University of Oklahoma

College of Fine Arts

School of Dance

DANC 1713.900: Understanding Dance

Fall 2020

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Instructor: Christa St. John  

Email: Christa.st.john@ou.edu

Office Hours: By appointment via Zoom

Course Meeting Time and Location: Mondays and Wednesdays 7:30-8:45 pm

Nielsen Hall: 0270

Final Exam: Dec. 15^th, 2020 10:30-12:30 pm

Nielsen Hall: 0270

Course Prerequisite: None

Course Delivery: Traditional (Lecture)

Credit Hours: 3 Credits

Course Description:
A course in dance appreciation covering aspects of various theatrical dance styles. Understanding Dance is a broad overview of the art form. Topics include the origin and evolution of major genres of western concert dance, aspects of dance as cultural, political, spiritual, and aesthetic forms of expression, and the study of the related roles of the dancer, choreographer, and spectator.

Course Goals:

• To provide an abbreviated history of western theatrical dance forms
• To introduce elements involved in the production of western theatrical dance
• To examine various careers in the field of dance
• To explore aspects of dance as cultural, political, spiritual, and aesthetic forms of expression
• To encourage critical thinking and analysis of dance
• To make dance more accessible

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of essential elements, concepts, vocabulary, and major figures and styles significant to the discipline of dance
• Analyze how social, cultural, and historical contexts influence creative expression
• Evaluate the significance of human expression and experience in shaping larger social, cultural, and historical contexts.
• Critically analyze dance works from a variety of genres

Course requirements:

The course is presented through lectures, selected readings, videos, class discussions, and activities.

• No textbook is required for the course. Required course readings and videos will be posted on Canvas.
• Students should have a method for note-taking each class session.
• It is highly encouraged that students bring a laptop (or Wi-Fi enabled device e.g. phone or tablet with the Canvas app downloaded) to class to complete in-class assignments. If the student does not have access to a laptop (or Wi-Fi enabled device) to bring to class, hard copies of assignments will be available upon request.

Expectations:

Consistent communication will help the student be successful in this course. Attendance will be taken each class, however, please see the course policy on absences. The student must communicate any absence via email prior to the class that will be missed to make arrangements to make up missed work. Extended absences will be handled on a case by case basis through communication with the instructor and university. No missed exam or quiz may be made up unless the student cleared the absence with the instructor, via email, before the test date.

The best method of communication with the instructor is via email at Christa.st.john@ou.edu.You can usually expect a response within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends.

Learning Activities and Assessment:

Assessment:

The course is divided into three units. Students will be assessed by several assignments given throughout the semester, three unit quizzes, three unit papers/projects, three exams, and one choreographer project and presentation.

Scale:                                                                          Weights:

 

A         90-100%                                                         Assignments                                                         25%

B         80-89%                                                            Quizzes                                                                    10%

C         70-79%                                                            End of Unit Projects/Papers                        25%

D         60-69%                                                           End of Unit Exams                                              25%

F          under 60%                                                    Choreographer Project/Presentation   15%

                                                                  

Learning Activities:

Assignments:

Assignments, course readings, and video viewings will be assigned regularly throughout the semester. Some assignments will be completed during class and some assignments will require work outside of class.

Quizzes:

Quizzes will consist of multiple-choice, true-false, matching, and short answer questions related to lecture topics, course readings, and course videos.

Choreographer Report & Presentation:

Students will be assigned a choreographer to research, write a report about, and present findings. More details will be posted on Canvas.

Unit Exams

Three unit exams will be given throughout the semester. Unit exams will consist of multiple-choice, true/false, matching, and short answer/essay questions. Exams will cover topics from course lectures, readings, and videos.

End of Unit Projects/Papers

Three end of unit projects and papers will be assigned throughout the semester. More information will be posted under the assignment tab on Canvas.

Course Policies

Make-up Policy

No missed exam or quiz may be made up unless the student cleared the absence with the instructor, via email, before the test date.

