Mission of the Ph.D. in Dance Program

The Ph.D. in Dance is a research-oriented program connecting theory with practice in such contexts as artistic process, dance studies, pedagogy and the scholarship of teaching. The goal of the program is to provide opportunities for accomplished dancers, choreographers, teachers, and other practitioners to develop qualitative methodologies for theorizing artistic practice as well as the research/writing skills necessary for contributing new theoretical knowledge to the field of dance.

Low-residential Intensive Doctoral Study
for the Dance Professional
and
Full-time In-residence Doctoral Program

The low-residency Ph.D. program is structured to meet the needs of students wanting to maintain their professional responsibilities while pursuing doctoral studies.  On-campus residencies consist of summer intensives, as well as one-week campus visits during the fall and spring semesters.  Students will be continually engaged in their coursework throughout each semester and will work closely with faculty and their doctoral colleagues in the program.  The residential intensives, interwoven with web-based interactions, will facilitate scholarly discourse intended to connect the exploration of artistic practice and pedagogy with students’ professional and research interests.

The low-residential format is designed for students entering the program with strong backgrounds in artistic practice, dance writing, analysis, and/or pedagogical practice.  The ideal prospective student will have been engaged in professional practice in higher education and/or artistic settings for five or more years, as well as having breadth of knowledge in the discipline of dance and well-developed professional writing skills.  Students applying for the low-residential format must be continuously enrolled throughout the duration of the coursework and attendance is required for all on-campus residencies.

Students may also pursue the Ph.D. program as full-time in-residence students.  The core program of study will be the same for full-time in-residence students and those pursuing the degree requirements in the low-residential format.  However, in-residence students will have the opportunity to take advantage of our long-standing cross-disciplinary collaborations with Women’s Studies and other university programs.  These students may also augment the required doctoral coursework with other dance graduate courses, including studio work.

It is also possible for those enrolled in the low-residential format to be in-residence should they be on sabbatical or granted professional leaves.  If this is possible, students may elect to be in full-time residence for a semester or longer.  In every instance, we encourage doctoral students to connect their professional practice to their coursework in the program and their personal research agendas.  On-going conversations between the TWU faculty and doctoral students, both on and off campus, shape and stimulate scholarly discourse that will lead to personally and professionally relevant contributions of new knowledge to the field of dance.

Length of Study

The doctoral course work requires at least two years of study (3 summer intensives with week-long residencies in the fall and spring semesters) followed by the Qualifying Examinations, and typically 2-3 years for researching and writing the dissertation.  The length of time to complete coursework, however, will depend on the academic and dance background of the student in relation to her or his proposed area of research.  The time-line and schedule for each student will be determined through advisement in accordance with the policies established by the Graduate School (See the Graduate Catalog, “General Requirements and Regulations for Doctoral Degrees”).  Given the nature of the low-residential program, it is extremely important that doctoral students pursing the degree in this format adhere to the sequence of courses and scheduled residencies.  The length of time to complete the dissertation depends on the nature of the research, as well as, personal and professional obligations.  Currently, the majority of our dissertation students are pursuing full-time employment while working with their dissertation advisors via telephone and on-line technology.

Required Hours

Work leading to the Ph.D. in Dance requires the completion of at least 90 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree.  It is possible to transfer up to 45 credit hours from work leading to the master's degree or courses taken at another accredited institution. In some cases, a candidate may need to complete more than 90 semester hours in order to meet the individual requirements determined by her or his Advisory Committee.  The completion of a number of hours, however, is not in itself sufficient; the nature, quality, rigor, and currency of work are the major considerations.  All degree requirements, including dissertation, must be completed within ten consecutive years from the date doctoral credit is first earned.

Hours that are part of a completed master's degree are not subject to the 10-year time limit and may be used toward the 90 hours required for the doctoral degree.  In consultation with the Advisory Committee, a student may elect to take courses at another institution and transfer those hours to TWU.  Any transfer hours not part of a completed master’s degree are subject to the 10-year time limit.  At least fifty percent of the work counted toward the doctoral degree program must be composed of courses taken at TWU.

Application and Admission Sequence: When Can I Begin the Doctoral Program?

Due to the sequence of courses, low-residential students will be admitted to the program only every other year to begin study in the summer of even years (Summer 2010; Summer 2012).  Low-residential students must be continually enrolled, follow the prescribed sequence of courses, and attend all on-campus residencies.

