The Master of Arts degree in Dance provides a comprehensive approach to dance learning that merges studio work with in-depth study of dance as art and cultural expression. The program of study develops a broad knowledge of the discipline and is concerned with the intersections of theory and practice in the context of artistic, cultural, and educational praxis in dance. The M.A. program at TWU offers a flexible degree geared to the professional goals of the individual student.

Students interested in academic and arts leadership may elect to address issues related to the role and significance of dance in education, the place of dance in society, and the development of personal pedagogical philosophies and practices. Students interested in research and writing may choose to emphasize course work designed to develop the knowledge and research skills necessary to undertake independent research in specialized areas of interest. Students interested in undertaking the M.A. as preparatory to seeking an M.F.A. degree may choose to frame their electives and final Professional Project/Paper within a choreographic or performance context.

The focus of the department is on qualitative research including philosophical inquiry, ethnography, and historical and cultural studies. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged and students have the option to include course work from other areas such as Women's Studies, Rhetoric, Visual Art, Theatre, and Music.

The objectives of the Master of Arts Program are:

1. To further develop an understanding of the nature of dance as an expression of human experience in diverse artistic, cultural, and educational contexts.

2. To develop an understanding of dance praxis (the relationship of action and reflection) in dancemaking (choreography and performance), researching, writing, and pedagogy.

3. To facilitate the pursuit of individual areas of interest relative to the student's professional goals.

Program of Study

The Master of Arts degree requires the completion of 36 semester credit hours. The Program is comprised of four components: 1) the dance core, 2) electives, 3) thesis or professional paper/project and, 4) final oral presentation/examination. In consultation with the advisor and the Advisory Committee, the student focuses the course of study to address her or his individual interests and professional goals.

The Dance Core: 24 Credits

Studio Work: 12 Credits

Theory: 12 Credits

DNCE 5023 Research Methods in Dance
DNCE 5333 Curriculum Inquiry in Dance and the Related Arts
DNCE 5243 Pedagogical Foundations in Dance
DNCE 5223 Historical and Cultural Study of Dance Performance and Choreography

Professional Paper/Project or Thesis

Electives

9 Credits and Professional Paper/Project
6 Credits and Thesis I and II

Electives may be selected from graduate dance courses and may include a combination of both studio and theory courses. Electives may also be selected from any program in the University that offers graduate courses.

The Department of Dance, as well as other programs in the University, offer the independent study option for students who are interested in pursuing a problem of individual or professional interest that does not fall within the context of organized courses. The student may initiate independent study problems with any member of the University graduate faculty.

Elective Choreography Option

M.A. students wishing to choreograph for the Dancemaker's series may enroll in a DNCE 5913 Independent Study course that will be facilitated by the instructor for DNCE 4182 Concert Choreography. Unless otherwise indicated, the master's student will attend all classes and follow all guidelines and requirements outlined in the syllabus for DNCE 4182. If the student would like to create other project parameters she or he must propose these in writing to the DNCE 4182 instructor by the end of the first week of the semester. If the instructor approves the proposal, he or she will sign the document and it will be used as a guideline for the student's course of study during the semester.

Professional Paper or Professional Project (3 Credits)

The Professional Paper, intended to facilitate the refinement of written communication skills, gives the student an opportunity to pursue in depth a significant theoretical, philosophical, pedagogical, cultural, historical, or creative issue in dance. The professional paper is a formal, written research paper of approximately 20 pages excluding bibliography and title page. The paper should represent original thinking and demonstrate the ability to define a problem or issue, seek appropriate information, develop a cohesive, literate discussion and draw logical conclusions. This paper may be written as an outgrowth of a research paper from a course or it may be an examination of a new area of inquiry. 

Graduate Application Procedures

Application for admission to the Graduate School is made through the Office of Admissions. The University requires applicants to complete the online application at www.applytexas.org/adappc/commonapp.WBX . International students should complete the international student application at www.twu.edu/o-sl/international_ed/gradapp.pdf .

Applicants should submit the completed application and request official copies of transcripts from all previous college work be forwarded directly to the Office of Admissions.

An audition and interview is required for admission to the master's programs at TWU.

The following materials and the Department of Dance Application Form should be sent directly to the Chair of the Department of Dance. These materials must be received no later than one week prior to the scheduled audition date in February.

•  A three to four page, approximately 800-1000 words, double-spaced, one inch margins, 12 point font statement of interests and objectives which includes a) an indication of your professional goals, b) previous artistic, academic, and career experience related to these goals, and c) the importance of graduate study in the pursuit of your professional goals.

•  A resume of dance educational and artistic experience.

•  Three letters of recommendation from people familiar with your teaching, academic and/or artistic work.

•  Applicants to the M.A. program may submit a writing sample, such as a research paper from an undergraduate dance theory course, and/or a video portfolio of artistic work.

Although TWU has a rolling admissions policy, January 26, 2007, is the deadline for all application materials for those seeking consideration for dance scholarships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships.

You may visit the TWU Department of Dance website at www.twu.edu/soa/dance and the TWU Graduate School website at www.twu.edu/o-grad/. If you have questions please e-mail us at dance@twu.edu or lcaldwell2@twu.edu. You may call us at 940-898-2086.

Send materials to:

Dr. Penelope Hanstein
Department of Dance
Texas Woman's University
P.O. Box 425708
Denton , TX 76204