The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Dance
323 Health and Human Performance Building
(336) 334-5570
Department of Dance Homepage
Admissions Information
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Faculty
Overview
Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts in Dance with Concentrations in Choreorgraphy or Design
Requirements for the Master of Arts
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance Education
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance with a Concentration in Choreography
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance with a Concentration in Design
Requirements for the Master of Arts in Dance with a Concentration in Dance Theories and Practices
DCE Dance Classes
Faculty
Professors
John Gamble
Choreography, lighting design and production, contact improvisation.
Larry E. Lavender, M.F.A., Ph.D.
Choreography, dance criticism, aesthetics, philosophy of dance.
Susan W. Stinson, Ed.D.
Curricular issues in dance/arts education, meaning-making, gender issues (Director of M.A. in Dance Education).
Jan E. VanDyke, Ed.D.
Choreography, social and economic issues in dance (Head of Department).
Associate Professors
Ann H. Dils, Ph.D.
Historical and cultural studies in dance (Director of Graduate Study).
Jill Green, Ph.D.
Dance education, somatics (body-mind practice), creativity, feminist and post-positivist research, socio-cultural issues of the body (Coordinator of Undergraduate Dance Education).
Eluza M. Santos, M.F.A., Ph.D.
Choreography, dance as cultural expression.
Assistant Professors
Duane Cyrus, M.F.A.
Dance technique, performance, and choreography. Interdisciplinary integration of theatre, technology, and dance. African-American dance and theatre history. Issues of representation in media and performance.
Robin M. Gee, M.F.A.
African and American dance, choreography, historical and cultural studies in dance.
Elizabeth J. Sullivan, M.F.A.
Choreography, somatic practices, application of alternative approaches to movement technique.
Academic Professional Associate Professor
R. Mitchell Fore, M.F.A.
Resident technical director and lighting designer.
Academic Professional Instructor
Frank Vulpi, M.F.A.
Music Coordinator.
Overview
The Department of Dance offers two graduate degrees, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts. Admission to graduate study in dance is on the basis of competence as evidenced by the undergraduate record and demonstrated proficiency and potential in dance.
The 60-hour Master of Fine Arts program is normally completed over three years and culminates in a dance concert or project designed and carried out by the student with the support of faculty. Concentrations in choreography or design are available. Students develop and clarify their choreographic voices and deepen their understandings of dance making as a personal, aesthetic, cultural, and social process and product through guided investigations of choreographic methods, practices in coaching and performing movement, and theories and practices in dance research. The M.F.A. is a terminal degree commonly held by studio teaching faculty at the university level.
The Master of Arts in dance is a 36-39 hour degree. Options are available in choreography, design, dance education, or dance theories and practices. The M.A. in dance education, leading to North Carolina licensure for teaching K-12 dance, is available in a largely distance format.
Requirements for the Master of Fine Arts in Dance with Concentrations in Choreorgraphy or Design
The Department of Dance offers a graduate program leading to a 60 hour Master of Fine Arts degree with concentrations in choreography or design.
Requirements for all Concentrations (6 hours)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
Additional Requirements for Specific Concentrations
Choreography Concentration (54 hours)
DCE 505 Contemporary Dance: Aesthetic and Cultural Practice (3)
*DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (three times - 3)
DCE 651 Studio Problems in Choreography (four times -12)
DCE 697 or 698 Master Production or Project (6)
Electives in Dance (DCE) (12)
**Additional electives (15), 9 hours of which must be outside of the department
Design Concentration (54 hours)
DCE 555 Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (3)
DCE 650 Dance Design Practicum (three times - 9)
DCE 697 Master Production (6)
Additional courses in the arts outside the Department (6)
**Additional electives (27), 9 hours of which must be outside of the department
*offered alternate years and every third summer
** As students select electives, note that DCE 661 and 662 are STRONGLY ADVISED; they are required for all TA’s and all students who wish a teaching recommendation from the faculty.
First Year Review, Portfolio Review and Admission to Candidacy, Project Review
All M.F.A. students are reviewed by the dance faculty in the Spring semester of their first year. Faculty assess student progress and promise in their degree program and make recommendations for improvement. Students receive a letter from the Director of Graduate Study reporting faculty recommendations.
At the completion of at least 30 graduate credit hours, including three semesters of practica in the area of emphasis (DCE 650 or 651) and removal of all deficiences, M.F.A. students must undergo portfolio review and apply for admission to candidacy. Admission is based on a variety of criteria. A minimum overall 3.0 GPA is required to be admitted to candidacy. Students will submit a portfolio of work to the Director of Graduate Study, usually by December 1 of their third semester of study, for review by the Graduate Committee. See the Department’s Graduate Handbook for portfolio contents and process.
Once the student has passed candidacy, completed two-thirds of the course work including DCE 610 and 611, and been in residence for at least two semesters, the student assembles a committee of at least three members of the Graduate Dance Faculty to review his or her culminating concert or project proposal. Proposal guidelines are included in the Graduate Handbook. When the Committee has approved the proposal and agreed to advise the concert or project, the student may register for DCE 697 or 698 and work towards culmination of study.