Full-time in-residence students are expected to follow the prescribed sequence of courses and participate in the on-campus doctoral intensives. 

Full-time in-residence students and students enrolled in the low-residential format comprise the “Doctoral Cohort” and work together with the faculty to create the doctoral learning community.

No new doctoral students will be admitted to begin study in summers of odd years (Summer 2009; Summer 2011).

Ph.D. Program of Study

The doctoral program of study is comprised of: 1) Coursework, including research tools, 2) Qualifying Examinations and 3) Dissertation.

Coursework and Residency Calendar for 2010-2012

Note: The last digit of the course number indicates the number of semester credit hours.
* Indicates pending confirmation of University Academic Calendar

Summer 2010 Residency Dates:
June 7 – July 9, 2010 (5 weeks)*

DNCE 6113         Seminar: Scholarly Inquiry in Dance
DNCE 6113         Seminar: Epistemology of the Body
DNCE 5211         Workshop: Movement Observation and Analysis as a Research Tool

Fall 2010 Residency Dates:

Saturday, October 23 – Saturday, October 30, 2010

DNCE 6113         Seminar: The Aesthetics of Art Making
DNCE 6113         Seminar: Designing Online Learning --Experiencing the Virtual Body in Space
DNCE 6913         Individual Study or Directed Reading (Optional)

Spring 2011 Residency Dates:

Saturday, February 26 – Saturday, March 5, 2011

DNCE 5243         Pedagogical Foundations for Dance
DNCE 6213         Current Issues in Historical Inquiry
DNCE 6913         Individual Study or Directed Reading (Optional)

Summer 2011 Residency Dates:

Maymester Courses (optional)

May 16-June 3, 2011*

DNCE 5333         Curriculum Inquiry (3 weeks)
DNCE 5233         SummerDance: Guest Artist Workshop (2 weeks)

Required 4-week Residency
June 6-July 1, 2011*

DNCE 6313         Philosophical Inquiry        
DNCE 6113         Seminar: The Performance & Pedagogy of Scholarly Writing

Fall 2011 Residency Dates:

Saturday, October 22 – Saturday, October 29, 2011

DNCE 5233         Workshop: Theorizing Performance Process
DNCE 6113         Seminar: Qualitative Research Methodologies
DNCE 6913         Individual Study or Directed Reading (Optional)

Spring 2012 Residency Dates:

Saturday, February 25 – Saturday, March 3, 2012

DNCE 6023         Critical Analysis: Theory Analysis & Theory Development Research
DNCE 6913         Directed Reading (Required)

Summer 2012 Two-Week Residency Dates:
 June 24 – July 6, 2012 (2 weeks)*

DNCE 6023         Critical Analysis: Research Colloquium
DNCE 6113          Seminar: Preparation for Qualifying Examinations

Research Tools

The doctoral degree is granted in recognition of a marked capacity for research and independent and comprehensive scholarship. Therefore, in addition to the other requirements for the degree, doctoral students are required to demonstrate competence in scholarly inquiry and in the use of research tools related to their research interests and the field of dance. Students must demonstrate competency in at least two research tools prior to taking the Qualifying Examinations. Appropriate research tools are determined in consultation with the doctoral advisor and each research tool should comprise coursework equivalent to a minimum of six credit hours. Competency may be demonstrated by completion of approved courses, examinations, or appropriate certifications. Research tools may include such skills, knowledges, competencies and/or certifications as:

• Qualitative Research Methodologies and Data Analysis Skills
(Included in the coursework)
• C.M.A. Certification or coursework in Laban Movement Analysis
• Certification or coursework in another movement analysis system
(e.g. Feldenkrais Method or Alexander Technique)
• Elementary and Intermediate Labanotation Certifications
• Foreign Language
• American Sign Language
• Electronic information retrieval and online searching

Qualifying Examinations

The Qualifying Examinations are comprised of written and oral examinations. The student proposes four areas for the written portion of the examination: two areas focus on breadth in the discipline, the third area focuses on the specific area of dissertation research and the fourth area focuses on the research methods and scholarly competencies necessary to undertake dissertation research. The format for the Qualifying Examinations consists of researching and writing four scholarly 20-30 page papers during a 4-6 week period. The two-hour oral examination addresses the content of the written portion of the examinations as well as areas related to the proposed dissertation research, pedagogical applications, and professional contexts.

