The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Dance
323 Health and Human Performance Building
(336) 334-5570
http://www.uncg.edu/dce
Graduate Programs:
Post-Baccalaureate Licensure in Dance Education, hours vary
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance, Choreography or Design concentration, 60 hours
Master of Arts (MA) in Dance, Dance Education, or Dance Theories and Practices concentration, 36 hours
Admissions Information
Graduate Faculty
DCE - Dance Courses
Graduate Faculty
Professors
Ann H. Dils, PhD, Historical and cultural studies in dance.
John Gamble, Choreography, lighting design and production, contact improvisation.
Jill Green, PhD, Dance education, somatics (body-mind practice), creativity, feminist and post-positivist research, socio-cultural issues of the body (Director of Graduate Study).
Larry E. Lavender, MFA, PhD, Choreography, dance criticism, aesthetics, creative process.
Susan W. Stinson, EdD, Curricular issues in dance/arts education, meaning-making, gender issues (Coordinator of MA in Dance Education).
Jan E. VanDyke, EdD, Choreography, social and economic issues in dance (Head of Department).
Associate Professors
Robin M. Gee, MFA, African and American dance, choreography, historical and cultural studies in dance.
Elizabeth J. Sullivan, MFA, Choreography, somatic practices, application of alternative approaches to movement technique.
Assistant Professor
Duane Cyrus, MFA, 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.
Academic Professional Professor
R. Mitchell Fore, MFA, Resident technical director and lighting designer.
Academic Professional Assistant Professor
Melinda Waegerle, MA, Dance education.
Academic Professional Instructor
Frank Vulpi, MA, Music Coordinator.
PBL Post-Baccalaureate Licensure in Dance
Students in the MFA or the MA in dance with a concentration in theories and practices may complete additional course work to be eligible for Standard Professional I licensure.
The following courses must be completed prior to graduate admission or as part of or in addition to the degree requirements.
Ballet
Contemporary Dance at the intermediate level or higher
Jazz
African Dance
One additional global dance form
Choreography
Music for dance
DCE 359
DCE 505
DCE 662 for a total of 6 semester hours
DCE 663 for 6 semester hours.
ELC 401
ERM 401
SES 401
TED 401 or 669
TED 402 or 545
TED 403 or 650
Note: Completion of these courses does not guarantee licensure. Students are advised of additional requirements for documenting the evidence required for licensure.
MFA - Master of Fine Arts in Dance with concentrations in Choreography or Design
The MFA in Dance requires 60 semester hours and is normally completed over three years, culminating 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 MFA is a terminal degree commonly held by studio teaching faculty at the university level.
Application and Admission
Prospective students should contact the department before submitting an application.
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants should submit a personal statement and samples of work directly to the department. The deadline for apply for Fall admission is December 1. An audition is also required.
Admission to graduate study in dance is on the basis of competence as evidenced by the undergraduate record and demonstrated proficiency and potential in the field of dance.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses (31 hours)
DCE 555 Technology in the Creation and Preservation of Dance Works (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 622 Dance Criticism (3)
DCE 624 Movement for Dance (three times - 3)
DCE 630 Advanced Body Theories and Practices in Dance (4)
DCE 651 Studio Problems in Choreography (four times -12)
DCE 661 Dance Pedagogy in Higher Education (2)
DCE 662 Practicum in Teaching Dance (1)
Electives (23 hours)
Students select 23 hours of electives, including 17 hours in dance and 6 hours outside of the department.
Culminating Project (6 hours) (Capstone Experience)
For a full-length concert or equivalent artistic presentation:
DCE 697 Master Production (6)
For significant research that directly informs a major choreographic work (or series of works) equivalent to half a concert:
DCE 697 Master Production (3)
DCE 698 Field Project in Dance (3)
Program Progression and Reviews
All 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.
After removal of all deficiencies, three semesters of choreography practica (DCE 651), and at the completion of at least 30 graduate hours, MFA students undergo portfolio review and apply for admission to candidacy. Admission is based on a variety of criteria, including a minimum overall 3.0 GPA. Students submit a portfolio of work to the Director of Graduate Study, usually by December 1 of their third semester, for review by the Graduate Committee. See the Department’s Graduate Handbook for portfolio contents and process.
When the student has been in residence for at least two semesters and passed candidacy, he/she 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. Once the Committee approves the proposal, the student may register for DCE 697 or 698 and work towards culmination of study.
Required Courses (27 hours)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
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)
Additional courses in the arts outside the Department (6)
Electives (27 hours)
Students select 27 hours of electives, 9 hours of which must be outside of the department.
Culminating Project (6 hours) (Capstone Experience)
DCE 697 Master Production (6)
Program Progression and Reviews
At the completion of at least 30 graduate credit hours, including removal of all deficiencies and three semesters of design practica (DCE 651), MFA students undergo portfolio review and apply for admission to candidacy. Admission is based on a variety of criteria, including a minimum overall 3.0 GPA. Students submit a portfolio of work to the Director of Graduate Study, usually by December 1 of their third semester, for review by the Graduate Committee. See the Department’s Graduate Handbook for portfolio contents and process.
When the student has been in residence for at least two semesters and passed candidacy, he/she 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. Once the Committee approves the proposal, the student may register for DCE 697 or 698 and work towards culmination of study.
MA - Master of Arts in Dance, Dance Education concentration
The MA in Dance with a concentration in dance education requires 36 semester hours and is designed for public school dance educators. Entering students who already hold the North Carolina Standard Professional I license in Dance will be eligible for advanced (M) licensure upon completion of the degree.
