Iowa State University - Department of Health & Human Performance
Dance Appreciation 270
Office: 279A Forker
Dance Faculty: Janice Baker
Phone: 294-3047
Email: mover@iastate.edu
Course Description
An introduction to dance from a non-performing perspective focusing on its
many artistic, theatrical and social forms relating to culture, other arts & the
humanities.
Related Program Outcomes:
Express knowledge of the importance of dance through history, in
today's society, and in relation to the cultures of the world.
Course Objectives:
To appreciate the historical significance of dance through history.
To describe dance as an art form in relation to our present culture,
other art forms and the humanities
To distinguish differences between the current artistic, theatrical and
social dance forms.
To experience and critique dance performances from a
knowledgeable background and to evaluate how the artistic and
theatrical components work together.
To become an appreciative member of an audience being able to
judge, contrast and recognize types of dance.
To experience dance as a life activity.
Required Textbook: Learning About Dance, Dance as an Art Form and
Entertainment. Nora Ambrosio 4th edition. Kendall Hunt Publishing 2006
Assignments and Evaluation
1 Exam 20 points
20 pts
Check off projects
20points x 4=80pts
Mixed format. They will include content mainly from the book but will include some
items developed from the specific lecture presentations
Complete the task but not graded. No check, deduct 10points if not completed.
Guest Lecture reflections 2 of them
Attend 1 dance show (must be this semester)
Go out dancing once
Write a comparison of the two above events
Group Choreography
Personal point of view poster and presentation
Students will explore 4 topics listed below and make a presentation to the class
accompanied by a 2-3 page paper or poster
Criteria for evaluation.
Three references: a person, a book or magazine, a website. A comparison, a
persuasive argument, or position paper. Oral presentation can have a video, and/or
movement component
1. Dance form
2. Famous Dancer or related professional
3. Dance Company or major work
The priceless factor
4. Future Directions in dance
Personal growth and insight to quality living
Attendance is important to your success. Please be here and participate.
You receive one absence free. After that absence each absence is a negative 10
points off the total of your 100 points. You can make-up a class by attending another
session or going to an additional dance performance, viewing a video, or dance activity.
Please write a short paragraph about the experience if it is not a class. There are no
excused absences. You can make-up to 6 absences. Above 6 please check with
instructor.
On each activity and event please respond with a written critique, a creative
response or you may share with the class a new move that you have learned by
attending another class. (Please pick activities that most of the class would feel
comfortable trying)
Written… What did you learn about being an educated consumer of the dance?
Not shorter than a paragraph, not longer than a page of what you learned about yourself
and the dance. A reflection of your life learning strategies, problem solving, or benefits
of the dance towards healthy personal interactions would be appropriate. Other insights
are acceptable and encouraged. Analytical thinking is expected for the experience.
E-mail is good…mover@iastate.edu; you may e-mail your written responses.
Creative responses can be food, furniture, pottery, art work of any kind, poetry, a dance,
clothing, mobile…the intent is a thinking and sharing time communicating what
evocative emotions were created by the event. We will have short class discussion around
each event.
Course Grading Scale:
A
92-100
A90-91.9
B+
88-89.9
B
82-87.9
B80-81.9
C+
C
CD+
D
F
78-79.9
72-77.9
70-71.9
68-69.9
60-67.9
< 60
Special Needs:
If you have a documented disability that may affect your ability to participate fully in the
course or if you require special accommodations, you are encouraged to speak with the
instructors so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged.