DANC 148 FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERN DANCE Spring 2017

Sec. 5502 Stacey Carlson

PAC 1610 (Dance Theater) scarls@umd.edu
T & Th 12:30p-1:45p Office PAC 1945

Class Description: Introduction to modern dance with development of fundamental

movement skills and techniques.

Course Overview:
This course aims to give students the opportunity to move through space efficiently with
fundamental movement principles of dance. Drawing from traditional styles of modern dance
and basic acrobatics ways of getting into and out of the floor will be explored. Using the
movement principles students will be given the opportunity to improvise and create short
dances. Classes will be taught with core stability and efficiency of movement.

Course Goals:
By the end of the course students will be able to:
• Learn and demonstrate the fundamentals of modern dance
• Understand and utilize dynamic alignment while standing and in motion
• Show that they grasp and retain movement combinations by repeating and performing on
their own
• Use related vocabulary to correctly identify anatomy and movements descriptively,
whether verbal or written
• Verbalize positive, constructive criticism to other classmates and self
• Critique and review one dance performance using vocabulary and constructive criticism
learned
• Show an increase in flexibility, strength and stamina

Materials needed:
- Journal
- Proper dance attire (see listed below)
- A positive attitude

Important grading events:

1. Journals will be collected a minimum of 3 times.

2. Preliminary assessment. (Video taping of movement phrase.)
3. Performance critique
4. Mid-term reflection assessment
5. Final assessment

Studio changes:
Please note that some times our class will be rescheduled to another studio. Currently here are
the changes.
T Feb 14, Th Feb 16, T Apr 25, Th Apr 27, T May 2, Th May 4, T May 9 in Studio 1

*** SUBJECT TO CHANGE...You will be notified on ELMS and IN class of changes.

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DANC 148 FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERN DANCE Spring 2017

Expectations and Rubric:

Dance is a physical practice therefore consistent attendance and active participation is a key
factor in your success. If there are excessive absences (more than 3 classes) the grade will
begin to reflect this as lack of participation. It is possible to regain some participation points for
up to 3 absences by taking a make-up class or a make-up assignment.

Active participation is:

• Being attentive to instructions and demonstrations.
• Being fully present in mind and body with a positive energy.
• Being respectful of others and enthusiastic to try new things.
• Applying and retaining feedback and corrections given to yourself and others.

Class etiquette:
• Be prepared to start class at scheduled start time. (In proper attire, ready to go)
• No food, drink or gum allowed in studio. Water bottles are encouraged.
• Cell phones must be put away and on SILENT.
• Treat your self, others, and the space with respect.
• If injured please inform teacher before class begins.

Dress Code:

Acceptable things to wear: Tank tops, t-shirts, leotards, leggings, tights, yoga pants,
long shorts, sweatpants, bare feet, and hair secured.

What NOT to wear: Street shoes, Baggy clothes, jeans, hats, and jewelry.

Injury:
If you are injured during class, stop dancing immediately and inform the teacher.
If you have an injury or other medical reason that prevents you from physically participating in
class, you may observe class and complete an in-class observation assignment. Only two
observations per semester will be allowed. Please submit observation notes at the end of class
for full participation credit. See instructor if you’ve sustained a long-term injury, as an incomplete
or withdrawal may be needed.

Tardy policy:
Coming more than 10 minutes late to class you will not be able to physically participate in the
class. The warm-up is essential for your personal safety to prepare the body for class and
prevent injuries. You will be permitted to do an in-class observation for partial participation
credit. This must be handed in at the end of class.

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Touch:
This class may involve some touch as part of the learning process. The teacher is available to
speak privately about this if you are unsure what this means or are not comfortable with this
‘hands on’ approach.
**Teaching movement involves “hands on” corrections and guidance. This is a way of informing
your body through tactile cues, and has been integral to dance classes throughout the ages. Areas that
may be touched are the legs, arms, head and neck, and torso (back ribs and shoulders). However, tactile
cues can vary from student to student or situation. If you are not comfortable with this type of “hands on”
training, please speak with your teacher privately.

Video:
Students will be filmed for assessment purposes and this will only be shared with the class
through a private server or password protected upload.

Grading Rubric:

50% Active class participation

10% Dance Performance Critique/Review
10% Reflection/Assessment paper
10% Journals
20% Final

A+ A A-
Denotes excellent mastery of the subject
and outstanding scholarship
B+ B B-
Denotes good mastery of the subject
and good scholarship
C+ C C-
Denotes acceptable mastery of the subject
D+ D D-
Denotes borderline understanding of the subject,
marginal performance, and
Unsatisfactory progress toward a degree
F
Denotes failure to understand the subject
and unsatisfactory performance

See undergraduate catalogue for description of grades, e.g., A+, A, A-

etc.: http://www.umd.edu/catalog/index.cfm/show/content.section/c/27/ss/1584/s/1534

Students are required to earn a grade of at least C-in their major and have a
minimum of 2.0 Cumulative GPA in their major in order to graduate.
http://www.testudo.umd.edu/plusminusimplementation.html

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Journal
Write in journal reflecting on your personal experiences with this class and movement in your
daily life.

