Dance Appreciation, 101 003
3 Credits
SP 11, TR, 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM
Location: PAB 3009
Instructor: Karen A. Studd
Office Phone: 703 993-3196 Office
Hours: by appointment
Department Mailbox: PAB, A300
Department Website: dance.gmu.edu
Email: kstudd@gmu.edu
Course Description:
Introduces dance as universal human activity, expression of cultural identity, and performing art form. This
survey of dance includes social, ceremonial historic court, classical and theatrical forms of dance. As this class
meets the 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, four 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
½ attendance.
• Participation in class. ALL classes will include a movement component so you must be prepared to move i.e.
wear clothing, which allows you to move. Active participation in class discussion is also an important
component of this requirement.
• Completion of assigned readings and assignments.
• Attendance at the 2 following George Mason Dance Company Concerts. You will be required to turn in
your ticket stub, program and notes.
GMU Dance Company Gala
Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26 at 8:00 PM each evening
Concert Hall
Tickets: $20, full; $12 student/senior; $10 groups of 10 or more Limited free tickets available to
students beginning 3/15/2011
GMU Dance Company Spring Concert
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
April 14, 15, & 16 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 4/5/2011
Attendance at the following GMU Dance Co concert may be used as an extra credit
assignment:
GMU Dance Company May Concert
Friday, and Saturday
May 6 & 7 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 4/26/2011
• Attendance at two additional dance performances: You will be required to submit: ticket stub,
performance program, your notes and a reaction paper of approximately two – three pages for each
of these two performances. Options for other performances will be discussed in class and will include
performances both on and off campus throughout out the semester.
One additional performance may be used as an extra credit assignment.
Mark Morris
Friday and Saturday
February 4 & 5 at 8:00 PM each evening
Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 1/25/2011
Tango Buenos Aires
Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 6 at 4:00 PM
Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 2/22/2011
Parsons Dance
Friday, April 8 at 8:00 PM
Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 3/29/2011
Russian National Ballet Theatre
Saturday, April 9 at 8:00 PM (Romeo and Juliet)
Sunday, April 10 at 4:00 PM (Swan Lake)
Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 3/29/2011
Trisha Brown Dance Company
Saturday, April 30 at 8:00 PM
Concert Hall
Limited free tickets available to students beginning 4/19/2011
• Completion of two take home essays (answer 2 – 3 typed pages)
• Final Exam: Small group presentation 5/17/2011 1:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Required Text
Dancing: the Pleasure, Power and Art of Movement by Gerald Jonas
Grading
In Class Attendance &
Participation
GMU Dance Company
Performances
Written Response Papers to
Concerts
Essays
Final Exam - Small group
movement presentation
25 points
10 points (5 each)
20 points (10 each)
30 points (15 each)
15 points
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 for a maximum of 5 additional points
GMU Add/Drop Policy: The last day to drop this class with no tuition liability is 2/8/2011. The last day to drop
this class without Dean’s permission is 2/25/2011, by 5pm. The elective withdrawal period for this class is from
2/28/2011 to 4/1/2011. 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.