Bachelor of Arts, B.A.

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The Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance is designed to provide a comprehensive liberal arts-based curriculum integrating dance studies with a broad foundation in the arts, humanities and sciences.  In addition to extensive study in technique, performance and choreography, students pursue a dance theory core which facilitates the development of an understanding of dance as an art form and as an expression of social and cultural identity.  A minor or related studies component is also required.

PROGRAM OF STUDY
120 Credit Hours Required

Summary of the Requirements 

Dance Major	59 Credit Hrs.
Core Curriculum	43 Credit Hrs.
Minor or Related Studies Option	18 Credit Hrs.
TOTAL	120 Credit Hrs.

Degree Requirements

Undergraduate studies in dance, as the first and broadest step toward the development of the dance artist and educator, provide an introduction to the discipline and a grounding in the foundational concepts and principles that inform the theories and practices of dance.  The core program focuses on not only what we learn but also how we come to know as dancers and choreographers.

Dance Major Courses: 59 Credits Required

Dance Technique/Bodywork/Jazz/Tap: 18 Credits Required 

Modern Dance and Ballet

Students are placed in modern and ballet through an initial entrance placement audition.  Level I technique is not a beginning level but rather the point of entry to professional study.  New students with previous dance training may be placed based on readiness to pursue more advanced work.  
Fourteen credits (14) comprised of modern dance and ballet technique are required.  The technique requirement is fulfilled by meeting the minimum competency level of Level III and presenting the required number of credits. 

Bodywork
1091 Dance Conditioning: Pilates
1171 Bartenieff Fundamentals of Movement

Jazz and Tap
3191 Intermediate /Advanced Jazz
1071 or 3171 Beginning Tap or Intermediate Tap

At least one TWU SummerDance workshop is required.

Choreography and Performance: 15 Credits Required

Encompasses the dance making (performing and choreographing) dimensions of the discipline and develops an understanding of movement as an expressive medium.  We emphasize process-oriented inquiry, imaginative thinking, and learning through discovery.  Our goal is to help all of our students discover their own creative voices and develop the skills necessary to create their own works.

1191 Improvisation
2101 Dance Composition
3292 Composition & Design
4182 Concert Choreography
3101 Dance Performance --- 6 Credits Required (Must take 3101 6 times)
4133 Dance Production

Dance Theory: 22 Credits Required

Encompasses the theoretical areas of dance study.   The focus is on developing 1) historical and cultural perspectives, 2) the discerning skills of the critic and the ability to address questions regarding the nature of dance as art and 3) an understanding of the origins of meaning in dance forms and the conceptual structures that differentiate dance genres and styles.

1392 Introduction to Dance as an Art Form
2183 Movement Analysis & Description
2192 Music for Dancers
3143 World Dance Forms
3393 Dance History
3813 Theories of Teaching Dance
4243 Form and Meaning in Children's Dance
4393 Contemporary Repertory and Current Issues in Choreography/Performance

Dance Electives: 5-8 Credits required

Minor or Related Studies Option: 18 Credits

In addition to the dance major, each student may select a minor field of study not later than the sophomore year.  A minor consists of at least 18 semester credit hours and may be selected from any of the programs in the university offering a minor program of study.  Also available are interdisciplinary minors such as Women's Studies and Ethnic Studies.  If a minor is declared, the student is required to meet the specific requirements determined by the department in which the minor is selected.  These requirements may exceed 18 hours.  Dance majors cannot select Dance as a minor.

The related studies option in lieu of a minor allows students to develop a coherent set of courses representing one or more areas of study.  This set of courses should be related to the dance discipline or the student’s personal, professional and/or career interests.

University Core Curriculum Courses: 43 Credits Required

Although a required component of the University, liberal learning is an integral part of the undergraduate dance curriculum.  As ideas and concepts are addressed in dance courses, the core curriculum course work contributes to developing an understanding and appreciation of the complex, multifaceted, and diverse world in which dance graduates will eventually pursue their career goals.

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