Theatre and Dance
Division of Humanities And Fine Arts
The Department of Theatre & Dance embraces the principles of the liberal arts. To that end, we emphasize—both within and beyond the classroom—the full breadth of such an education. Our students routinely double major and minor, pairing Theatre & Dance with disciplines from English to Environmental Studies, and with interdisciplinary minors like Arts Management & Entrepreneurship.
The Theatre program provides a broad base of theatrical knowledge through introductory and advanced courses in acting, directing, design, technical production, and theatre history. We also offer recurring electives in areas such as playwriting, dramaturgy, adaptation, improvisation, stage management, and arts administration.
Theatre
THE SCE Senior Capstone Experience 2 Credits
A student may complete the Theatre SCE in one ofseveral ways: a traditional research thesis in theareas of theatrical criticism, theory, or history;a playwriting thesis in which the student writes,workshops, and produces a rehearsed reading of afull-length play; a production thesis in which thestudent serves as dramaturg, stage manager,designer, performer, or director of a departmentalproduction. Students may also propose alternativeprojects not listed above, to be developed andapproved in collaboration with the faculty.Students are strongly encouraged to collaborate ontheir SCEs, either by folding multiple SCEs into asingle student-produced show (with all SCEstudents equitably sharing the duties and title ofproducer) or by completing the SCE as part of afaculty-directed production.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 158 Dramaturgy 4 Credits
Analysis and discussion of the theoretical andpractical aspects of dramaturgy, with particularemphasis placed on script analysis and historicalresearch.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 181 Theatre Practicum: Crew 1 Credit
This course provides an opportunity for studenttechnicians (lighting/sound/projection operatorsand backstage/wardrobe/run crew) of departmentaltheatre & dance productions to receive credit fortheir work. Technicians typically must participatein load-in, technical rehearsals, performances,and strike; specific duties are determined basedon the needs of each production. Techniciansshould expect to devote a total of 20-50 hours,some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. Student technicians areautomatically enrolled (either for credit or asauditors) after their production closes. Practicumcourses may be repeated for credit (1,2)credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 182 Theatre Practicum: Performance 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentperformers in departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Performers typically must participate inauditions, callbacks, rehearsals, load-in,technical rehearsals, performances, and strike;specific duties are determined based on the needsof each production. Performers should expect todevote a total of 60-100 hours, some of which maybe during college breaks, adjacent semesters,weekends, holidays, and other unusual times. Atthe beginning of each semester, all studentsinvolved in departmental productions areautomatically enrolled as auditors in the relevantpracticum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 183 Theatre Practicum: Design 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentdesigners of departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Designers typically must participate in aproduction orientation workshop (scenery, props,costumes, lighting, or sound), a design meetingwith the departmental faculty, productionmeetings, load-in, technical rehearsals, andstrike; specific duties are determined based onthe needs of the production. Designers shouldexpect to devote a total of 60-100 hours, some ofwhich may be during college breaks, adjacentsemesters, weekends, holidays, and other unusualtimes. At the beginning of each semester, allstudents involved in departmental productions areautomatically enrolled as auditors in the relevantpracticum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 184 Theatre Practicum: Dramaturgy 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentdramaturgs of departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Students in these positions typically mustparticipate in production meetings, rehearsals,load-in, technical rehearsals, and strike;specific duties are determined based on the needsof the production. Students in these positionsshould expect to devote a total of 60-100 hours,some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. At the beginning of each semester,all students involved in departmental productionsare automatically enrolled as auditors in therelevant practicum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 185 Theatre Practicum: Assistant Stage Mgmt 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentassistant stage managers of departmental theatreproductions to receive credit for their work.Assistant stage managers typically mustparticipate in production meetings, rehearsals,load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, andstrike; specific duties are determined based onthe needs of the production. Assistant stagemanagers should expect to devote a total of 60-100hours, some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. At the beginning of each semester,all students involved in departmental productionsare automatically enrolled as auditors in therelevant practicum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 186 Theatre Practicum: Choreography 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentchoreographers (movement/dance/fight) ofdepartmental theatre productions to receive creditfor their work. Students in these positionstypically must participate in production meetings,rehearsals, load-in, technical rehearsals, andstrike; specific duties are determined based onthe needs of the production. Students in thesepositions should expect to devote a total of60-100 hours, some of which may be during