Dissertation -- 12 Credit Hours

The dissertation is based upon research that makes an original contribution to the literature in the field of dance. Students are encouraged to develop an association with members of the faculty early in their studies with a view to identifying a problem of mutual interest. In addition to required courses students are expected to develop a plan of focused reading that will lead in a direct way to the breadth and depth of knowledge needed to complete dissertation research. Up to 12 credit hours of dissertation may be counted toward the 90 hours required for the degree.

DNCE 6983 Dissertation I (Prospectus)
DNCE 6983 Dissertation I (Prospectus/Dissertation)
DNCE 6993 Dissertation II (Dissertation)
DNCE 6993 Dissertation II (Dissertation)

Final Oral Examination: An oral defense of the dissertation is required and is a public presentation for the Department and invited guests.

Texas Woman’s University • Department of Dance
Doctor of Philosophy in Dance
Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Application for admission to the Graduate School is made through the Office of Admissions and must be completed online at www.applytexas.org/adappc/commonapp.wbx. Applicants should submit a completed application for admission to the Graduate School and request that official copies of transcripts from all previous college work be forwarded directly to Texas Woman's University Student Records Processing, P.O. Box 425649, Denton , TX, 76204.

Applicants must meet the general University requirements for admission to the Graduate School as set forth in the current Graduate Catalog (See section entitled “Admission to the Graduate School ”). The GRE is no longer required for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to these general requirements, admission to the Ph.D. program in Dance requires the following:

1. A master's degree in dance or a related field of study from an accredited college or university or equivalent professional experience demonstrated by a record of significant scholarly achievement (dancemaking and/or research and writing).
2. An academic record reflecting the ability to pursue advanced study and research in the field of dance.
3. Proficiency in written, verbal and movement communication skills.
4. Experience in the field of dance to include teaching, performing, choreographing, and/or other related practice.

Telephone interviews with prospective students will be scheduled, however, we encourage students who are interested in the program to visit the campus and meet with faculty during the application process. Full-time students applying for Graduate Teaching Assistantships must attend the February Graduate Auditions. If you would like to schedule a date for a campus visit please do not hesitate to contact our Recruitment Coordinator at 940-898-2043.

Application Deadlines for the 2010 Doctoral Cohort

An interview is required for admission to the doctoral program, either in person or over the phone.  Qualified applicants will be contacted by the  Department of Dance Recruitment Coordinator to schedule an interview. 

Prospective students are encouraged to apply early and complete all application materials by the December 1 priority deadline in order to receive consideration for available scholarships and assistantships.  In most cases, assistantships are available only to students who are in residence full-time.

1. A curriculum vitae highlighting educational and artistic experience in dance.

2. Three letters of recommendation from academic or artistic professionals who can address your teaching, academic, and/or artistic preparation and potential for success in doctoral study.

3. A 300-500 word statement of interests and objectives which includes 1) an indication of your professional goals, 2) previous artistic, academic and career experience related to these goals, and 3) the importance of doctoral study in the pursuit of your professional goals.

4. A sample of scholarly or professional writing no longer than 15 pages (double-spaced; 12 pt. font) such as a position paper, a journal article manuscript or publication, conference presentation, in-depth critical analysis of dance practice, or a grant application.

5. A 3-5 page course syllabus for a university-level course or a 3-5 page description of a professional-level artist residency workshop of your own design.

6. Applicants to the Ph.D. program may submit a video/DVD portfolio of artistic work.

Although TWU has a rolling admissions policy, applications for admission to the 2010 doctoral cohort should be received no later than December 1, 2009 for priority consideration.

Please 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, phanstein@twu.edu or lcaldwell2@twu.edu. You may also call us at 940-898-2086.

Please send the Department of Dance application materials to:

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

Course Descriptions for Required Doctoral Coursework

DNCE 6113 Seminar: Scholarly Inquiry in Dance. Theoretical models and practical methodologies for developing rigorous and credible approaches to the study of praxis-oriented endeavors that are shaped by the reciprocity of reflection and physicality.  Focus will be on qualitative traditions as well as innovative analytical and interpretive strategies for theory-generating research.

