Movement Enhancement Skills for Men:Dancing Our Difference

DANC 105.001 & DANC 105.002

Spring 2013

Instructor: Vincent E. ThomasOffice: CA 1002 K

Phone: 410-704-2148Office Hrs: By appointment

Email:

A. Course Description: This course introduces students to techniques geared to improve movement skills for the male body. The course challenges students to unearth and address personal and cultural stereotypes towards men in dance.

B. Credit Hours, Studio and Class Time: 3 credit hours; DANC 105.001 (Monday/Wednesday 2:00pm-3:15pm in CA 1006); DANC 105.002 (Tuesday/Thursday 12:30pm-1:45pm in Studio CA 1008)

C. Course Goals: In this course you will……

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural, societal and historical factors that have shaped the differences that exist between men and women in the field of dance
  • Discuss and experience through movement the ways in which gender is defined in the context of recreational, social and concert dance in western society
  • Explore a variety of dance movements through the use of shape, space, time and energy in a technique specifically targeting the male body and sensibility
  • Experience, understand, and appreciate theartistry and athleticism required by both men and women to master the art of dance
  • Articulate the challenges and opportunities presented by the existence of diversity and difference between genders in the field of dance
  • Examine your own outlook in relation to the topic of gender and dance and articulate your personal beliefs and assumptions through writing and movement
  • Present and respond to a position with which you differ in a fair and balanced argument

D. Core Curriculum Course Learning Goals:

  • Discuss the context and structures of cultural traditions (in terms) of dance, literature, art, music, culture, society (assessed through video assignments and class discussions)
  • Describe important movements and processes that have affected the cultural heritage of a particular group (assessed through video assignments and class discussions)
  • Use methodologies associated with the study of cultural traditions in the arts and humanities to reflect on the experience of a particular society (assessed through physical class content, video assignments and class discussions)
  • Engage in a critical assessment of how the student’s own experience has been affected by particular cultural traditions in the arts and humanities (assessed through journaling, self-assessment assignments, and class discussions)

E. Course Content:

Movement exercises and sequences that aid in stretching, building core strength, body awareness, balance, and coordination. In addition to movement activities, the course will include oral discussions, short movement/performance assessments, written assignments, video viewing/discussions, dance concert attendance, and possible guest artists.

F. Course Expectations:

  • Consistent attendance and active participation (physical and mental) in class
  • Weekly journal entries (discoveries, highlights, revelations, self-progressions) about class
  • Attendance at 2 dance performances and written response paper/discussions

1)Towson University Dance Company: A State of Grace

Choose a concert date: May 4 at 8pm, May5 at 2pm, May 11 at 8pm, May 12 at 2pm

2)Another concert of your choice. A list of concerts will be provided at a later date

  • Completion of assigned projects, both written and performed

G. Course Grade Breakdown & Scale:

The student’s final grade will be determined by the following formula:

  • Attendance (3pt per day- 29 classes)87pts

3 pts= comes to class and participates in the entire class

2 pts= comes to class and participates in half of class

1 pt= comes to class and observes (written observations required)

0 pts= does not come to class

  • Quality of daily class work (see Criteria for Evaluation)145pts

(5pts max/daily x 29 classes)

  • Journal/Written assignments8pts
  • Video Viewing Assignment10pts
  • 2 Concert attendance and summaries (25 pts each)50pts
  • Mid-term/“Fiesta”(Physical 75pts/Written 25pts)100pts
  • Final Presentation(Physical 75pts/Written 25pts)100pts
  • Total points500pts

*The total points are multiplied by .2 to calculate the final grade

Midterms- DANC 105.001- March 13, 2013 at 2:00pm

DANC 105.002- March 14, 2013 at 12:30pm

Finals- DANC 105.001- May 21, 2013 at 8am-10am

DANC 105.002- May 15, 2013 at 12:30pm-2:30pm

Grading Scale:

A = 95-100 (4.00)C+ = 76-79 (2.33)

A- = 90-94 (3.67)C = 70-75 (2.00)

B+ = 86-89 (3.33)D+ = 65-69 (1.33)

B = 83-85 (3.00)D = 60-64 (1.00)

B- = 80-82 (2.67)F = 59 and below (0.00)

H. Rubrics for Video Analysis,Dance Concert Analysis, Midterm Final Fiesta Analysis

See Pages 8-12

  • Students are required bi-weekly to write journal entries based on thoughts/ideas about personal beliefs, assumptions, and discoveries around movement in and out of class, discussions, and reading assignments. Send journal entries electronically.

