Course Syllabus

Contact Information

Fall 2022 - DANC 1713.001

Understanding Dance TR 3:00 – 4:15 p.m.

Dale Hall, Room 103

Contact Information

Rebecca Herrin, Instructor

OU School of Dance, RPAC 1017

Office Hours VIA ZOOM: By appointment only

Email: rherrin@ou.edu

Undergraduate Assistants:  Riley Henderson & Brooke Strachan 

Live Session: In-person lecture, DALE HALL 103, 3:00-4:15 PM -  BEGINNING AUGUST 22, 2022

Course Objectives

For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.

• To present students with an introductory framework of dance appreciation and understanding.
• To provide the student with an abbreviated history of western theatrical dance.
• To introduce the student to all aspects involved in the production of western theatrical dance.
• To examine the various careers that currently exist in the dance world.
• To provide an atmosphere of kindness, mutual respect and consideration for students, instructors and teaching assistants, which encourages critical thinking and writing through class discussion of lecture material, videos, dance demonstrations and performances.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, the student is expected to consistently demonstrate the following proficiencies:

• • Demonstrate a working knowledge of dance understanding through the perspectives of: dancer, choreographer, and audience member/critic.  
  • Demonstrate ability to articulate an individual point of view of dance performance and related topics through Canvas discussion and performance critic papers.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of dance history topics presented in the course.

NATURE OF COURSE DELIVERY

Please note this course meets in-person; however, lectures will be recorded and students may choose to view video lectures on their own time via Canvas rather than attend in-person lecture.

LIVE SESSION: TR 3:00 - 4:15 p.m., Dale Hall 103  

ACADEMIC CONTENT

Procedures

The course material will be presented through lectures, selected reading, class discussions and videos.

• Module Assignments / Weekly Canvas Discussions
• 1 dance performance reaction/critique paper
• 1 reflection paper
• 3 Unit Exams: (Tuesdays) Sept. 20, Oct. 13, Nov. 8
• Final Exam: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Dale Hall rm 103

Extra Credit: View a full-length live performance (1-hr minimum length) and write a 500-word review/critique for 5 points towards your overall exam score earned during the semester.  Please email rherrin@ou.edu for approval.

Supplemental Course Material

This is a great resource for this class, not required, but if you are interested in having a deeper knowledge and understanding of dance, I recommend this text:

Ambrosio, Nora. Learning About Dance: Dance as an Art Form and Entertainment. 7th ed. Kendall/Hunt, 2016.

Additional readings and videos will be posted on Canvas.

Course Components

1. Module Assignments / Canvas Discussions

Each learning module will incorporate dance performance video viewing links, short concept assignments, and/or Canvas discussions.

2. Papers

All papers will be turned in via Canvas and must meet the assignment word count requirement for full credit. Paper format: double-space, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, student name, course name and date on the first page, name on any subsequent pages, and paper word count recorded at the end of the assignment.

If your paper is longer than the required length, that is fine. But extra credit is not given for longer papers.

All papers may be turned in before the due date.

All papers should be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on the day they are due. If submitted later, then they will be counted as late.

3. Exams

Exams will consist of multiple choice, matching, true/false and short  answer questions. The final exam will be comprehensive.

Course Policies

Class Safety

• Social distancing in the classroom (when recommended by OU.)
• Please respect the physical space of the instructor.
• All individual discussions with the instructor will be conducted by appointment via Zoom or over email.
• Face masks are welcome when indoors on the OU campus. 
• Once class begins, please remain seated until class is dismissed. 
• Please be aware of symptoms that could be consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell, and/or extreme fatigue. Use of the OU Healthy Together App for COVID-19 screening and reporting. is strongly encouraged. Link to download app HERE.

Electronics

Please ensure that all cell phones are turned off or set to silent before class begins.  Cell phone use during class is prohibited (unless it is for a medical/family situation and you have informed the instructor prior to the start of class).

Attendance and Notes

If a student must miss class, the student is responsible for obtaining lecture notes from a fellow student.

Communication

Email is the most efficient way to contact me, please allow 2 business days for a response.  Office hours may held  virtually. I am available by appointment - please email rherrin@ou.edu to set up a video appointment.

Respect for Diversity

It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. I promote student health and wellbeing above all else, and believe all movement belongs to all people.

GRADING

Students will be evaluated on the completion of the assignments listed below. 

Breakdown

MODULE ASSIGNMENTS / DISCUSSIONS – 30%

FREE WRITE PAPER – 15%

REFLECTION PAPER – 15%

UNIT EXAMS – 30%

FINAL EXAM - DECEMBER 14 – 10%

University Academic Policies and Student Support

Course Catalog 

Search the OU Course Catalogue.

Student Handbook

Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.

Online Library

Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.

Inclusion Statement:

I believe strongly in our capacity to learn when given the appropriate support and resources. However much we enjoy learning, sometimes learning can be uncomfortable. Learning can cause discomfort because the subject matter may cause us to wonder whether or not we know enough to be here, or it may call into question things we thought we knew or were really good at. Simply put, the more we learn, the less we know. I am here to affirm that it is okay that you don’t know everything already and that’s why you are here: to learn. If you don’t feel prepared for a topic within our course, please connect with me. I will provide you with resources so that you can review material and feel more confident in what we are covering in class.

