Programme Specification and Curriculum Map for
BA Dance Studies
1. Programme title / BA Dance Studies2. Awarding institution / Middlesex University
3. Teaching institution / Middlesex University
4. Programme accredited by / N/A
5. Final qualification / BA (Hons)
6. Academic year / 2013/14
7. Language of study / English
8. Mode of study / Full-time
9. Criteria for admission to the programme
Criteria for admission rest upon the principles that the applicant has prior experience in dance and is able to demonstrate their potential for (i) benefiting from an education in dance and (ii) contributing to the development of the subject both within Middlesex University and in the wider professional and community context. A balance is sought between knowledge and skills in the technical, expressive, creative and critical aspects of dance study. A good academic record is required, including an examination profile with the standard UCAS tariff of 280 points with a minimum of 140 points from two 6 unit awards, or their equivalent in other standard qualifications, though these may be waived in the case of mature students. Applicants who hold, or who are expected to gain these academic qualifications and have revealed their commitment to dance in their initial application are given the opportunity to demonstrate their technical and performance skills in an audition class.
10. Aims of the programme
The programme aims to:
Ø disseminate knowledge and skills in the central activities of creating, performing and critically appraising dance
Ø nurture understanding and application in practice of the inter-relationship between these elements, thus enabling the student to appreciate the significance of a balanced and holistic approach to the study of dance
Ø promote the acquisition of knowledge of selected historical, contemporary and diverse cultural contexts within which dance is produced, circulated and received
Ø offer the student opportunities to choose specialist areas of interest for study in depth
Ø provide sufficient and appropriate subject knowledge and transferable skills for entry into a variety of vocational fields and work opportunities, particularly in postgraduate study.
Ø facilitate the acquisition of research skills pertinent to vocational work and to further study
11. Programme outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this programme the successful student will have knowledge and understanding of :
1. The key components of choreography and the processes which contribute to the creation and realisation of dance in production
2. The key principles related to the craft of performing, dance technique, artistic interpretation
3. Selected alternative training methods which improve dance performance.
4. The technical theatre arts which contribute to the creation and realisation of dance production
5. The key characteristics of selected contemporary theatre dance forms and related activities, and how these can provide performance skills which contribute to the creation of appropriate technical/artistic vocabularies for performance.
6. Historical and contemporary contexts for dance such as the artistic, social, educational and institutional.
7. Key practitioners and writers who have contributed to the development of dance through theoretical debate and practical activity.
8. Pertinent critical and cultural issues and perspectives which enhance the appreciation of dance, and the ability to contribute to those debates through informed opinion.
9. Where appropriate, other artistic and cultural practices which influence the creation and critical appraisal of dance.
Teaching/learning methods
The programme is delivered through tutor-led and self-directed methods of learning. The emphasis moves from the former to the latter in order to equip students with the capacity for life-long autonomous learning.
The above statement in bold also applies to sections B) Cognitive Skills, C) Practical Skills and D) Graduate Skills
Students gain knowledge and understanding through:
1. Lectures to provide and disseminate the information, skilled based classes to provide the specific knowledge the skill being studied requires,
2. Seminars and workshops, to provide the opportunity for student discussion groups to address issues covered by lectures and back - up reading,
3. Tutorials and feedback to provide the opportunity for students to seek clarification of understanding and for the two-way feedback process between staff and students to be reinforced.
Assessment Methods
Essays, seminar presentations, multiple choice examinations, evaluative log book, creation and presentation of choreography.
These strategies enable the student to demonstrate their level of attainment in their knowledge and understanding via application. At level 4, assessment is diagnostic in that it identifies students’ strengths and weaknesses. At all other levels, grades contribute to the final degree profile (see University Guide and Regulations). Peer assessment is also used as a learning strategy.
Formative assessments will take place at various points during the module. Formal assessment tasks (i.e. summative, graded assignments) are normally disseminated at the beginning of each module and the completion of other tasks, which contribute to the learning outcomes, will also be required.
