Dance Appreciation, 101 001
3 Credits
Spring 2012, TR, 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
Location: B201 Robinson Hall
Instructor: Karen Reedy
Office Phone: 703 993-9767
Office Hours: by appointment
Department Mailbox: PAB, A300
Department Website: dance.gmu.edu
Email: kreedy@gmu.edu
Course Description:
Introduces dance as universal human activity, expression of cultural identity, and art form. This survey of dance
includes social, ceremonial historic court, classical and theatrical forms of dance. As this class meets general
education fine arts requirement primary emphasis is placed on dance as an art form.
The class will experience dance, primarily through observation but also as participants, to better understand
and clarify the phenomena that is “dance”. What dance is and why people dance will be examined with an
understanding of the cultural and historical perspectives.
Nature of Course Delivery:
This course is taught through lecture, discussion, and studio practice.
Learning Outcomes: At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:
• Identify fundamental elements of dance using appropriate vocabulary
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the movement vocabulary and the expression
of a work’s underlying ideas and values.
• Analyze and interpret dance in its cultural, social, historical and/or personal contexts
All academic programs at Mason (including the General Education Program) have student learning outcomes
that are assessed periodically. Your work from this course may be selected for use in such an assessment.
Your anonymity is assured and your grade will not be affected. At any time, you may contact the Office of
Institutional Assessment (assessment@gmu.edu) with questions, concerns and comments about the use of
your work.
Course Requirements:
• Attendance is essential for success in this course. Students are expected to attend every class and
attendance will be taken and may be taken at either the start or end of the class period.
o Moreover, five absences may result in a failing grade. It is not possible to make up any missed
classes. (see website for department guidelines)
o Chronic lateness will affect final grades.
o If it is necessary to leave class early, inform the instructor ahead of time. The class will count as 1/2
attendance.
• Participation in class. And some classes will include a movement component. These classes will be
scheduled in advance and you must be prepared to move i.e. wear clothing, which allows you to move.
Class discussion is also an important aspect of participation.
• Completion of assigned readings and assignments.
• Attendance at two (2) of the following George Mason Dance Company Concerts. You will be required to
turn in your ticket stub and program and discuss the performance in class. ONE reaction paper will be
required following the GMU Dance Company Spring Concert. Details will be discussed in class.
GMU Dance Company Gala Concert
Friday, and Saturday
March 30 & 31 at 8:00 PM each evening
Concert Hall
Tickets: $20, full; $12, students, staff & seniors; $10 groups of 10 or more Limited free
tickets available to students beginning 3/20/2012
GMU Dance Company Spring Concert
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
April 19, 20, & 21 at 8:00 PM each evening
Harris Theater
Tickets: $15, full; $10, students, staff & seniors; $7 groups of 10 or more Limited free tickets
available to students beginning 4/10/2012
• Attendance at two professional dance performances: You will be required to submit: ticket stub and
performance program for each of the performances. Options for these performances will be discussed
in class and will include performances both on and off campus throughout out the semester. Listed
below is a pre-approved list of performances. You may attend other performances with prior consent
of the instructor.
River North Dance Chicago
Friday, January 27 at 8:00 PM
GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 1/17/2012
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Friday, February 17 at 8:00 PM
GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 2/7/2012
Ballet Folklorico de Antioquia, Columbia
Saturday, March 3 at 8:00 PM
GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 2/21/2012
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
Saturday, March 10 at 8:00 PM
GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 2/28/2012
Moscow Festival Ballet
Friday and Saturday
April 13 & 14 at 8:00 PM each evening
GMU Center for the Arts Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 4/3/2012
• Solo or group presentation on selected dance topic - groups and topics will be discussed in class. These
presentations will take place during the last 2 weeks of the semester.
Mid-term Exam: 3/06/2012
• Final Exam: 5/10/2012, 10:30 AM to 1:15 PM
Required Text
Dancing: the Pleasure, Power and Art of Movement by Gerald Jonas
Grading
Attendance and participation
25%
Assignments, quizzes, written work
25%
Presentation: solo or group
15%
Mid-term Exam
15%
Final Exam
20%
Grading Standards:
• A grade of “A” is given for superlative work that demonstrates a profound commitment to the course material,
and further, that goes on to employ this material as a springboard for independent thought and work. Grades
of 90% or higher = A
• A grade of “B” is given for very good work that completely fulfills all the requirements of the course in a
conscientious and dedicated manner, and that demonstrates mastery of the course content. Grades of 80 –
89 = B
• A grade of “C” is given for work that fulfills all the requirements of the course in a satisfactory manner, but that
falls short of demonstrating rigor and mastery. Grades of 70 – 79 = C
• A grade of “D” is given for work that is unsatisfactory Grades of 60 – 69 = D
• A grade of “F” is given for work that fails to fulfill the requirements of the course. Any grade under 60% = F
Extra Credit: It is possible to moderately improve your grade by completing an extra credit assignment.
Students may only turn in one extra credit assignment.
GMU Add/Drop Policy: The last day to drop this class with no tuition liability is 1/31/2012. The last day to drop
this class without Dean’s permission is 2/24/2012, by 5pm. The elective withdrawal period for this class is from
2/27/2012 to 3/30/2012. It is the student’s responsibility to check to verify that they are properly enrolled as no
credit will be awarded to students who are not.
Honor Code, Copyright, & Computing Policies: To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility,
respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire
for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the university community, have
set forth this honor code: Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat,
plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work.
You are expected to adhere to all University policies and guidelines during your participation in this course. All
work must be your own. Inappropriate use of the work of others is a George Mason University Honor Code
violation. Please review the University’s website for information on the following: Honor Code and Judicial
Procedures; Copyright/Fair Use; and Responsible Use of Computing.
If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations please see me and contact
the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged
through that office. Students must inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester, and the specific
accommodation will be arranged through the Disability Resource Center.
It is not possible to receive an incomplete grade in this class. If you anticipate difficulty in completing this
course see your instructor immediately to discuss your options.
You are encourage to sign up for the Mason Alert System by visiting the website https://alert.gmu.edu. An
emergency poster exists in each classroom explaining what to do in the event of crises and that further
information about emergency procedures exists on http://www.gmu.edu/service/cert.
NOTE: Cell phones, pagers and alarms must be turned off in class. No exceptions.