It’s also important to me that I be transparent with you that learning is a process. For me, this means acknowledging when I don’t know something or when I am wrong – because I am always learning too, and frequently am learning from you! If someone “messes up” in class by not knowing the correct answer, how to say something using the terminology from our field, and/or how what they have said may not align with professional best practices, then I will help reframe what was said so that we may have a productive learning experience within our field of study. I hope to foster a collaborative learning environment where can support one another in our academic growth.

I also recognize that sometimes we need additional support. For students who are experiencing issues outside of the classroom that may be impacting your ability to focus on your educational experience, such as bias, gender-based violence, financial concerns, etc., in addition to the resources listed elsewhere in the syllabus, such as counseling, I would like to encourage you to connect with and utilize the following resources as appropriate:

• Compass Network – You can self-refer to this network of support, which will get you connected to someone who can help you consider how to navigate a range of personal challenges.
• Gender + Equality Center – The Gender + Equality Center houses OU Advocates, which serves folk impacted by gender-based violence who are members of the OU campus community. It also houses LGBTQ+ programs to help build awareness, education and community.
• International Student Services – International students may connect with their advisor or the range of programs and events that will help build community.
• Multicultural Programs and Services – These programs are open to everyone and may be of particular interest for folk looking for community around diversity and inclusion, as well as cultural, intercultural, and heritage celebrations.
• OU Food Pantry – All you need is an OU ID to access the food pantry, which provides free food, clothing, menstrual products, and books. Please visit their website to stay up to date with their open hours and location.
• Project Threshold – If you are a first generation college student, economically disadvantaged (per federal guidelines) or disabled (with appropriate documentation), you may benefit from connecting with Project Threshold for advising or tutoring.
• Veteran Support Alliance – If you are active military, veteran, or military service-connected, the Veteran Support Alliance has information about resources and support to help you be successful.
• 24-Hour Reporting Hotline – If you are experiencing, have experienced, or witnessed bias, discrimination, or harassment, please notify the university. You may also file a report through an online form with Institutional Equity.

Additional Support for Learning:

Writing Center:

Most universities have a writing center, a place for students, faculty, and staff to meet and talk about writing. The Writing Center here at OU is a resource I encourage you to use. As a writer you will want to seek feedback from many different readers. The writing consultants at the writing center are able to talk with you about your writing--at any stage in the process and for any course you are taking. You can make an appointment (online or in person and you can drop in whenever they are open. The OU Writing Center offers both in-person and online appointments, as well as workshops, retreats, and other services. I urge you to visit the Writing Center for more information. The OU Writing Center welcomes all writers and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We consider difference to be a seed for learning, writing, and a just society.

Veterans and Service Members:

I thank you for your service to this country and I am happy to have you in my classroom and look forward to supporting you in your education. Navigating higher education as a service member or veteran can be complex at times. Here are some campus resources you can utilize to help you navigate any education benefits you may have or to connect you with supportive staff and other student veterans:

• Veteran Student Services Center
• Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE)
• Green Zone Faculty
• The Student Veterans Association

Food Pantry:

As a member of the OU community, you have access to the University of Oklahoma Food Pantry and can receive free supplemental food, as well as other necessities such as menstrual hygiene products. All students, faculty, and staff, with an OU ID, are eligible. Visit their website to stay up to date on hours of operation, as well as to access additional information about other basic needs resources, including financial and budget assistance through the OU Student Financial Center.

Current Covid Information:

Students can find up to date Covid information at https://www.ou.edu/together. This includes information on how to get a vaccine, covid test, etc.

Land Acknowledgement Statement Provided by OU’s Tribal Liaison office: 

Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people. The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgement is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.

University Policies

Academic Integrity and the Student Code:

The overall goal of this course is your learning. In order to demonstrate that you have reached this goal, the work you turn in needs to be your own. This includes putting written work into your own words and citing your sources, as appropriate to avoid plagiarism. Penalties for serious offenses include a zero on the assignment and egregious offenses can even result in expulsion from the university, so it is important to understand expectations. The most serious offenses can often be avoided by citing sources—when in doubt, cite it! As part of our work together we will talk about how to accurately and responsibly cite sources, both to avoid plagiarism and strengthen your writing.

Plagiarism as defined by the OU Integrity Office includes

• Copying words and presenting them as your own writing.
• Copying words, even if you give the source, unless you also indicate that the copied words are a direct quotation
• Copying words and then changing them a little, even if you give the source.
• Even if you express it in your own words, it is plagiarism to use someone else’s idea as your own.

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.

Please note that "recycling" your own work from another course, also called self-plagiarism, is also strictly prohibited and will result in a charge of academic misconduct.

Final Exam Preparation Period Policy:

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. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU’s Final Exam Preparation Period policy.

Copyright Policy:

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.

OU Diversity Statement:

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person’s unique contributions, background, and perspectives.

The University recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff, and for the communities that we engage.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy:

The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include, but are not limited to, learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy. To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (ph.) 405.325.3852, or adrc@ou.edu. 

Excused Absences for Religious Observances:

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.

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 Accessibility and Disability Resource Center at 405/325-3852 as soon as possible. Also, see the Institutional Equity Office FAQ on Pregnant and Parenting Students’ Rights for answers to commonly asked questions.

Title IX Resources:

Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically. The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see “Can I make an anonymous report?”). You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or police (911). Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in: class discussion, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails and during Student/Office Hours. For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.

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. Additional Weather Safety Information is available through the Department of Campus Safety.

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. Avoid: 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. Deny: 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. Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit OU’s Emergency Preparedness site. 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 University Counseling Center.