*Journals will be evaluated with the following rubric:

How has this experience affected or informed your awareness of your cultural heritage from an artistic and human perspective? Content/Connections of physical to theoretical- 1pt per entry (bi-weekly), 8pts total

I. Criteria for Evaluation on Daily Participation

The student’s grade will be based on the following criteria:

“A” - EXCELLENT (90-100) this rating is for outstanding work and excellent attendance. Excellent work is defined as possessing outstanding quality. This student has consistent focus and concentration in class, an attitude (enthusiastic spirit and energy) that fuels or channels movement, ability to take and make use of corrections leading to exceptional and exciting development of skills in the technical and artistic areas, a professional work attitude, leadership/ownership in handling the movement materials, and a willingness to take risks (going to your edge) to increase and deepen growth. The student encompasses changes/corrections without instructor input on a consistent basis and maintains an active dialogue with the class material. Movement, expression, sequence, initiation, transitions and phrasing are clearly defined with artistic integrity. Daily Quality= 5 pts

B” - ABOVE AVERAGE (80-89) this rating is for good work that shows evidence of understanding corrections, but the student is not always consistent in execution of material in class. Good is defined as a high quality. This student has good concentration in class and maintains a fairly active dialogue with class material. The student’s attitude (enthusiastic spirit and energy) that fuels or channels movement is good but inconsistent. There is good development of skills in the technical area. The artistic commitment and risk taking in relationship to the handling of movement material is good but not consistently exciting. Movement, expression, sequence, initiation, transitions and phrasing are defined with artistic integrity, but inconsistent. Daily Quality= 4 pts

“C” - AVERAGE (70-79) this rating is for fair work. Fair is defined as neither excellent nor poor. This student demonstrates a fair understanding of the principles and vocabulary of the given modern technique but is not consistent in the execution of class material and taking corrections (making improvements). Improvement is defined as an accomplishment of goals that have been clearly identified by the student and the instructor in major areas of concern regarding the performance of the given modern technique. There is an evenness of the dynamic range and expression in the approach to the movement. The student’s work, attitude, and/or concentration, enthusiasm and energy are mediocre. Inconsistently maintains an active dialogue with class material and lacks risk and excitement. Movement, expression, sequence, initiation, transitions and phrasing are not approached with enthusiasm. Work could be improved. Daily Quality= 3 pts

“D” - BELOW AVERAGE (60-69) this rating is for poor work. Poor is defined as deficient or lacking something specified. The student shows little understanding of the material given and is resistant or nonchalant in relationship to applying corrections. There is very little or no improvement throughout the semester. The professional work, attitude, and/or concentration are lackluster and problematic. Maintains little relationship/dialogue to class material. Enthusiasm and energy is nonexistent. Movement, expression, sequence, initiation, transitions and phrasing are not approached with enthusiasm. Work could be improved. Daily Quality= 2 pt

“F” – FAILING (59 and below). Student has not shown up or has done so rarely

Daily Quality= 0 pts

J. Attendance Policy: Absences are highly discouraged as the quality of your improvement and performance can only be assessed if you are in class daily. For your safety, if you arrive late (more than 15 minutes) to class you must sit, observe and take notes of class. Please use the Class Observation form and submit electronically by the next class.Please inform the instructor of the reason for late arrival at the end of class. Each student is responsible for the material presented during classes. If an illness or emergency arises, you must contact me by telephone (voice mail) or e-mail of the conflict, and follow up with me before the next class. There will be no make-ups for practicum exams unless of an extreme emergency. An excused absence is defined in the Towson University Catalogue page 18 as the following:

  • Illness or injury [doctor’s visit (must submit a doctor’s note)]
  • Compelling verifiable circumstances beyond the control of the student
  • Religious observance where the nature of the observance prevents the student from attending class
  • Participating in university activities at the request of university authorities (e.g., Intercollegiate Athletics, Forensics Team, Dance Company, etc.).