collegebreaks, adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays,and other unusual times. At the beginning of eachsemester, all students involved in departmentalproductions are automatically enrolled as auditorsin the relevant practicum course(s) and will begiven an opportunity to request credit bycontacting the instructor. Practicum courses maybe repeated for credit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 187 Theatre Practicum: Assistant Directing 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentassistant directors of departmental theatre &dance productions to receive credit for theirwork. Students in these positions typically mustparticipate in production meetings, rehearsals,load-in, technical rehearsals, and strike;specific duties are determined based on the needsof the production. Students in these positionsshould expect to devote a total of 60-100 hours,some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. At the beginning of each semester,all students involved in departmental productionsare automatically enrolled as auditors in therelevant practicum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 194 Special Topics 4 Credits
View Available Sections for titles anddescriptions of Special Topics offered thissemester.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 201 Drama, Stage, and Society I 4 Credits
This theatre history course examines thedevelopment of (primarily) Western drama againsta backdrop of historical and social change.Students read a variety of plays and discusstheatre history, dramatic theory, and criticismrepresenting the major currents in (primarily)Western theatre from its origins to the 18thcentury CE. We frequently employ one or more ofthe following lenses or viewpoints to focus ourlectures and discussions: the physical theatre(how the material artifacts of theater-buildings,documents, etc.-tell the story of theatre historyand influence dramaturgy); the social theatre (howthe theatre relates to its social context,including consideration of the audience); and theperforming theatre (the plays themselves and howthey were/are performed). Students are encouragedto draw connections between the material we coverin this course and the many intellectual andaesthetic parallels to be found in contemporaneoustrends in history, philosophy, literature, and thearts.
Cross-listed as: The*201 The*202
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
THE 203 Drama, Stage, and Society II 4 Credits
This theatre history course examines thedevelopment of (primarily) Western drama againsta backdrop of historical and social change.Students read a variety of plays and discusstheatre history, dramatic theory, and criticismrepresenting the major currents in (primarily)Western theatre from the 18th century to 1992. Wefrequently employ one or more of the followinglenses or viewpoints to focus our lectures anddiscussions: the physical theatre (how thematerial artifacts of theater-buildings,documents, etc.-tell the story of theatre historyand influence dramaturgy); the social theatre(how the theatre relates to its social context,including consideration of the audience); and theperforming theatre (the plays themselves and howthey were/are performed). Students are encouragedto draw connections between the material we coverin this course and the many intellectual andaesthetic parallels to be found in contemporaneoustrends in history, philosophy, literature, and thearts.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, Even Years
THE 205 Shakespeare I 4 Credits
This course examines some of Shakespeare's bestknown earlier plays (those written before thedeath of Queen Elizabeth in 1603) both in thecontext of early modern English culture and asplay scripts/performances. Using films and liveproductions it considers the plays as they havebeen and could be interpreted for performance.This class examines a number of these excitingworks through a variety of lenses from gender toperformance history.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
THE 206 Shakespeare II 4 Credits
This course examines some of Shakespeare's bestknown later plays (those written after the deathof Queen Elizabeth in 1603) both in the context ofearly modern English culture and as playscripts/performances. Shakespeare's later playsare complicated portraits of people and societiesgoing through incredible change. This class willexamine a number of these exciting works through avariety of lenses from gender to performancehistory.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
THE 211 Introduction to Acting 4 Credits
Analysis and application of basic actingtechniques with a concentration on scene studyand character analysis.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 221 Introduction to Directing 4 Credits
Study of the basic principles and practices ofdirecting, including interpretation, structuralanalysis, and investigation of basic stagingtechniques.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
THE 231 Stagecraft 4 Credits
In this course, students engage in hands-oninvestigation of the tools, methods, and materialsused in the theatrical production process,including scenic & props construction, scenicpainting, rigging, scale drafting, shop safety,and lighting, sound, & projections technology.Required laboratory hours will be arranged inconsultation with the instructor.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
THE 233 Creative Process 4 Credits
This course gives an overview of major topicsin creativity: the pleasures and pitfalls as wellas effective strategies to use in creative work.Each week we tackle another issue and explore waysto approach creativity in the broadest sense. Atthe same time students work on self-directedprojects throughout the semester (largely outsideof class time), submit weekly progress updates,and periodically share with the class. By the endof the semester students have a range of tools andhands-on experiences to return to again and againin their future creative work. Prerequisite: Onecourse of Studio Art, Music, Theatre, Dance, orCreative Writing, or permission of the instructor.