The above statement, in bold, also applies to sections B) Cognitive Skills, C) Practical Skills and D) Graduate Skills
B. Cognitive (thinking) skills
On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:
1. Synthesise, analyse, evaluate and interpret, as appropriate, practical and theoretical knowledge and the inter-relationship between the two.
2. Select and critically evaluate source material and a variety of types of information and evidence
3. Utilise problem solving skills and creative thinking.
4. Apply practical and theoretical knowledge in appropriate contexts.
Teaching/learning methods
Students learn cognitive skills through:
Lectures, seminars, resource -based learning, including professional art and community practice and through exploitation of appropriate resource tools offered by specialist technology.
(please refer back to statement in bold aligned to section A)
Assessment Method
Students’ cognitive skills are assessed by:
Essays, seminar presentations, short critical reviews. Assessment may also occur in an independent or collaborative context.
(please refer back to statement in bold aligned to section A)
C. Practical skills
On completion of the programme the successful student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate technical and expressive skills of dance performance
2. Create and compose choreography.
3. Engage with diverse processes of dance making e.g. collaborative; choreographer directed.
4. Apply production skills.
5. Demonstrate inter-personal and collaborative skills.
6. Identify and apply appropriate research skills.
Teaching/learning methods
Students learn practical skills through:
Practical skilled based classes, to provide the specific physical expertise the skill being studied requires, workshops, rehearsals, performances, to provide the practical skills required by an artiste, in relation to dance performance and to help develop the students’ inter-personal and collaborative skills alongside their physical dexterity; lectures to provide a deeper understanding of the components involved; tutorials to provide opportunity for students to seek clarification of their accomplishments attained at a given point and to feed forward into future work.
(please refer back to statement in bold aligned to section A)
Assessment Method
Students’ practical skills are assessed by:
Practical assessment class,
Assessment of choreography
Assessment of performance, evaluative writing, log books.
(please refer back to statement in bold aligned to section A)
D. Graduate Skills
On completion of this programme the successful student will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals using a variety of means.
2. Evaluate her/his own academic and practical performance
3. Utilise problem -solving skills in a variety of theoretical and practical situations.
4. Manage change effectively and respond to changing demands.
5. Manage time, prioritise workloads and recognise and manage personal emotions and stress.
6. Utilise information management skills, e.g. ICT skills.
Teaching/learning methods
Students acquire graduate skills through:
Professional working environment, theoretical and practical lectures, collaborative work with other students or outside professionals.
(please refer back to statement in bold aligned to section A)
Assessment method
Students’ graduate skills are assessed by:
Theoretical, practical and oral assignments, attendance and punctuality, adhering to deadlines and evaluative writing.
(please refer back to statement in bold aligned to section A).
12. Programme structure (levels, modules, credits and progression requirements)12. 1 Overall structure of the programme
The programme is studied over three years full –time. Study is, generally undertaken at three levels (one for each year of study.) There are 30 study weeks in each year. The programme structure is divided into study units called modules. Modules have credit values of 30 or 60 credits according to the subject and nature of learning. Core Dance modules are generally 30/60 credits. Each 30 credit module represents approximately 300 hours of student learning, endeavour and assessment, with the number of teaching hours appropriate to the nature of the subject. Each level has an equivalent of 120 credits.
All students on the BA (Hons) Dance Studies programme explore the artistic, expressive and creative aspects of performance as well as the technique that is required for the dancer. Knowledge of anatomy and an appreciation of alternative training methods, which improve dance performance are an essential part of the programme. In the third year, students have the opportunity to perform in either a substantial repertoire piece, community project or new work.
Year 1 provides students with a basis in terms of technique classes and theory. The knowledge and skills acquired during this year will set up the learning for second and third year. Technique and choreography components feed into and directly build up from year 1. Historical studies and Learning in Context set an academic framework for research, library study, essay writing and critical thinking.
Year 2 continues with the development of technique and choreography on a more elaborate level. Theoretical modules deepen knowledge of theory through the Critical Studies component and Dance Histories and Philosophies, where students will employ their learning from the previous year to engage with further debates in the discipline.