*Any unexcused absences will affect your grade. Any excused absences in excess of two will also affect your grade.

K. Appearance:

  • Please wear sweatpants/shorts, t-shirt and appropriate supportive undergarments! No boxers/boxer briefs!
  • Clothing should not obscure the line of the body (no baggy fashion wear)
  • Bare feet are the appropriate footwear (make sure your feet are clean)

L. Professional Classroom Etiquette:

  • Students are to be appropriately dressed and ready to move on time
  • It is the student’s responsibility to prepare themselves cognitively and physically to healthfully engage in movement
  • No food, specifically gum or drink is permitted in the studios
  • Water bottles are permitted on the side of the studio
  • Students are expected to remain in class throughout the assigned time. It is the student’s responsibility to take care of their personal hygiene, appearance, and safety needs prior to class
  • Students are expected to retain, integrate and synthesize class material throughout the semester
  • Please turn cell phones off or silent mode
  • Use the cubbies for personal items. Keep this area clutter free!

M. Course Withdrawal

The grade of W is administered, nonpunitive, and is not calculated in students’
GPAs. Withdrawal from this course by the published withdrawal deadline must be based on documented medical difficulties or verifiable circumstances beyond the students’ control.

N. Repeated Courses

All students may repeat this course once. If repeating, please inform me. For a third attempt, the student must obtain prior written approval from the Academic Standards Committee.

O. Academic Integrity Policy: The Department of Dance adheres to the Towson University “Student Academic Integrity Policy” as found in the 2012-2013 Towson University Undergraduate Catalog, Appendix F, at

P. Student Evaluations: Student evaluations play a crucial role in my delivery of this course. This semester, all course evaluations will be administered online during the last two weeks of the course. You will receive an email with a link to the website with directions on how to access the survey. It is vitally important that you complete the survey as I use the results to modify the course and assess my teaching and the University uses the results to address technology and facility needs. You can be assured that your responses will be confidential as the results will be transmitted to me after the grading period and they will not include any identifying information.

Q. Note from the Department of Dance:

Health Policy: In the interest of maintaining the highest of physical and mental health, the Department of Dance adheres to the following policy:

“Requirements for dance classes cannot be significantly modified for students with physical conditions such as chronic injury conditions, recent surgeries, or cardio-pulmonary deficiencies. Any such conditions must be so noted to the instructor and/or a doctor’s clearance submitted in writing for the class to the instructor. Students with other disabling conditions such as vision, hearing, psychomotor, or learning disabilities must be registered with the Office for Students with Disabilities, Dowell Hall 201, for special consideration within the guidelines and requirements of the American with Disabilities Act. Every effort is made to accommodate a diverse student population, however, the act of dancing is physically and mentally challenging and progress is expected and required.”

In the event health problems become an issue, the student shall:

(1) Receive a complete physical examination by a physician. The student shall permit the physician to advise the Dance Department about his/her physical condition as it relates to the student’s ability to participate in dance classes. If the physician determines that the student should not participate in physical activity, the Dance Department will not allow the student to participate until advised otherwise by the physician.

(2) If the physician determines that the student requires psychological counseling relating to his/her physical condition, the student shall obtain individual counseling, as recommended. The Department will monitor the student’s participation and counseling with consent of the student and the counselor. Participation in dance classes will depend upon the student’s commitment to pursue therapy.

(3) Should a student be required to receive a physical examination or psychological counseling, he/she shall do so at his/her expense.