Requisites: Pre-req: One course of Studio Art, Music, Theatre, Dance, or
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
THE 241 Introduction to Theatrical Design 4 Credits
This course offers a broad look at all aspects oftheatrical design, including scenery, properties,costume, lighting, and sound, with an emphasis oninter-disciplinary skills such as close reading(of texts and images), research and clearcommunication (written, visual and aural).Students learn to approach theatrical questionsfrom a variety of angles, and develop a basicunderstanding of all design elements and how theyfit together.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 285 Adv Theatre Practicum: Stage Management 4 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentstage managers of departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Stage managers typically must participate inweekly roundtable discussions with the faculty,auditions, callbacks, production meetings,rehearsals, load-in, technical rehearsals,performances, and strike; specific duties aredetermined based on the needs of the production.Stage managers should expect to devote a total of120-200 hours, some of which may be during collegebreaks, adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays,and other unusual times. At the beginning of eachsemester, all students involved in departmentalproductions are automatically enrolled asauditors in the relevant practicum course(s), andwill be given an opportunity to request credit bycontacting the instructor.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 287 Theater Practicum: Advanced Directing 4 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentdirectors of departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Students in these positions typically mustparticipate in production meetings, rehearsals,load-in, technical rehearsals, and strike;specific duties are determined based on the needsof the production. Students in these positionsshould expect to devote a total of 120-200 hours,some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. At the beginning of each semester,all students involved in departmental productionsare automatically enrolled as auditors in therelevant practicum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 290 Theatre Internship 4 Credits
A learning contract is developed prior toenrollment in an internship. Evaluation of studentperformance is completed by the faculty mentorbased on the fulfillment of the contract terms andwritten evaluation by the internship sitesupervisor. Students must work at least 45 hoursfor each internship credit and be enrolled in thecourse prior to beginning work. Graded A-F orPass/Fail.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 294 Special Topics 4 Credits
View Available Sections for titles anddescriptions of Special Topics offered thissemester.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 297 Independent Study 4 Credits
An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and astudent letting the student study a topic ofinterest not offered at WC. 45 hours are requiredper credit.
THE 306 American Musical Theater 4 Credits
The study of musical theater in America from theturn of the century to the present with emphasison the form itself and its history. The courseexplores the structure of the musical and thedramatic functions of score, lyrics, and librettoas well as the political, societal, musical, andtheatrical reasons for changes in the form.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
THE 311 Advanced Acting 4 Credits
Using varying texts and performance styles, thiscourse builds upon the ideas and skills ofIntroduction to Acting, with a focus onincorporating characterization and givencircumstances with scene study. Students employaction-based techniques to determine theircharacters' objectives and to explore the tacticsthey use to overcome obstacles and achieve theirgoals. Performance texts and styles vary bysemester; details will be posted beforeregistration. Past offerings have included:Shakespeare, Contemporary Styles, Meisner, andActing for the Camera.
Requisites: Pre or co-req: THE 211
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 317 Theatrical Improvisation 4 Credits
The course examines the history, theory, andpractice of theatrical improvisation as practicedin the United States and Canada since 1950.
