percentages:
Students will be assessed equally on your demonstrated ability and quality of effort for each of the activities below.

important Dates to remember:

GEC Attributes: This course is intended to satisfy the ALS-A (Artistic & Literary Studies-Artistic) and PHA (Physical Activity) or SPM (Studies in Physical/Human Movement) General Education Requirements. Under consideration are several revisions to and re-certification of several GEC attributes, including PHA/SPM. I have included the current draft of the revisions below, for your consideration.

Studies in Physical/Human Movement (SPM):

Guidelines

1. Course will introduce and develop a physical technique by engaging students in physical movement.
2. Course must include a cognitive component where students learn about moving.
3. Course must provide information about lifelong health and wellness of the whole person.
4. Course must provide historical and cultural background relevant to the activity, illustrating the wide range of roles of physical activity in human development.

Intended Learning Outcomes for Students

1. Students will demonstrate the ability to successfully perform a range of skills connected to a given physical technique.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the body's structure, function, and expression specifically in the performance of a given physical technique and broadly in creating long-term well being.
3. Students will reflect on their feelings, values, and attitudes regarding movement and long-term well being.
4. Students will understand the historical and cultural background relevant to the activity, illustrating the wide range of physical activity in human development.

Artistic & Literary Studies-Artistic (ALS-A):

Guidelines

1. Artistic forms include the visual and performing arts--visual art, film, music, theater, and dance.
2. Courses must help students achieve an informed appreciation of the aesthetic and formal properties of the art that is the subject of the course, and an understanding of the art within the broader context of human life and culture.
3. Courses may develop appreciation and understanding through performance, creation or criticism:
• Performance includes acting in plays, or performing musical compositions or choreographed dances.
• Creation is the making of new works, in the studio arts, film, music, theater or dance.
• Criticism is the analysis of artistic forms.
  
4. Fractional courses totaling one course may satisfy this requirement if:
   • All courses are in the same artistic form
   • The combination of fractional courses as a whole satisfies the guidelines above.

Intended Learning Outcomes for Students

Students will demonstrate:

1. The ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate the formal properties of a primary work of art.
2. An understanding of the relationship between a work of art and its cultural context.

Syllabus Credits

Over the years, a number of dance artists and institutions have contributed to and helped shape my philosophy of and approach to teaching dance technique. I'd like to especially thank the following individuals and institutions for their invaluable input, guidance, support and generosity in sharing their artistry, philosophies and permission to use some of their ideas in developing my courses.

• St. Olaf College
  • Janice Roberts
  • Sherry Saterstrom
  • Heather Klopchin
  • Anne von Bibra
  • Ann Wagner
    
• Dance Center of Columbia College in Chicago
  • Jan Erkert
• Arizona State University
  • Ann Ludwig
  • Pamela Matt
• Gustavus Adolphus College
  • Michele Rusinko
• Repertory Dance Theatre
  • Linda C. Smith
  • Ford Evans
• University of Utah
  • Barbara Hamblin
  • Yi-Qi Cheng
  • Li-Chou Cheng
  • Bené Arnold
  • Abby Fiat
• University of Oklahoma
  • Mary Margaret Holt
  • Miguel Terekhov
• East Tennessee State University
  • Judith Woodruff

This syllabus represents the contract of terms between the student and the dance department instructor of this course. The student is responsible for all information contained in this document. Students will be notified of any changes the instructor may make to this document as soon as possible.