Performance Critique/Review Paper (2 performances)

** 1 of these performance papers must be from approved list. The second show can be from the
list or one you have discovered on your own.

o Write a 2 Page formal Critique/Review of a dance performance you have attended. Ticket
stub must be presented as proof of attendance.
o Write a 1 page informal response to a performance you saw. Can be from the list or one
you have found on your own.

Things to write about in your review:

1. What did you see? Title of show, place and date seen, and any other information (i.e.
what style of dance) you feel is needed to understand the context of the show.
2. How did you feel? And what do you think made you feel that way? Something about the
dancing? Or music? Or style?
3. What did you like or dis-like?
4. What do you think the choreographer was trying to do or say in show?
5. What elements other then choreography added to or distracted from the performance?
(i.e. lighting, music, sound, set…)

Mid-term reflection/assessment
Write a reflection/assessment about your self in this class so far. Reflect on your success, what
is memorable, and what you feel you could improve on. Be sure to use vocabulary already
learned.

Things to include:
1. What am I most successful at in this class?
2. What was a memorable moment for me?
3. What movement style and/or principle do I enjoy the most? Why?
4. What movement style and/or principle do I least enjoy? Why?
5. How has my body changed or my relationship to my body changed so far this
semester?

Final assessment
This will be an in class assessment. (Subject to change for further improvement)
1. You will perform a dance combination. I will be looking for ability to finish the
combination, how much has been remembered, and any improvements.
2. Perform a short dance you create in class using some of the principles learned in the
class. This will be done in small groups.
3. The written portion will be handed out in class and you will be given time to complete
it.

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Course Procedures and Policies

Medical absence:
Should you have a medically necessary absence, you must whenever possible communicate with the instructor in
advance in class or via email. You must also present a self-signed note documenting the date of the missed
class(es) and testifying to the need for the absence. This note must include an acknowledgement that (a) the
information provided is true and correct, and (b) that the student understands that providing false information to
University officials is a violation of Part 9(h) of the Code of Student Conduct.
http://www.umd.edu/catalog/index.cfm/show/content.section/c/27/ss/1584/s/1540

It is the student’s responsibility to contact another student from class to find out what was covered, and get notes,
announcements and/or assignments from any missed classes.

If a student is absent more than once for a medically necessary illness, the instructor requires documentation
signed by a health care professional. If you do not have doctor or hospital documentation, see
http://www.health.umd.edu/faq under “What should I do if I miss class because of an illness?” for a class excuse
note that should be printed, signed via the honor code, and turned in to the instructor within one week. Make copies
as needed for multiple instructors.

Prolonged absence or illness preventing attendance from class requires written documentation from the Health
Center and/or health care provider verifying dates of treatment when student was unable to meet academic
responsibilities.

Absence due to religious observance will not be penalized, however, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the
instructor within the first 3 weeks of class regarding any religious observance absence(s) for the entire semester.
The calendar of religious holidays can be found at: http://faculty.umd.edu/teach/attend_student.html#religious

Communication about this course: Faculty and advisors use email to convey important information, and students
are responsible for keeping their email address up to date, and must ensure that forwarding to another address
functions properly. Failure to check email, errors in forwarding, and returned email are the responsibility of the
student, and do not constitute an excuse for missing announcements or deadlines.

Academic integrity: The UMD Honor Code and Honor Pledge prohibit students from cheating on exams,
plagiarizing papers, submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without authorization, buying papers,
submitting fraudulent documents and forging signatures. On every examination, paper or other academic exercise
not specifically exempted by the instructor, students must write by hand and sign the following pledge:

I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (or
assignment).

Allegations of academic dishonesty will be reported directly to the Student Honor Council: http://www.shc.umd.edu.

Students who engage in academic dishonesty in this course will receive no points for the assignment in question,
and will be immediately reported to the Honor Council and Office of Judicial Programs for further action. There will
be no warnings. Remember, cheating, plagiarism or other types of fabrication are never worth it.

Disability support: The University of Maryland is committed to providing appropriate accommodations for students
with disabilities. Students with a documented disability should inform the instructors within the add-drop period if
academic accommodations are needed. To obtain the required Accommodation Letter, please contact Disability

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Support Service (DSS), a division of the University Counseling Center at 301-314-7682, e-mail dissup@umd.edu,
or visit the Shoemaker Building for more information.

Copyright notice: Class lectures and other materials are copyrighted and they may not be reproduced for anything
other than personal use without written permission from the instructor. Copyright infringements may be referred to
the Office of Student Conduct.

Emergency protocol: Should the University be closed for an extended period of time, please check the ELMS site
for alternative assignments.

This syllabus is subject to change: Students will be notified in advance of important changes that could affect
grading, assignments, etc.