Requisites: Pre or co-req: THE 211
Term(s) Offered: Spring, Odd Years
THE 321 Advanced Directing 4 Credits
This course will build upon the concepts initiallyexplored in Intro Directing. Through discussion,exercises, and scene work, students will delvedeeper into the craft of directing. Topics mayinclude leadership approaches, collaboration withactors / designers / stage managers, textanalysis, and exploration of different theatricalstyles.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
THE 351 Introduction to Playwriting 4 Credits
Analysis and practical application of techniquesand styles employed in writing for the stage.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
THE 358 Script Analysis & Dramaturgy 4 Credits
An introduction to the methodologies of scriptanalysis, as well as the theoretical and practicalaspects of dramaturgy. In this course, studentsstrengthen their communication skills byarticulating their ideas about plays and theatreproductions through the creation of short articlesand exercises, in-class presentations, andresearch papers, examining topics such as choosingplays for a theatre season, new play development,contextual research and its application in therehearsal room, and audience engagement.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 361 Adaptation 4 Credits
This course explores the theory and practice ofadapting non-dramatic literature for the stage.Students examine the form through writing andstaging short story adaptations, whose size andscope allow students to learn and explore variousapproaches to this kind of theatricalstorytelling. The course provides students with astrong introduction to the theoretical andcritical body of knowledge in the area ofadaptation of literature. In addition, studentsdevelop skills in acting, directing, writing, anddramaturgy.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, Odd Years
THE 371 Stage Management 4 Credits
This course provides a thorough exploration of theroles and duties of the theatrical stage manager,from pre-production through closing night andbeyond. Using a mix of readings, discussion,paperwork assignments, and lab activities,students develop both hard skills (such asdocument design, scheduling, and preparedness) andsoft skills (such as communication, leadership,management, and collaboration). By the end of thesemester, students will be well prepared to stagemanage a fully-produced show. This course has nocurricular prerequisite, but requires a baselineunderstanding of the rehearsal and productionprocess; accordingly, enrolled students shouldhave some experience working in the theatre (as anactor, designer, crew member, etc.).
Term(s) Offered: Fall, Non Conforming
THE 375 Arts Administration 4 Credits
This course explores various aspects ofleadership, management, and entrepreneurship forthe visual and performing arts. Students learn howarts organizations define themselves, makedecisions, and plan for the future. Topics mayinclude leadership & governance, mission &strategy, program planning & evaluation,intellectual property & contracting, marketing &public relations, and/or budgeting & fundraising.This course requires a baseline interest in andunderstanding of the arts.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, Odd Years
THE 390 Theatre Internship 4 Credits
A learning contract is developed prior toenrollment in an internship. Evaluation of studentperformance is completed by the faculty mentorbased on the fulfillment of the contract terms andwritten evaluation by the internship sitesupervisor. Students must work at least 45 hoursfor each internship credit and be enrolled in thecourse prior to beginning work. Graded A-F orPass/Fail.
THE 391 Junior Seminar 4 Credits
The course prepares theatre majors for the SCEthrough script analysis, critical thinking,synthesis of textual and performance analysis,research, readings, discussion, writing, andengagement with guest artists. Over the semester,students develop stronger oral and writtencommunication skills, develop the leadership andmanagement skills necessary for effectivecreative collaboration, and expand their ownimaginative tools and resources. Students spendpart of the semester writing and revisingchapters for the written SCE Production Book.(Learning objectives may vary slightly fromstudent to student, depending on the needs ofeach SCE project.) This course is required forall theatre majors, and must be taken in thespring of the junior year.
Cross-listed as: THE 391
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
THE 394 Special Topics 4 Credits
View Available Sections for titles anddescriptions of Special Topics offered thissemester.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 397 Theatre Independent Study 4 Credits
An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and astudent letting the student study a topic ofinterest not offered at WC. 45 hours are requiredper credit.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 401 Dramatic Theory 4 Credits
Throughout history, thinkers have been variouslyexcited, enraged, bothered or bored by theater. Through the rigorous study of the writings andhistorical context of the major thinkers in theevolution of theater (from Aristotle to Ehn),students come to a greater understanding of thevarious changes, permutations and responses totheater in the Western World.