The degree is available through primarily online courses and may be completed with a combination of online courses at UNCG, summer study on campus, and selected courses taken on campus or online from other institutions. Designed for part-time students, the degree requires 3 ½-4 years for completion.
Application and Admission
Students are admitted only in alternate (even) years and must begin their study with a required summer course on campus. The deadline to apply is April 1.
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, additional materials are required by the Department. Prospective students should contact the Department before submitting an application.
Admission to graduate study in dance is on the basis of competence as evidenced by the undergraduate record and demonstrated proficiency and potential in the field of dance.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses (36 hours)
With or Without Licensure
*DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
DCE 646 Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education (3)
*DCE 651 Choreography (3)
DCE 654 P-12 Dance Education: Technique and Performance (1)
DCE 655 P-12 Dance Education: Choreography (1)
DCE 656 P-12 Dance Education: Critical Thinking/Literacy (1)
DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3)
Undergraduate credits in dance technique (4) (or equivalent in approved professional study)
*summer courses
Additional Requirements for Students NOT Seeking Licensure
Electives in Dance, Education, or related area (approved by advisor) (9)
Students who have not completed coursework in educational psychology and diverse learners will be required to do so for elective credit.
DCE 698 Field Project in Dance (6) (Culminating Project/Capstone Experience)
Additional Requirements for Students Seeking M Licensure
One graduate course in Teacher Leadership (3)
One graduate course in Human Development and Learning (3)
One additional graduate course in education (approved by advisor (3)
DCE 693 Portfolio in K-12 Dance Education (6) (Culminating Project/Capstone Experience)
Reviews
All students are reviewed by the dance faculty when 9-15 hours of graduate course work 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, including DCE 610, and 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.
The final review takes place at the end of the semester when DCE 693 or 698 is completed.
Master of Arts in Dance, Dance Theories and Practices concentration
The MA in Dance with a concentration in theories and practices requires 36 semester hours.
Application and Admission
Prospective students should contact the department before submitting an application.
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants should submit a personal statement and samples of work directly to the department). The deadline to apply for Fall admission is December 1. An audition is also required.
Admission to graduate study in dance is on the basis of competence as evidenced by the undergraduate record and demonstrated proficiency and potential in the field of dance.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses (12-13 hours)
DCE 505 Contemporary Dance: Aesthetic and Cultural Practice (3)
DCE 560 The Dancer’s Body (3) or DCE 630 Advanced Body Theories and Practices (4) or DCE 660 Issues in Planning the Dance Curriculum (3)
DCE 610 Dance: The Phenomenon I (3)
DCE 611 Dance: The Phenomenon II (3)
Electives (17-21 hours)
Students select electives with the approval of the advisor, at least 9 hours of which are in dance. A research course outside the department is recommended.
Culminating Project (3-6 hours) (Capstone Experience)
Students choose one of the following:
DCE 663 PreK-12 Dance Education Practicum (3-6)
DCE 698 Field Project in Dance (3-6)
DCE 699 Thesis (3-6)
Reviews
All students are reviewed by the dance faculty when 12 hours of graduate course work are complete. Faculty assess student progress and promise within the degree program and make recommendations for improvement.
Once students have completed at least two-thirds of the course work and DCE 610 and have achieved a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, students select a committee of at least three members of the graduate dance faculty and schedule a Portfolio and Project Proposal Review. Students must pass this Review before they can begin their culminating projects. Guidelines are listed in the Graduate Handbook.
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)
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)
560 The Dancer's Body (3:3)
Pr. two semesters of dance technique and the equivalent of 340, or permission of instructor
An introduction to 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 every third summer.
581 Dance on Video (3:3)
Pr. DCE 555 or permission of instructor for DCE majors; 611 or permission of instructor for graduate MST majors
Introduction to how dance and video work best together and why, including composing for the camera, recording dancers in action and editing footage to create original work. (Same as MST 581)
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)
630 Advanced Body Theories and Practices in Dance (4:2:2)
Pr. two semesters of dance technique and 340 or equivalent; or permission of instructor
Advanced study of body theories and practices in dance. Topics include sociocultural constructions of dancer bodies, somatic theory, body pedagogies, and somatic practices related to dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy.
646 Reflective Practice in P-12 Dance Education (3:3)
Pr. admission to MA 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.
654 P-12 Dance Education: Technique and Performance (1:1)
Pr. 560 and admission to MA in dance education
Theory and practice related to teaching dance technique and performance to school-aged populations. Includes planning, teaching, and assessing student learning in one unit of study.
655 P-12 Dance Education: Choreography (1:1)
Pr. 651 or other graduate choreography course; admission to MA in dance education
Theory and practice related to teaching choreography to school-aged populations, with an emphasis on collaboration. Includes planning, teaching, and assessing student learning in one unit of study.
656 P-12 Dance Education: Critical Thinking/Literacy (1:1)
Pr. 610 and admission to MA in dance education
Theory and practice related to teaching critical thinking and dance literacy with school-aged populations, including interdisciplinary relationships. Includes planning, teaching, and assessing student learning in one unit of study.
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 at the university or K-12 level; some sections may include a required seminar. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. (Graded on S-U basis)
663 PreK-12 Dance Education Practicum (3)
Pr. admission to graduate program in dance
Supervised teaching culminating in development of a portfolio demonstrating competencies required for Standard Professional I licensure. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
664 Action Research in Dance Education (3)
Pr. 611
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 MA 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. MA students and MFA candidates with approved project proposals
Research, development, and completion of approved project which substantially contributes to mastery in MFA or MA 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)