Course Description
Contemporary Dance Praxis II furthers the development of Contemporary dance training from a somatic (mind and body) approach. Course activities amplify musicality and dynamic phrasing of movement, and develop performance creativity through the use of spontaneous solutions to improvisational prompts. Prerequisite: DCE 112 or Department Placement at this level; Permission of instructor; Dance Major, Dance Minor; Note: May be repeated for credit.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate dynamic alignment for full-body movement range and efficiency.
- Understand individual movement range and joint capacities.
- Articulate movement through extremities and directional lines with refined use of length, energy, and flow.
- Demonstrate spatial awareness and effective use of directional changes.
- Translate concepts from warmups and floorwork into longer movement phrases and demonstrate movement retention.
- Respond to improvisational and choreographic prompts with confidence, artistry, and engagement.
- Develop musicality, connectivity, and artistry in performance.
- Maintain professionalism, engagement, and commitment to class activities and assignments.
- Engage in discussion and reflection about dance.
- Assess individual progress and growth throughout the semester.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Attendance & Participation | 60 points |
| Midterm Performance & Reflection | 15 points |
| Dance Concert Attendance & Reflection | 10 points |
| Final Performance & Reflection | 15 points |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 94-100 | A |
| 90-93 | A- |
| 87-89 | B+ |
| 83-86 | B |
| 80-82 | B- |
| 77-79 | C+ |
| 73-76 | C |
| 70-72 | C- |
| 67-69 | D+ |
| 63-66 | D |
| 60-62 | D- |
| Below 60 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance and full participation are expected. The School of Dance requires an 80% participation rate to receive credit for the course. Students are allowed two excused absences. After two absences, the grade will be lowered by one-third of a letter grade for each additional absence. Students who accrue more than five absences will automatically fail the course.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.