Term(s) Offered: Other, Non Conforming
THE 490 Theatre Internship 4 Credits
A learning contract is developed prior toenrollment in an internship. Evaluation of studentperformance is completed by the faculty mentorbased on the fulfillment of the contract terms andwritten evaluation by the internship sitesupervisor. Students must work at least 45 hoursfor each internship credit and be enrolled in thecourse prior to beginning work. Graded A-F orPass/Fail.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 494 Special Topics 4 Credits
View Available Sections for titles anddescriptions of Special Topics offered thissemester.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
THE 497 Theatre Independent Study 4 Credits
An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and astudent letting the student study a topic ofinterest not offered at WC. 45 hours are requiredper credit.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
Dance
DAN 101 Dance in Culture & Society 4 Credits
Dance in Culture and Society is an introductionto the study of dance in the academy. This surveycourse introduces students to dance as both anaesthetic and cultural experience. The aim is topresent the breadth of the field, specificallywhere dance happens, the diverse functions itserves, and ways of making meaning of the danceexperience. Through movement laboratories,readings, videos, observations, and discussionsstudents explore the dance discipline.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
DAN 181 Dance Practicum: Crew 1 Credit
This course provides an opportunity for studenttechnicians (lighting/sound/projection operatorsand backstage crew) of the annual Dance MinorConcert to receive credit for their work.Technicians must participate in technicalrehearsals and performances. Specific duties aredetermined based on the needs of the production;guidelines are available from the instructor.Technicians should expect to devote a total of20-50 hours over the course of the production.Student technicians will be automatically enrolled(either for credit or as auditors) after theirproduction closes. Practicum courses may berepeated for credit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 182 Dance Practicum: Performance 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentperformers in departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Performers typically must participate inauditions, callbacks, rehearsals, load-in,technical rehearsals, performances, and strike;specific duties are determined based on the needsof each production. Performers should expect todevote a total of 60-100 hours, some of which maybe during college breaks, adjacent semesters,weekends, holidays, and other unusual times. Atthe beginning of each semester, all studentsinvolved in departmental productions areautomatically enrolled as auditors in the relevantpracticum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 183 Dance Practicum: Design 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentdesigners of departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Designers typically must participate in aproduction orientation workshop (scenery, props,costumes, lighting, or sound), a design meetingwith the departmental faculty, productionmeetings, load-in, technical rehearsals, andstrike; specific duties are determined based onthe needs of the production. Designers shouldexpect to devote a total of 60-100 hours, some ofwhich may be during college breaks, adjacentsemesters, weekends, holidays, and other unusualtimes. At the beginning of each semester, allstudents involved in departmental productions areautomatically enrolled as auditors in the relevantpracticum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 184 Dance Practicum: Dramaturgy 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentdramaturgs of departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Students in these positions typically mustparticipate in production meetings, rehearsals,load-in, technical rehearsals, and strike;specific duties are determined based on the needsof the production. Students in these positionsshould expect to devote a total of 60-100 hours,some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. At the beginning of each semester,all students involved in departmental productionsare automatically enrolled as auditors in therelevant practicum course(s), and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 185 Dance Practicum: Assistant Stage Mngmt 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentassistant stage managers of departmental theatreproductions to receive credit for their work.Assistant stage managers typically mustparticipate in production meetings, rehearsals,load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, andstrike; specific duties are determined based onthe needs of the production. Assistant stagemanagers should expect to devote a total of 60-100hours, some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. At the beginning of each semester,all students involved in departmental productionsare automatically enrolled as auditors in therelevant practicum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor. Practicum courses may be repeated forcredit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 186 Dance Practicum: Choreography 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentsto gain experience in creating originalchoreography for the annual departmental danceconcert. Working collaboratively with theirdancers, faculty and guest choreographers, concertdirector, and production personnel will helpstudents develop their choreographic andleadership skills. To enroll, students mustcomplete a Student Choreographer Application.Dance faculty and guest artists will reviewapplications and select the studentchoreographers. Student choreographers mustparticipate in auditions, weekly rehearsals,works-in-progress showings, technical rehearsalsand performances. Choreographers should expect todevote a total of 60-100 hours over the course ofthe production. Practicum courses may be repeatedfor credit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
DAN 187 Dance Practicum: Assistant Directing 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentsto gain experience in creating originalchoreography for the annual departmental danceconcert. Working collaboratively with theirdancers, faculty and guest choreographers, concertdirector, and production personnel will helpstudents develop their choreographic andleadership skills. To enroll, students mustcomplete a Student Choreographer Application.Dance faculty and guest artists will reviewapplications and select the studentchoreographers. Student choreographers mustparticipate in auditions, weekly rehearsals,works-in-progress showings, technical rehearsalsand performances. Choreographers should expect todevote a total of 60-100 hours over the course ofthe production. Practicum courses may be repeatedfor credit (1,2) credit(s).