Year 3 sees independent work in form of the Independent Project, which utilises all prior skills of research, writing and argumentation. Technique will build up to professional standard of performance, whereas Choreography fosters creativity and interaction.
The modules within the programme, the levels at which they are studied and the credit ratings of modules are shown below. Details of each module can be found at www.mdx.ac.uk/arts
12.2 Levels and modules
Level 4
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all of the following:
DAN1001
Dance Core 1
60gcp
DAN1002
Dance Studies
30gcp
DAN1100
Dance: Learning in Context
30gcp / There are no option choices for year one. / Successful completion of programme outcomes.
Level 5
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all of the following:
DAN2010
Dance Core 2
60gcp / Students must also choose one from the following:
DAN2011
Jazz Dance
30gcp
DAN2012
Body/Mind/Movement
30gcp
Plus
Students must also choose one from the following:
DAN2013
Dance Histories and Philosophies
30gcp
DAN2014
Science of Movement 1
30gcp / Successful completion of Level Two Dance Core Modules plus successful completion of optional modules (compensation at discretion of the Dance subject assessment board and in accordance with the university regulations)
Level 6
COMPULSORY / OPTIONAL / PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS
Students must take all of the following:
DAN3700
Professional Studies
30gcp*
DAN3800
Independent Project
30gcp / * Optional Components of DAN3700
a) Teaching Dance Technique (TDT)
b) Placement
c) Science of Movement 2
DAN3100
Technique
30gcp
and
DAN3200
Performance
30gcp
OR
DAN3050 Choreographic Contexts 30gcp
and
DAN3060 Choreographic Practices 30gcp / Successful completion of Level Three Dance Core Module plus successful completion of Independent Project
(Compensation of optional component(s) is at the discretion of the Dance Subject assessment board in accordance to the university regulations)
12.3 Non-compensatable modules (note statement in 12.2 regarding FHEQ levels)
Module level / Module code
Level 4 / DAN1001
Level 5
Level 6
Level 6
Level 6
Level 6 / DAN2010
DAN3100/3200
DAN3050/DAN3060
DAN3700
DAN3800
13. Curriculum map
See Curriculum Map attached
14. Information about assessment regulations
100% attendance is a pre-requisite for assessment in all Dance Modules. Please see University Guide and Regulations for further assessment information Unihub.
15. Placement opportunities, requirements and support (if applicable)
All students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in their final year of study. This optional component (part of DAN3700) is supported by both the module leader and the University’s Placement Officer.
16. Future careers (if applicable)
The future personal and professional achievements of graduates will rely on the acquisition of a wide range of knowledge, skills, attributes and abilities. Common destinations for current graduates include the professional arts, with former students working both independently and with leading companies; Flawless, Vocab Dance Company,Uchenna Dance Company, CandoCo, Zoonation, Amici Dance Theatre, Earthfall Dance Theatre Company and Akram Khan; the entertainment industries, applied arts, education, with a high percentage of graduates now taking Head of Dance and other teaching posts across the country; community work, again independently and for Dance United, Northern School of Contemporary Dance (Education and Community Department) Dance4, Apex Dance, DanceDigital, and Local Education Authorities, the health and fitness industry, arts administration, writing for leading dance journals in the UK; scholarship, postgraduate study and the media industries. ‘ Graduateness’ in the Performing Arts field in general cannot be defined in the singular but will involve a range of both subject specific and general skills. The transferable skills of graduates are those much sought after in other environments such as business and commerce. These skills include those of creative ingenuity and vision; communication (written, oral, performance); research and analysis; the ability to work independently, interpersonally and in groups, to deadlines and under pressure, with flexibility, imagination, self-motivation and organisation
17. Particular support for learning (if applicable)
Ø Induction programme for orientation and introducing subject-specific study skills and practices
Ø All students are allocated an Academic Adviser
Ø Dance Handbook and module outlines for every module with schedule of sessions and assessment criteria and details
Ø Learning Resource facilities
Ø Access to Teaching and Learning Support Services, which provide assistance and guidance e.g. Dyslexia support.