DNCE 6113 Seminar: Epistemology of the Body.  Study of epistemological frameworks for understanding what it means to know in the body with an emphasis on the exploration of the relationship between self-generated movement and processes of self-learning and self-change.

DNCE 5211 Workshop: Movement Observation and Analysis as a Research Tool.
Exploration of diverse methods for describing the moving body in space within a studio setting.  Emphasis is placed on discovering how verbal and written descriptions communicate meaning as well as how these images are specific to the observer’s individual perspective. 

DNCE 6113 Seminar: The Aesthetics of Art Making. Exploration of the nature of art, dance, and aesthetic inquiry as points of entry for studying how we articulate, question, and consider possibilities in the dancemaking process.  Using ‘what-we-do-as-artists-in-the-studio’ as the paradigm, this course focuses on the ideas, reflections, explorations and physical practices that lead artists to their own aesthetic theories of dancemaking..

DNCE 6113 Seminar: Designing Online Learning --Experiencing the Virtual Body in Space. Exploration of pedagogical questions underlying the design of online learning/teaching experiences in the visual and performing arts.  Students will create an online course in a subject of their choice and submit it in the format of an online shell.   Each course will be supported by appropriate resources, assessments, and learning outcomes.

DNCE 5243 Pedagogical Foundations for Dance. Exploration of the relationship between pedagogical vision and the principles that inform the processes of theorizing a personal pedagogical philosophy for teaching dance in higher education. Beginning with the body as the universe of discourse, and using it as a metaphor for examining the concept of engaged pedagogy, this course addresses the politics of race, class, sex, age, ableness, gender and body type and its influence on the scholarship of teaching in the 21st century.

DNCE 6213 Current Issues in Historical Inquiry. Investigation of how dance practice over time and across cultures has shaped the presentation of dance in contemporary society. The role of movement appropriation, dance reconstruction, and current theories of gendered bodies in relation to movement will be addressed.  Developing methods for writing history as a living art will be practiced.

DNCE 6313 Philosophical Inquiry. 
Engagement in philosophical aesthetics as a process of questioning and examining ontological and epistemological issues related to the individual research interests of the students.  Metaphoric process, hermeneutics, critical theory, and the presence of physicality in philosophical writing will provide points of entry for writing projects.  This course will be integrated with The Performance & Pedagogy of Scholarly Writing.

DNCE 6113 Seminar: The Performance & Pedagogy of Scholarly Writing. 
Exploration of the ways writers create evocative physical imagery in writing as a kind of performance world into which others may enter.  Focus will be on ways of working with ideas to create written and visual images that can open possibilities for new readings and for disrupting the authoritative role of the researcher or image-maker.  Class discussions, writing improvisations, peer critiques and a variety of writing/image-making projects ranging in scope will provide practical experiences for developing an expanded notion of ‘academic writing’ and for discovering one’s own approach to scholarly writing. This course will be integrated with Philosophical Inquiry.

DNCE 5233 Workshop: Theorizing Performance -- Mapping the Personal Performance Process. Exploration of the performance process and the interactive relationship of the performer’s body and the choreography within the context of a performance-in-the-making.  A theoretical frame-work of personal history, self-directed learning, personal empowerment and physical engagement provides a way to examine the praxis of the performer as both knowledge user and knowledge producer.

DNCE 6113 Seminar: Qualitative Research Methodologies. Exploration of qualitative research methodologies including phenomenological, critical, and feminist perspectives in connection to the student’s particular research interest.  Responsible and ethical practices for conducting interviews, engaging in participant observation, creating action research studies, and designing and implementing qualitative projects will be developed throughout the course.

DNCE 6023 Critical Analysis – Part I: Theory Analysis & Theory Development Research. Study of the evolving nature of discourse in dance, examination of the relationship between theory and research, and development of relevant strategies for analyzing, evaluating and creating/constructing theory. With a focus on investigating theoretical and/or meta-theoretical problems, students will pursue individual research inquiries with a view to preparing the groundwork for their dissertation studies.

DNCE 6913 Individual Study: Directed Reading. Development of an independent reading program in the area of dissertation research as well as the specific areas for the Qualifying Examinations.

DNCE 6023 Critical Analysis – Part II: Research Colloquium. Presentation of research from Part I, critical responses and community discourse.

(Revised November, 2008)