I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 1/27/11)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change existing
gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
III. Language
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
III Exception: Symbolic Systems * VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms X IV: Expressive Arts
IX: American & European
if requesting
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program School of Theatre & Dance
Course #
U DANC 200A
Course Title
Prerequisite
Modern II
DANC 100A
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Instructor
Contact
Phone / Email
2
Date
Michele Antonioli
x2875
michele.antonioli@umontana.edu
Program Chair Mark Dean
Director
x2879
Dean
Dr. Stephen Kalm
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Renew
Change
Remove
X
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Description of change
IV. Description and purpose of new general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
Modern Dance II is a dance technique class. It is a studio course that meets each criterion for Group IV.
Students learn technique in modern dance and apply these techniques and processes in the learning of
dance phrases and combinations. Students incorporate the movement structures through learning dance
language and terminology for purposes of conveying meaning through dance. Students in any technique
class use the same “Dance Technique Student Requirements” with an accompanying individual syllabus
specific to the dance style of that course. All technique students are required to attend dance
performances and write a critique that reflects upon and critically assesses the merits of others’ work.
These same assessment processes are used in class to reflect upon their own work and the work of
peers. The technique class allows students to perceive and articulate the relevance of artistic expression
in human experience.
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Courses guide students, whether in individual
Students physically experience dance
or group settings, to acquire foundational skills kinesthetically. The mode of instruction includes
to engage in the creative process and/or in
attention to the following areas, which lead to
interpretive performance.
technical formation of the dancer and familiarity
with the dance language: alignment, centering,
balance work; basic locomotion, basic axial
movement-flexion, extension, rotation; elevationtechniques, rhythmic awareness; basic positions
of the arms and feet; simple turns with and
without spotting; flexibility and strengthening
exercises; use of breath and vocalization.
Through direct experience (for example,
Students reflect on and critically assess the
attendance and involvement with live
merits of their work in three main ways:
performance, exhibitions, workshops, and
readings), they will engage in critical
1. Students are required to attend 3 dance
assessment of their own work and the work of
concerts during a semester of dance
technique. They are encouraged to
others.
voluntarily see all available dance
performances. The instructor requires a
written critique for these performances.
Guidelines are distributed prior to the
concert. Students must write a critique
referring to specific examples, so we
recommended that they take notes either
during or after the concerts.
2. Students are required to perform their own
original compositions. Professors conduct
class discussion where students are held
responsible for the critique of their own work
and the creations of their peers.
3. A Dance Program critique of the Dance
Showcase is held every semester with
outside critics invited to share their
reflections on the merits of the choreography.
Choreographers are required to attend and
dancers are highly encouraged to attend.
The critique generally lasts two hours and is
held the week following the production.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Using the movement vocabulary learned
(alignment, centering, balance work; basic
locomotion, basic axial movement-flexion,
extension, rotation; elevation-techniques,
rhythmic awareness; basic positions of the arms
and feet; simple turns with and without spotting;
flexibility and strengthening exercises; use of
breath and vocalization), students are able to
express themselves using the idiom of modern
dance.
Understand the genres and/or forms that have
Through attending performances of local
shaped the medium.
companies and national/international
professional companies, and through viewing
dance works on video/DVD, students will
understand and differentiate between different
dance genres and the major forms that have
shaped the medium of dance.
Critique the quality of their own work and that
The dance program values critique as part of the
of others.
learning goals of all dance students. All students
who study modern dance are required to attend
concerts and write critiques about the quality of
the work they are seeing. In addition, students
are involved in class critiques where they critique
their own work and the work of their peers.
Students also participate in a Formal Critique
conducted by a guest critic from the Missoula
community.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
The requirements for the course, while physically and academically rigorous, equal the number of hours
required for two credits, as many of our other 200-level Group IV dance courses do. Rather than increase
the credits and thus the course requirements, we feel the two-credit designation is sensible and
reasonable.
VIII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
Express themselves in the making of an original
work or creative performance.
The University of Montana, School of Theatre & Dance
70837 - DANC 200A - 01: Modern II 2 credits
Fall 2011
M W F 1:10-2:30 pm
Instructor: Heidi Jones Eggert
Phone: (406) 243-2832
Email: heidi.eggert@umontana.edu
Office: PARTV 186
Office hours: Wed & Fri 11:00-12:30
“Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It's the rhythm of your life. It’s the expression
in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy.” ~ Jaques D'Amboise
Course Description
A contemporary dance class designed to lead advanced-beginning movers through a series of classical
and post modern dance techniques that continue introducing modern dance exercises and movement
combinations that are technically, artistically and intellectually stimulating. There will be an underlying
emphasis on alignment and kinesiologically sound movement patterns.