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
DAN 194 Special Topics 4 Credits
View Available Sections for titles anddescriptions of Special Topics offered thissemester.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 212 Beginning Ballet 4 Credits
Beginning Ballet is an introduction to thefundamentals of ballet technique as well asballet terminology, traditions, and etiquette.Ballet class begins at the ballet barre andprogresses to ballet centre adagio, and allegrocombinations, all of which emphasize clarity ofline, movement efficiency, range of motion, andartistry. Readings, videos, reflective andanalytical writing, and live performancecontextualize the in-class work.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
DAN 227 Beginning Modern Dance 4 Credits
Beginning Modern Dance is an introduction to basicprinciples of modern dance as a creative art form.Special emphasis is placed on body awareness,alignment, and artistic expression. The classstructure includes a full body warm-up, centermovement studies, traveling sequences and anextended modern dance phrase made up of bothchoreography and improvisation. Readings, videos,reflective and analytical writing, and liveperformance will contextualize the movementpractice. 4 credits.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 233 Dance Composition 4 Credits
Dance Composition is an introduction to the craftof making dances. It is designed to allow studentsto experience the process of discovering,creating, and performing original movement.Students utilize choreographic theories andcompositional devices to develop solo and smallgroup works. Students are encouraged to create arange of vocabularies. The course emphasizes thedevelopment of self-expression, creative inquiry,and critical awareness. Research, writing, anddiscussion required.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, Even Years
DAN 245 Jazz Dance 4 Credits
Jazz Dance offers an exploration of movementvocabularies of the American dance form Jazz,demonstrating its evolution as both an art formand vehicle for individual and group expression.Emphasis will be placed on rhythm, style,technical development, and self-expression.Students will experience a range of jazzvocabularies including Authentic Jazz Dance (ex.Lindy Hop), Classical Concert Jazz Dance (jazzdance originating at the time of Jack Cole),Musical Theatre Jazz Dance (Broadway), andContemporary Jazz Dance (ex. Lyrical Jazz and PopJazz). Class structure includes isolationtechniques, warm-up techniques, coordinationtechniques, traveling sequences, and an extendedjazz dance phrase that integrates and builds uponconcepts introduced earlier in class. Articles,videos, reflective and critical writing, and liveperformance will contextualize the movementpractice.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, Even Years
DAN 281 Creative Process 4 Credits
This course gives an overview of major topicsin creativity: the pleasures and pitfalls as wellas effective strategies to use in creative work.Each week we tackle another issue and explore waysto approach creativity in the broadest sense. Atthe same time students work on self-directedprojects throughout the semester (largely outsideof class time), submit weekly progress updates,and periodically share with the class. By the endof the semester students have a range of tools andhands-on experiences to return to again and againin their future creative work. Prerequisite: Onecourse of Studio Art, Music, Theatre, Dance, orCreative Writing, or permission of the instructor.
Requisites: Pre-req: One course of Studio Art, MUS, THE, DAN, or Creative Writing
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
DAN 285 Advanced Dance Practicum: Stage Mgmt 2 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentstage managers to receive credit for their work onthe annual departmental dance concert. Studentdance stage managers must participate inworks-in-progress showings, weekly productionmeetings, technical rehearsals, and performances;dance stage managers are also invited toparticipate in weekly SM Roundtable discussionswith the faculty and other student stage managers.Specific duties are determined based on the needsof the production, but typically include planning& executing concert logistics, creatingorganizational production documents, callinglighting & sound cues, and working closely withthe artistic and production managers to ensure asuccessful production. Stage managers shouldexpect to devote a total of 60-100 hours over thecourse of the production, some of which may beduring college breaks, weekends, holidays, lateevenings, and other unusual times. This course isopen to dance minors and non-minors. At thebeginning of each semester, all students involvedin departmental productions are automaticallyenrolled as auditors in the relevant practicumcourse(s) and will be given an opportunity torequest credit by contacting the instructor.Practicum courses may be repeated for credit (1,2)credit(s).
Requisites: Pre-req: 100-level THE or DAN practicum or THE 371
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
DAN 287 Advanced Dance Practicum: Directing 4 Credits
This course provides an opportunity for studentdirectors of departmental theatre & danceproductions to receive credit for their work.Students in these positions typically mustparticipate in production meetings, rehearsals,load-in, technical rehearsals, and strike;specific duties are determined based on the needsof the production. Students in these positionsshould expect to devote a total of 120-200 hours,some of which may be during college breaks,adjacent semesters, weekends, holidays, and otherunusual times. At the beginning of each semester,all students involved in departmental productionsare automatically enrolled as auditors in therelevant practicum course(s) and will be given anopportunity to request credit by contacting theinstructor.