Requirements for the Master of Arts
The Department of Dance offers a graduate program of study leading to a 36-39 hour Master of Arts degree in dance education with "M" licensure (available through primarily online courses), and a Master of Arts degree in dance with concentrations in choreography, design, or dance theories and practices.
For 2007-2008, no new degree candidates will be accepted to the Master of Arts degree in dance education without "M" licensure.
Requirements for All Concentrations (6 hours)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
Additional Requirements for Specific Concentrations
Dance Education with M licensure- Teacher Leadership Track (30 hours)
*DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3)
DCE 646 Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education (3)
DCE 657 Advanced Methods in P-12 Dance Education (3)
**DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3)
DCE 693 Portfolio in K-12 Dance Education (6)
DCE Elective approved by committee (3)
CUI 545 Diverse Learners (3)
CUI 669 Educational Implications of Learning and Developmental Theory (3)
CUI 675 Teacher as Researcher (3) or DCE 664 Action Research in Dance Education (3)
Undergraduate credits in dance technique (4) (or equivalent in approved professional study)
Dance Education with M Licensure - Classroom Practice Track (33 hours)
*DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3)
DCE 646 Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education (3)
DCE 657 Advanced Methods in P-12 Dance Education (3)
**DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3)
DCE 663 Dance Education Practicum (3)
DCE 693 Portfolio in K-12 Dance Education (6)
CUI 535 Literacy in the Content Area (3)
CUI 545 Diverse Learners (3)
CUI 675 Teacher as Researcher or DCE 664 Action Research in Dance Education (3)
CUI 669 Educational Implications of Learning and Developmental Theory (3)
Undergraduate credits in dance technique (4) (or equivalent in approved professional study)
Choreography Concentration (non-thesis - 30 hours)
DCE 505 Contemporary Dance: Aesthetic and Cultural Practice (3)
*DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (two times - 2)
DCE 651 Studio Problems in Choreography (three times - 9)
Electives (10) (at least 4 in DCE)
DCE 698 Project in Dance (3)
Design Concentration (non-thesis - 30 hours)
DCE 555 Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (two times - 2)
DCE 650 Dance Design Practicum (two times - 6)
Courses in visual arts and/or theatre (6)
Electives (10) (at least 4 in DCE)
DCE 698 Project in Dance (3)
Dance Theories and Practices Concentration (30 hours)
DCE 505 Contemporary Dance: Aesthetic and Cultural Practice (3)
*DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3) or **DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3)
DCE 695 Independent Study in major area of interest in dance or coursework towards completion of the Graduate Certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies (6)
Electives (12) (Research course outside department recommended)
DCE 698 or 699 Project or Thesis (6)
*offered alternate years and every third summer
**offered alternate years
Student Review, Portfolio and Project Proposal Review, Culminating Project Review
All M.A. students are reviewed by the dance faculty in the Spring semester of their first year or, for part-time students, when twelve hours of graduate coursework are complete. Faculty assess student progress and promise in their degree program and make recommendations for improvement. Students receive a letter from the Director of Graduate Study reporting faculty recommendations.
Once students have completed at least two-thirds of the course work and DCE 610 and 611 and if they have achieved a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, a Portfolio and Project Proposal Review is scheduled. Students must pass this Review before they can begin their culminating projects. Guidelines are listed in the Graduate Handbook.
Students in the Dance Education - Classroom Practice Track must present evidence in DCE 663 that they have met all North Carolina standards required for the Standard Professional I license before beginning DCE 693.