Objectives
 To continue the introduction of contemporary dance techniques, philosophies, approaches and styles
in a safe and challenging environment
 To guide students to move in new, unfamiliar and unexpected ways
 To increase self-awareness in technique, movement dynamics and performance
 To find artistry in each body by recognizing natural musicality: breath, weight, gravity, momentum
 To interact with other dancers, making it a shared experience
 To critically evaluate and objectively discuss dance performance (including technique and
expression)
 To defend a grand appreciation of dance
Course Content
As a developing dancer focusing on technique, artistry and etiquette, it is expected that by the
completion of this course the student will be confident in the below mentioned elements. (Italicized
items indicate the skill to be acquired in Level II technique; non-italicized items reflect skills that have
been acquired in Level I)
A. Demonstration of Line and Form
a. Students become able to move upper body without displacing the pelvis
b. Students understand the difference between rotated and parallel positions
c. Students develop a strong integration in their bodies
d. Students develop a strong sense of line and shape
B. Dynamic Alignment
a. Students have a basic understanding of alignment
b. Students demonstrate safe second position plie, both demi and grand
c. Students land safely from jumps
d. Students demonstrate safe grand plie in first and third/fifth positions
e. Students properly use parallel and outwardly rotated positions
f. Students understand alignment in vertical and non-vertical positions
C. Effective Body Patterning
a. Students coordinate breath with movement
b. Students understand all concepts of Body Patterning:
*Breath *Core/Distal *Head/Tail *Body Half *Upper/Lower
*Cross lateral *Contra lateral *Spiral
c. Students develop ability to fall and recover the center of the body
d. Students demonstrate ability to execute turns, both stationary and locomotor
D. Spatial Awareness
a. Students understand concepts related to space
b. Students understand kinesphere, personal space and shared space
c. Students have basic partnering sills (counterbalance, meeting of each other’s weight,
positive/negative space)
d. Students demonstrate ability to move within space while maintaining relationship to
others
e. Students develop their ability to dance according to varied facings
E.
F.
G.
H.
f. Students develop their spatial awareness and spatial intent
Rhythmic Accuracy
a. Students understand concepts of time
b. Students dance with an awareness of the beginnings and endings of phrases
c. Students demonstrate ability to accent movement
d. Students develop their ability to distinguish the center of the beat
e. Students develop their ability to dance within complex rhythmic structures, counting
patterns and unconventional time signatures
Initiation and Follow-Through
a. Students have an awareness of body part initiation
b. Students understand how to use weight and momentum in body part initiation
c. Students develop the ability to distinguish successive or sequential vs. simultaneous
movement
d. Students establish both internal and external focus
e. Students develop clarity in point of initiation
Strength, Flexibility and Endurance
a. Students develop strength in torso, feet, arms and overall alignment
b. Students descend to and ascend from the floor safely
c. Students have familiarity with proper stretching techniques for major muscle groups
d. Students have the ability to easily complete a 1.5 hour technique class
e. Student develop clear articulation in feet
f. Students are introduced to longer and more complex sequences of movement
g. Students develop their ability to do floor work and take weight into the upper body
Professionalism, Etiquette and Performance Ability
a. Students understand concepts related to movement quality
b. Students develop their concentration efforts
c. Students demonstrate personal investment in class
d. Students demonstrate willingness to experiment
e. Students have an appreciation for different movement approaches
f. Students develop awareness of performance aesthetics
g. Students are introduced to material at a quicker pace
h. Students begin to move through the space with confidence
i. Students develop peer assessment skills
Class Structure
Casual in class assignments in spontaneous composition and performance will take place on a semiregular basis. These may be individual or in small groups. Class time will be dedicated to group
choreography assignments. Please be respectful of your peers and recognize the importance of your
consistent contribution.
Slightly more structured will be the Mid-term assessment and Final projects/performances. Mark
your calendars for the following in class “performance dates.”
Mid-term performance / assessment
Mon & Wed, October 24th & 26th
Final performance / assessment
Friday, December 9th
** We will not meet during finals week.
Class begins promptly at 1:10pm. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will not be permitted to
take class (for safety purposes and etiquette practices), and will instead observe and take notes. Class
will end at 2:30pm. Students are required to remain in class until its conclusion with the closing circle.
Consistent late arrivals or early departures from class will result in the lowering of one’s grade.
To avoid injury, please come to class prepared to move at the start of class. (If you know you need
extra time/space to stay safe, arrive early.) Please notify the instructor of any injury (current or past)
that may affect your full performance in class.
Should a student observe class, it is expected that the student watch the class and dutifully apply what is
being taught and discussed to her/his own improvement in class. This observation should result in a
set of notes that will be submitted to the instructor at the conclusion of the class observed. While
observing class, students are required to be mindful and quiet as to not detract from the teaching and
performance efficacy of the teacher, classmates and accompanist. More than two observations equal an
absence. *see “Expectations” for more on participation/attendance.
Your dance attire should not restrict or hide your movement. No jeans! Take into account that there is
potential for any part of the body to be in contact with the floor, at any given time; and for safety, keep
the body warm from the beginning until the end of class = bring extra clothing. Movement will be
experienced with bare feet. It is highly recommended that dancers own and bring kneepads to class.
These can be ordered on line at: www.contactquarterly.com. Please, no street shoes in the dance
studios.