R. Writing Skills:

If you wish to improve your writing skills and your grade, I strongly advise you to make use of the TU Writing Lab:

S. Disabilities

Since Towson’s Disability Support Services (DSS) may need additional time to make course materials accessible (i.e. they can create transcripts of video for students with vision disabilities), it’s important that students start the DSS process early. . The instructor will make every effort to accommodate the needs of every student in this class. Every student must practice a form of dance in a group setting to fulfill the required coursework. Each student is expected to seek out a regular dance meeting that meets his or her needs as well as the criteria for this class.

T. Penalties for late assignments:

I will accept late assignments for partial credit up to one week after the due date except for your papers and presentation.

U. Upcoming Concert Dates:

Senior Seminar Dance Concert- Offbeat

February 22, 2013 @ 7:30pm

February 23, 2013 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm

Dance Studio Theatre

Dance Mixer II

Theatre Project Baltimore (

February 26, 2013

5:30pm Reception

6:30pm Performance

Ballet Theatre of Maryland

March 7-9, 2013

Theatre Project Baltimore

VTDance – 10thAnniversary Concert

March 16, 2013 @ 8:00pm

March 17, 2013 @ 4:00pm

Theatre Project Baltimore

The Collective & ClancyWorks Dance Company

March 22-24, 2013

Theatre Project Baltimore

DMPP- Dance Majors’ Performance Project

April 5, 2013 @ 7:30pm

April 6, 2013 @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm

Dance Studio Theatre

Next Reflex Dance Collective

April 19, 2013

Theatre Project Baltimore

Dance Baltimore- Ageless Grace

April 21, 2013

Theatre Project Baltimore

Deep Vision Dance Company

April 25-28, 2013

Theatre Project Baltimore

Towson University Dance Company- A State of Grace

May 4 & 5, 2013

May 11 & 12, 2013

Stephens Hall Theater

V. Civility

Civility Code Introduction

Revised (approved by COFAC College Council 11/8/2011)

All College of Fine Arts & Communication Studies students, staff, and faculty are committed to collegial and academic citizenship demonstrating high standards of humane, ethical, professional, and civil behavior in all interactions.

We must take responsibility for the relationship between our personal conduct and the quality of campus life. What we do and say always has an effect on others, whether we see it or not. Civility means more than respecting campus facilities and grounds. Civility means consistently treating people with consideration and respect. It means being courteous, polite, and fair. It means recognizing diversity and honoring differing points of view. When our behavior is guided by concern for others in our community, we are being civil. Practicing civility requires thoughtful behavior and checking our assumptions and perceptions of others’ race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, abilities, culture, belief systems and economic status.

Civility Code

COFAC places a priority on learning. We value the inherent worth and dignity of every person, thereby fostering a community of mutual respect. Students have the right to a learning environment free of disruptive behaviors. Faculty have the right to define appropriate behavioral expectations in the classroom and expect students to abide by them. Faculty have the responsibility to manage and address classroom disruption. Staff have the right and responsibility to define appropriate behaviors necessary to conduct any university activity free of disruption or obstruction.

We believe that in order to achieve these ideals, all COFAC students, staff, and faculty are expected to exhibit and practice civil behaviors that exemplify: (1) respecting faculty, staff, fellow students, guests, and all university property, policies, rules and regulations; (2) taking responsibility for one’s choices, actions and comments; (3) delivering correspondence – whether verbal, nonverbal, written, or electronic – with respectful language using professional writing standards and etiquette; and (4) accepting consequences of one’s choices and actions.

The use of threatening or abusive language, writing, or behavior will not be tolerated and can lead to academic dismissal. Further information about civility can be found in Appendix F of the university catalog.

Video Analysis Rubric

Movement Enhancement Skills for Men

The video playlist instructions are on BlackBoard. Please submit this analysis electronically.

Core Curriculum Learning Goals:

#1- Recognize structures of cultural traditions (in terms) of literature, art, music, culture, society

#2- Recognize important movements and processes that have affected cultural heritage of a particular group

#3- Recognize methodologies associated with the study of cultural traditions in the arts and humanities that reflect the experience of a particular society

Criteria Questions (Analysis): After viewing the video clip, reflect and write on the following:

1- What is your initial impression of the work?

2- What movement concepts do you recognize based on what you are learning & experiencing in class?