Throughout the semester several assignments and projects will be assigned and completed during the course meeting time. Students must communicate any need to be absent prior to class. If a student is not in class and has not communicated with the instructor, the student will not receive credit for the assignment.

Absences

Regular attendance is an expectation of the course, however, if the student needs to miss class due to possible exposure to COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19 the student should communicate with the instructor via email prior to the class meeting time and take the following steps outlined below. 

A temporary university policy has been established to protect the OU community by ensuring that students who are ill or required to isolate feel encouraged to remain at home. Missing a class session or other class activity due to illness or isolation will not result in a penalty for the absence, and the student will not be asked to provide formal documentation from a healthcare provider to excuse the absence. This policy is based on all students and faculty adhering to the principles of integrity, honesty, and concern for others.

Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headache, chills, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea or who have been in close contact with others who have symptoms should:

• Remain at home to protect others
• Ensure that any needed screening has been conducted (COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool) and any needed treatment obtained
• Contact the instructor prior to absence or inability to participate, if possible, and provide an honest report of the reason for which you cannot attend class or complete a course activity
• Continue to complete coursework to the extent possible, using Canvas, zoom, and other online tools
• Submit assignments electronically to the extent possible and as directed by the instructor
• Communicate with the instructor to arrange modifications to deadlines or work requirements or reschedule exams or other important course activities, when it is necessary

Late Assignments

Assignments, projects, and papers may be turned in at any time prior to the due date. Assignments, projects, and papers submitted after the deadline will be considered late. There will be a penalty of one letter grade per calendar day the assignment is late.

COVID-19 Saftey Procedures

COVID-19 Positive Individuals - If you begin to experience symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19, such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea, please remain home and fill out the COVID-19 Screening and Reporting Tool https://covidreporting.ouhsc.edu/ . You will then be instructed on the next steps to take. You may also wish to contact your health care provider for advice.

 

Travel & Screening – All faculty, students and staff must adhere to OU’s screening guidelines.  Guidelines can be found at: https://www.ou.edu/together/norman-phase-iii

 

Elevated Temperature – Students with an elevated temperature may not return to class until they have had no elevated temperature and no evidence of COVID-19 symptoms for at least

72 hours and they have been cleared by Student/Employee Health via the COVID-19

Screening and Reporting Tool at: https://covidreporting.ouhsc.edu/  

University Policies

Masking Syllabus Statement - Fall 2020

As outlined by the University of Oklahoma¹s Chief COVID Officer, until further notice, employees, students, and visitors of the OU community will be mandated to wear masks (1.) when they are inside University facilities and vehicles and (2.) when they are outdoors on campus and social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. For the well-being of the entire university community it is important that everyone demonstrate the appropriate health and safety behaviors outlined in the University Mandatory Masking Policy (https://www.ou.edu/coronavirus/masking-policy). As this mandate includes all campus classrooms, please make sure you are wearing your mask while in class. If you do not have a mask or forgot yours, see the professor for available masks. If you have an exemption from the Mandatory Masking Policy, please see the professor to make accommodations before class begins. If and where possible, please make your professor aware of your exemption and/or accommodation prior to arriving in class.

If a student is unable or unwilling to wear a mask and has not made an accommodation request through the ADRC, they will be instructed to exit the classroom.

 

Copyright Syllabus Statement for In-Person or Online Courses

Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class, or upload them to any other online environment.

 

Academic Integrity

Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. As a member of the OU community it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. For specific definitions on what constitutes cheating, review the Student’s Guide to Academic Integrity at http://integrity.ou.edu/students_guide.html

 

To be successful in this class, all work on exams and quizzes must be yours and yours alone.  You may not receive outside help. On examinations and quizzes you will never be permitted to use your notes, textbooks, calculators, or any other study aids. Should you see someone else engaging in this behavior, I encourage you to report it to myself or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity Programs. That student is devaluing not only their degree, but yours, too. Be aware that it is my professional obligation to report academic misconduct, which I will not hesitate to do. Sanctions for academic misconduct can include expulsion from the University and an F in this course, so don’t cheat. It’s simply not worth it.