Course evaluations: are a part of the process by which the University of Maryland seeks to improve teaching and
learning. Your participation in this official system is critical to the success of the process, and all information
submitted to CourseEvalUM is confidential. (Instructors can only view group summaries of evaluations and cannot
identify which submissions belong to which students.)

A word about technology: Students are not under any circumstances allowed to use their phones, laptops or
other electronic devices during class. Phones must be turned off and stowed away by the start of the class period.

Diversity: The University of Maryland values the diversity of its student body. Along with the University, I am
committed to providing a classroom atmosphere that encourages the equitable participation of all students
regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Potential
devaluation of students in the classroom that can occur by reference to demeaning stereotypes of any group and/or
overlooking the contributions of a particular group to the topic under discussion is inappropriate. (See Statement
on Classroom Climate, http://www.umd.edu/catalog/index.cfm/show/content.section/c/27/ss/1584/s/1541).

Campus resources: There are many campus resources available to students –

For information on elms, counselling, health, learning workshops, tutoring, writing help, student rights in undergrad
courses, questions about graduation or add/drop/withdraw, please see
http://www.ugst.umd.edu/courserelatedpolicies.html

Counseling
http://www.counseling.umd.edu/
(301) 314-7651

Tutoring
http://www.tutoring.umd.edu/
a database of tutorial programs offered at University of Maryland

Writing
http://www.english.umd.edu/academics/writingcenter
(301) 405-3785

Disability
http://www.counseling.umd.edu/DSS/registration.html
(301) 314-7682
Testing accommodations, reading accommodations, deaf and hard of hearing services, note taking, Para-
transit, Adaptive Technology Lab
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Important dates:

! Th Mar 9 NO CLASS for ACDA

! T May 2 LAST DAY TO TURN IN PERFORMANCE REFLECTIONS (highly suggest
turning them in as soon as you see the performance)

Jan 25: First day! Read syllabus and get to know each other.

Feb 2: Vocabulary Lists handed out

Feb 9: Videotape class

Feb 14**: GUEST ARTIST Germaine Acogny ** MEET IN STUDIO 1

Feb 21: GUEST ARTIST Patrick Acogny ** MEET IN STUDIO 1

Feb 23: Journals collected

Mar 9: NO CLASS MARCH 9 due to ACDA

Mar 16: Midterm reflections/assessments due

Mar 21 & 23: SPRING BREAK-------

Mar 30: Journals collected

Apr 25**: ** MEET IN STUDIO 1

Apr 27**: Journals collected

May 2**: Last day to turn in performance responses ** MEET IN STUDIO 1

May 4**: Videotape and assessments

May 9**& 11: IN CLASS FINAL

May 13-19: Finals Week

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

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APPROVED PERFORMANCES

DATES SHOW VENUE

Jan 28 Company Wayne McGregor: Atomos The Clarice

Jan 28 & 29 Pilobolus GW Lisner Auditorium

Jan 31- Feb 5 Mariinsky Ballet: Alexei Kennedy Center

Ratmansky's The Little Humpbacked
Horse

Feb 4 & 5 Lane Co Arts Dance Place

Feb 7 – 12 Alvin Ailey Dance Theater Kennedy Center

Feb 11 & 12 Sole Defined Dance Place

Feb 12 Step Afrika! Step Xplosion Strathmore

Feb 22 What's Going On: The Marvin Gaye Center Stage @ RCC
Project

Feb 24 & 25 Mark Morris Dance Group George Mason Univ. Center for
the Arts
Feb 25 & 26 Ron K. Brown / EVIDENCE Dance Place

Mar 3 & 4 Second Season Shared Graduate The Clarice

Dance Concert

Apr 6 & 8 Second Season: Flint by LaTefia Bradley, The Clarice

Another Side of You by Allen Chunhui Zing,
and Akwantuo: The Journey by Mustapha
Braimah

May 5 – 7 UMoves: Undergraduate Dance Concert The Clarice

TDPS
Jan 27 & 28 Second Season: The Weeping Philosophers The Clarice

Feb 2 & 3 Silencio Blanco The Clarice

Feb 4 34th Annual Choreographer's Showcase The Clarice

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Some concepts we will explore:

Up/down; Left/Right
Familiarize with o
ur bodies in the space.
What moves us? Locomotion/styles
Understanding of ways we move through space.
Under curve/Over curve
Getting familiar with the concept of under and over curve.
Head, shoulders, knees and toes
Basic anatomy and ways we can use them in dance i.e. initiation points.
Drop/catch
Understanding the concept of drop and catch.
What goes up must come down?
Deepen understanding of gravity and how to move in and out of the floor.
Go with the flow?
Explore bound and flow.
Contract/ release
Movement sampler
Explore some dance styles.

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DANC 148 FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERN DANCE Spring 2017

I have read and understand the syllabus for DANC 148 Fundamentals of Modern Dance for Spring 2017
with Stacey Carlson.

I understand all is subject to change and will be notified in a timely manner.

I understand the resources available to me as stated in this syllabus and given to me by the University of
Maryland.

Print and Signed by: Date:

Students name

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