Physical contact and touch will be used as teaching methods to correct alignment and suggest new
patterns of movement. The teacher and fellow students will facilitate this. If you have any concerns
with this style of teaching/learning please let the instructor know, as she will find alternative methods.
Performance Attendance & Written Assignments
Students are required to attend three artistic events during the fall term. (plus strongly encouraged to
attend dance events at large; in Missoula, at the Myrna Loy Center in Helena and at the Hamilton Center
for the Performing Arts.)
 Dancers on Location October 8&9 (Sat/Sun), noon, UM Mansfield Library courtyard,
admission free
Notes in program plus in-class group project, Mon, Oct 10th
 Dance Studio Works November 5 (Sat), time TBA, PARTV Open Space, all tickets $5 at the
door
Assignment details forthcoming
 Dance Up Close December 6-10 (Tues – Sat), 7:30pm + Sat matinee, Masquer Theatre, $6
required student
Assignment details forthcoming
The instructor will provide detailed guidelines for written critique(s), and other response projects.
Students will need to give specific examples in their writing, so it is recommended that she/he take notes
during or immediately following each event. The student’s grade will be lowered by one-third of a
letter grade for each assignment that is not submitted.
Tickets for performances in the PARTV Center are on sale in the Box Office in the Lobby of the
PARTV Center.
Journal/Self-Assessment Writings
Throughout the course of the semester, you will be asked to reflect upon and assess your growth in this
class. These writings will take place in class and outside of the studio. Please maintain a journal with
weekly (or more!) entries regarding your development as a dancer, performer, artist, global citizen…
Include aspects of what is going well, where you are struggling, what your questions are…
Additionally, the instructor may provide specific topics of discussion. Please bring your journals with
you to class; they will be collected at least twice throughout the semester.
Expectations: Attendance and Grading Policy
Attendance is important in any field, but vital in the field of dance. Learning to dance requires that
your body do it. You will not gain in flexibility, and strength, or in your ability to pick up movement or
generate your own movement by hearing about what happened from a classmate, or reading a book. In
other words, there is no way to make up the material you miss. STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE
IN EVERY CLASS. However, knowing that unpredictable circumstances may arise, students are
granted two permissible absences. Students may also make up two absences by participating in (if
appropriate) or watching, and writing a one-page observation of another dance class. AFTER A
STUDENT HAS USED HER/HIS TWO ABSENCES AND TWO MAKEUPS, THE STUDENT WILL
BE DOCKED ONE-THIRD OF A GRADE FOR EVERY ABSENCE FOLLOWING.
Grading: Dance is different from many other fields in that a student’s work is not as quantifiable as it
is in some other subjects, such as history or math. For this reason grading is not assigned a point
breakdown. To earn an “A” a student must:
 Consistently reach above and beyond average participation
 Demonstrate proficiency in the areas listed within the “Course Content” of this syllabus at least
65% of the time in class.
 Have an energetic, attentive and inquisitive attitude
 Progress over the semester
 And of course, fulfill all attendance, critique, journal and self-assessment requirements.
Students may receive an “incomplete” (I) only if there are exceptional circumstances, which have
been discussed with the instructor.
Odds and Ends
 Additional assignments may be scheduled throughout the semester at the discretion of the
instructor.
 If at any point you feel further discussion would aid your development, please schedule a meeting
with the instructor.
 No street shoes, food or drinks in the studio, with the exception of water. No gum in class.
 If you are sick or injured please talk to the instructor as soon possible before class. This includes
any pre-existing conditions/injuries that should be shared.
 If you get injured during class get the instructor’s attention immediately!
 Restrooms / locker rooms are located across the hall.
 Locker rentals are available for all students in the dance classes. We recommend that you do not
leave personal belongings unattended in the dressing rooms, hallways, or dance studios, as thefts
unfortunately occur. Lockers may be rented for $7/semester, or $13/two semesters. For details, see
the Dance Program administrative assistant, PARTV 199 (door across from women’s dressing
room, then up the stairs.)
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code: All students must practice academic honesty.
Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course instructor and/or disciplinary
sanction by the University. All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code
is available for review online at http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php.
** All Theatre & Dance students must have an in-depth knowledge of the practices and procedures
outlined in the School of Theatre & Dance Student Handbook. The Handbook is available online at
http://www.umt.edu/theatredance/about/handbook.
There is inherent risk involved in many Theatre & Dance classes as they are very physical in nature.
Please proceed through class, shop time, or rehearsal with caution. Always be mindful of your personal
safety and the safety of others. Students participating in class/shop/rehearsal/performance do so at their
own risk.
Due to safety considerations, at no point during a student’s time spent in class or serving on a
production (in any capacity) should non-enrolled persons be guests of that student without my consent.
Presence of such unauthorized persons in a class, shop, or any backstage/off-stage area will negatively
affect a student’s grade.
The University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students
with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). If you think you may have a
disability adversely affecting your academic performance, and you have not already registered with
DSS, please contact DSS in Lommasson 154. I will work with you and DSS to provide an appropriate
accommodation.
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.