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
DAN 294 Special Topics 4 Credits
View Available Sections for titles anddescriptions of Special Topics offered thissemester.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 305 Teaching Dance 4 Credits
Research shows that nearly 90% of dancers who stayin the field past college teach at least parttime. Introduction to Teaching Dance providesstudents with the practical and theoreticalfoundation necessary to teach dance in a studio,school, or community environment. Specific topicsvary from semester to semester, but may includephilosophies of dance education, kinesthetic &emotional safety, national arts educationstandards, community engagement, learner-centriclesson planning, pedagogical ethics, educationalactivism, and other contemporary issues in danceinstruction. Through observation, peer teachingpracticums, and individual reflection, studentswill gain experience planning, teaching, andevaluating dance technique classes.
Requisites: Pre-req: DAN 233
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
DAN 312 Intermediate Ballet 4 Credits
Intermediate Ballet is a progression of BeginningBallet. Special emphasis will be placed onworking in optimal alignment, building bothstrength and flexibility, and negotiatingstability and mobility. Intermediate Balletemphasizes clarity of line, movement efficiency,range of motion, and artistry. Readings, videos,reflective and analytical writing, and liveperformance will contextualize the in-class work .
Requisites: Pre-req: DAN 212
Term(s) Offered: All Terms, All Years
DAN 327 Intermediate Modern Dance 4 Credits
Intermediate Modern Dance is a progression ofBeginning Modern Dance. Students work to developa keen awareness of their bodies in order tobuild clarity, movement efficiency,grounded-ness, and dynamism. Special emphasis isplaced on working in optimal alignment, buildingboth strength and flexibility, and negotiatingcontrol and abandon. The focus is on technicaldevelopment as it relates to inviting forwardartistry and physical mastery of the body.Readings, videos, reflective and analyticalwriting, and live performance will contextualizethe movement practice.
Cross-listed as: DAN 228/DAN 327
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
DAN 329 Cuba Music & Culture 4 Credits
Students enrolled in this course will focus onanthropological, ethnomusicological, andethnochoreological ethnographic fieldworkmethods, including participant-observation,ethnographic interviews, performance ethnography,and audio/video documentation techniques.Students will be exposed to both Afro-Cubanreligious and Cuban popular expressive forms.They will learn about the interrelatedness ofmusic, dance, visual arts, ritual, and religiousbeliefs, with contemporary Cuban politics andeconomics, as well as with Cuban views onnationality, gender, and race. Students willattend/observe both formal and informal musicperformances, and take music and dance lessonswhere they will have an opportunity to engagemusicians on a one-on-one basis. This courserequires at least 10 days of travel to Cuba.
Term(s) Offered: Winter, All Years
DAN 375 Arts Administration 4 Credits
This course explores various aspects ofleadership, management, and entrepreneurship forthe visual and performing arts. Students willlearn how arts organizations define themselves,make decisions, and plan for the future. Topicsmay include: leadership & governance, mission &strategy, program planning & evaluation,intellectual property & contracting, marketing &public relations, and/or budgeting & fundraising.This course has no curricular prerequisite, butrequires a baseline interest in and understandingof the arts.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, Odd Years
DAN 381 Dance Portfolio 1 Credit
Dance Portfolio culminates the dance minor.Students submit a digital portfolio of their workfor faculty review. Upon declaring a dance minor,students schedule a meeting with the danceminor director to discuss the dance portfoliosubmission guidelines. Students maintainchronological digital files of their artisticwork including choreographic, performance,teaching,and footage and photos. In addition to compilingwork samples from class work and outsidedepartmental activities, students will write anArtist Statement, Teaching Philosophy, and DanceResume. Dance Portfolio is done as an independentstudy with 4 scheduled meetings with thedance minor director during the spring semesterof senior year.
Term(s) Offered: Spring, All Years
DAN 394 Special Topics 4 Credits
View Available Sections for titles anddescriptions of Special Topics offered thissemester.
Term(s) Offered: Fall, All Years
DAN 397 Dance Independent Study 1 Credit
An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and astudent letting the student study a topic ofinterest not offered at WC. 45 hours are requiredper credit.
DAN 497 Dance Independent Study 4 Credits
An agreement between a sponsoring faculty and astudent letting the student study a topic ofinterest not offered at WC. 45 hours are requiredper credit.