DCE Dance Courses
| 505 | Contemporary Dance: Aesthetic and Cultural Practice (3:3) |
| Pr. satisfactory completion of the dance history requirement for admission to a graduate dance program Cultural issues and aesthetic priorities of dance in the late postmodern world, especially contemporary dance. Present ideas about and debate issues concerning contemporary dance. (Spring) | |
| 546 | Perspectives on Dance Education (3:3) |
| Theoretical perspectives in dance education and their implications for curriculum and teaching. (Fall) | |
| 550 | Creative Process: Dance Perspective (3:3) |
| Pr. advanced standing in an arts program or permission of instructor Exploration and examination of issues related to creativity and the creative process in dance and related arts. Includes experiential and theoretical modes of encounter. | |
| 555 | Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3:3) |
| Pr. 355 or admission to graduate study in dance or permission of instructor A study of software applications useful in the creation and/or preservation of dance works. Areas of study include soundscore creation, video editing, and graphics manipulation. (Fall) | |
| 557 | Dance Pedagogy for Ages 3-18 |
| Pr. 446 or 546 Methodology for teaching dance in public school and community settings. (Spring) | |
| 560 | The Dancer’s Body (3:3) |
| Pr. two semesters of dance technique and the equivalent of 340, or permission of instructor The study of body theories and practices in dance. Topics include somatic theory and practice, and body issues related to dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy. (Offered alternate years and every third summer.) | |
| 589 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 610 | Dance: The Phenomenon I (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to graduate degree program in dance and completion of undergraduate dance history prerequisite An exploration and confrontation with the nature and meaning of dance as an art form. (Fall) | |
| 611 | Dance: The Phenomenon II (3:3) |
| Pr. grade of B or better in 610 or approval of instructor In-depth personal inquiry into the nature and making of meaning for a selected area of concern in dance. Includes significant individual project. (Spring) | |
| 620 | Music for Dancers (3:3) |
| The relationship of sound and movement, accompaniment and dance, accompanist/composer and teacher/choreographer, and bringing these understandings to practical application. | |
| 621 | Administration of Dance (3:3) |
| Introduction to the business of dance including aspects of grant writing, company development and management, public relations, concert production and presentation, and touring. | |
| 622 | Dance Criticism (3:3) |
| Current theories, materials, and techniques of dance criticism. Group study, choreographic evaluation, and individual projects related to critical writing in dance. | |
| 624 | Movement for Dance (1:0:5) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance Opportunities for dancers to practice their craft, developing working knowledge of different styles of contemporary dance, ballet, improvisation, and other movement forms. Style and emphasis will vary each semester. May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 646 | Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education (3:3) |
| Pr. admission to M.A. in dance education Planning and implementation of projects related to master’s standards for dance licensure, with ongoing reflection and dialogue. (Spring) | |
| 650 | Dance Design Practicum (3:3) |
| Pr. 555 and graduate standing in dance Advanced practicum in the technical, aesthetic and theoretical aspects of dance design. | |
| 651 | Studio Problems in Choreography (3:3) |
| Exploration of form and content in choreography: process, period, style, genre. Individualized problems determined for progressive growth of student artist. May be repeated for credit. | |
| 657 | Advanced Methods in P-12 Dance Education (3:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance education Exploration and application of theoretical principles for teaching dance as arts education. | |
| 660 | Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance Curriculum planning for dance in educational settings. Involvement with issues in the field. (Offered alternate years.) Online only. | |
| 661 | Dance Pedagogy in Higher Education (2:2) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance or permission of instructor(s) Consideration of pedagogical issues and strategies in teaching dance studio and theory courses at the undergraduate college/university level. | |
| 662 | Practicum in Teaching Dance (1-3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance; or permission of instructor and previous teaching experience; or 18 graduate semester hours in dance Observation of dance teaching and supervised practice. May be repeated for a maximum of three credits. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 663 | Dance Education Practicum (3) |
| Pr. admission to graduate program in dance Development, implementation, and evaluation of an individualized dance education project in a clinical setting. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. | |
| 664 | Action Research in Dance Education (3) |
| Pr. 611, ERM 604, or permission of instructor Review of recent research relevant to dance education; planning, implementation, and evaluation of action research project. Online only. | |
| 676 | Problems Seminar (3:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance Specific course title identified each semester by subscript, e.g., Problems Seminar: Dance as Therapy. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. | |
| 687 | Performance Theory and Practice (2:3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance or permission of instructor Rehearsal and performance of work designed to challenge graduate students at their level of performance. Choreography by graduate faculty. May be taken three times for credit. | |
| 688 | Practicum in Dance Performance (1-3) |
| Pr. graduate standing in dance or permission of the instructor Rehearsal and performance of choreography created or reconstructed by faculty or guest artist. One credit per 60 rehearsal hours. Only one credit per choreographer. May be repeated for three credits. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 693 | Portfolio in K-12 Dance Education (1-6) |
| Pr. satisfactory completion of (a) all required courses for the M.A. in dance with a dance education (M license) concentration, (b) Portfolio Review, and (c) at least two years full-time (or equivalent) teaching K-12 dance. Development of teaching portfolio to meet specific requirements for M licensure in dance. Students may substitute National Board Professional Teaching Standards portfolio with prior permission. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours. (Graded S-U basis) | |
| 695 | Independent Study (1-3) |
| Pr. demonstrated competency for independent work and consent of departmental academic adviser and the instructor Intensive study in an area of special interest in dance. | |
| 697 | Master Production in Dance (1-6) |
| Pr. admission to candidacy, successful completion of proposal Research, development, and execution of the choreography for a major concert or the lighting design for two concerts, or the equivalent. Credit may be divided over two or more semesters (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 698 | Field Project in Dance (1-6) |
| Pr. M.A. students and M.F.A. candidates with approved project proposals Research, development, and completion of approved project which substantially contributes to mastery in M.F.A. or M.A. concentration and integrates knowledge gained through the degree program. (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 699 | Thesis (1-6) |
| Pr. satisfactory completion of portfolio review (Graded on S-U basis) | |
| 711 | Experimental Course |
| This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings. | |
| 801 | Thesis Extension (1-3) |
| 803 | Research Extension (1-3) |