 

Religious Observance

It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty.

 

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Students requiring academic accommodation should contact the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center for assistance at (405) 325-3852 or TDD: (405) 325-4173. For more information please visit http://www.ou.edu/drc/home.html. Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact me personally as soon as possible so we can discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities.

 

Title IX Resources and Reporting Requirement

For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, or stalking, the University offers a variety of resources. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Sexual Misconduct Office at 405/325-2215 (8 to 5, M-F) or smo@ou.edu. Incidents can also be reported confidentially to OU Advocates at 405/615-0013 (phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies can be directed to University Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator at 405/325-3546 or smo@ou.edu . For more information, visit http://www.ou.edu/eoo.html.

 

Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues

Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact your professor or the Disability Resource Center at 405/325-3852 as soon as possible. Also, see http://www.ou.edu/eoo/faqs/pregnancy-faqs.html for answers to commonly asked questions.

 

Final Exam Preparation Period

Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. 

 

Emergency Protocol

During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.

Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather 1. LOOK for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances 2. SEEK refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building. 3. GO to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows. 4. GET IN, GET DOWN, COVER UP. 5. WAIT for official notice to resume normal activities.

Link to Severe Weather Refuge Areas , Severe Weather Preparedness - Video

 

Armed Subject/Campus Intruder: If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:

1. GET OUT: If you believe you can get out of the area WITHOUT encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911. 2. HIDE OUT: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room. 3. TAKE OUT: As a last resort fight to defend yourself.

For more information, visit http://www.ou.edu/emergencypreparedness.html

Shots Fired on Campus Procedure - Video

 

Fire Alarm/General Emergency: If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates: 1. LEAVE the building. Do not use the elevators. 2. KNOW at least two building exits 3. ASSIST those that may need help 4. PROCEED to the emergency assembly area 5 ONCE safely outside, NOTIFY first responders of anyone that may still be inside building due to mobility issues. 6. WAIT for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.

OU Fire Safety on Campus

 

Mental Health Support Services

If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019.
To schedule an appointment call (405) 325-2911.

 

For more information please visit http://www.ou.edu/ucc.

 

Tentative Schedule

Note: additional assignments, readings, and videos will be assigned, in-class, throughout the semester

Schedule subject to change

Unit 1: Elements of Dance

Week	Topics	Assignments Due
WK 1	Syllabus Review, Introduction, Elements of Dance	Pre-Course Reading
WK 2	Spaces for Dance	Assignment (details in class)
WK 3	The Choreographer	Quiz 1 (9/2)
WK 4	The Dancer & The Audience	Assignment (details in class)
WK 5	Dance Production	9/22 End of Unit Project 1 9/23 End of Unit Exam 1

 

Unit 2: Western Theatrical Dance Genres (Selected)

Week	Topics	Quizzes, Projects, Papers, Exams Due
WK 6	Ballet	Assignment (details in class)
WK 7	Modern Dance	Quiz 2 10/7
WK 8	Modern Dance Part II	Choreographer Project 10/12 Choreographer Presentation 10/12 Peer Review 10/14
WK 9	Jazz and Musical Theatre	Assignment (details in class)
WK 10	No Class Due to Ice Storm

 

 

 

Unit 3: Dance and Society

Week	Topics	Quizzes, Projects/Papers, Exams Due
WK 11	End of Unit 2 Exam, End of Unit Paper, Tap Dance, and Hip Hop	Unit 2 Exam 11/2, Unit 2 Paper 11/2 (11:59 pm)
WK 12	Hip Hop Continued & Dance and Politics	Assignment (details in class)
WK 13	Dance and Politics Cont. & Dance and Difference	Quiz 3 11/16
WK 14	Off: No Classes this week
WK 15	Dance and Culture
WK 16	Exam review and Peer review workshop	Assignment 4 (details in class) Rough draft End of Unit Paper 12/8
WK 17	Finals Week	End of Unit Exam 3 and End of Unit Paper 3 12/15