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Course Catalog

Dance

Chair and Program Director-Dance: Suzanne Ostersmith

Professors: C. Pepiton

Associate Professors: S. Ostersmith, L. Stamoolis (Chair and Program Director of Theatre Arts) 

Lecturers: B. Edwards, P. Erickson 

Adjuncts: C. Forthun-Bruner, S. Glesk, J. Lyons-Wolf, K. Parbon

The department offers two majors and three minors:

Bachelor of Arts, Dance major
(required concentration in either Dance Pedagogy or Performance)

Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts major
(required concentration in either Performance or Design, Technology, and Management [DTM])

Minor in Dance

Minor in Theatre Arts

Minor in Interdisciplinary Arts 

Since the earliest human civilizations, theatre and dance have been integral to the fabric of human communication. The process of performance is woven into personal, community, business, artistic, and religious life - and into the dialogue among the cultures and nations of the world.

Critical examination of this process describes, interprets, and evaluates these relationships. As faculty in the Department of Theatre & Dance, we seek to assist students in becoming effective, creative, and ethically responsible communicators who can understand theoretical choices and design, express, interpret, and critically evaluate oral, written, nonverbal, and electronically mediated messages.

Theatre & Dance, as academic disciplines, draw upon the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and the professions. The curriculum is both conceptual and applied. Courses prepare students for an in-depth exploration of one or more areas of inquiry. Teaching and learning methods combine lectures, seminars, workshops, production, and performance. Theatre & Dance at Gonzaga reflects the Jesuit, Catholic, Humanistic character and liberal arts tradition of the institution.

Mission Statement

The Theatre & Dance Department at Gonzaga University is committed to training and developing artists who confront the important issues of our lives through their engagement with the art forms of live theatre and dance.

Students study and critically reflect on a broad range of literature, theatrical forms, and techniques in order to promote an active engagement with the foundations of our culture and to promote the formation of a character that reflects the faith and justice mission of Gonzaga University. The intended outcome of this study and reflection is to provide service to our audience and the broader community and to promote the pursuit for social justice.

Our purpose is to serve young artists hoping to apply disciplined training and thoughtful work to search for justice and the greater good of those around them.

Students interested in a minor that combines the strengths of theatre, dance, visual arts, and music should visit the Interdisciplinary Arts page for more information about the Interdisciplinary Arts Minor. 

Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies (COML) and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) Graduate Pathways Program:

Majors interested in pursuing a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies (COML) or a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) may apply to the graduate program at the end of the academic year immediately preceding their final year of undergraduate study. Those who meet the COML or ORGL admissions standards will be granted provisional acceptance. During their final year of undergraduate study, these students will be able to enroll in up to six graduate-level COML or ORGL credits in addition to their undergraduate course load, with no additional or separate charge for graduate credits. Graduate Pathway students will be limited to a maximum of 18 credits per semester, including graduate credits, in each of the two semesters of their final year of undergraduate study.

B.A. Major in Dance: 35 credits 

(required concentration in Pedagogy or Performance) 
Lower Division (14 credits)
DANC 165 Interdisciplinary Arts 3 credits
DANC 170 Principles of Dance Conditioning 3 credits
THEA 260 Production Lab 1 credit
DANC 270 Dance History  3 credits
Two of the following technique/practice courses: 4 credits
         DANC 105 Jazz Dance I 
         DANC 110 Contemporary/Modern Dance I
         DANC 115 Ballet I 
         DANC 205 Jazz Dance II
        DANC 210 Contemporary Modern II  
        DANC 215 Ballet II  

Upper Division (13 credits) 
Two of the following courses or combinations. 
         DANC 300 Musical Theatre Dance 3 credits
         DANC 301 Pop Culture Dance 3 credits
         DANC 305 Jazz Dance III + DANC 405 Jazz Dance Performance 3 credits
         DANC 310 Contemporary/Modern Dance III +DANC 410 Performance         3 credits
         DANC 315 Ballet III + DANC 415 Ballet Performance 3 credits
Required theory and practice:   
DANC 465 Choreography  3 credits
DANC 470 Strategies for Dance Instruction 3 credits
DANC 455 Dance Senior Seminar 1 credit
   
Students must select one of two concentrations: 

Dance Pedagogy concentration:

 8 credits
Required:   
DANC 460 Advanced Dance Production 1 credit
DANC 471 Dance Pedagogy  2 credits

Electives:


          DANC 150 Dance: Culture and Art 3 credits
          DANC 180/280/380 Special Topics  3 credits
          EDTE  201 Learning Theories   3 credits
          EDTE 221E Differentiation Instruction/Assessment 4 credits
          THEA 237 Costume Design 3 credits
          THEA 239 Lighting Design 3 credits
          THEA 260 Production Lab 1 credit
          EDPE 311 Exercise & Sport Instruction Methods 3 credits
          DANC 405, 410, or 415 1-3 credits
          DANC 466 Advanced Composition  1 credit
          DANC 467 Choreography Lab 1 credit
          DANC 497 Internship (not to exceed 3 credits) 1-3 credits
**Students taking EDTE 221E must enroll concurrently in DANC 465
  
**Students taking EDPE 311 may have  EDPE 190 prerequisite waived   

Performance concentration:

 8 credits
 Required:   
DANC 460 Advanced Dance Production 1 credit
DANC 466 Advanced Composition  1 credit
One of the following:  
DANC 305 Jazz Dance III 2 credits
DANC 310 Contemporary/Modern Dance III  2 credits
DANC 315 Ballet III  2 credits
Electives: 4 credits
           THEA 120 Voice Movement               3 credits
           DANC 180/280/380 Special Topics 1-3 credits
           EDPE 224 Nutrition for Health and Fitness 3 credits
           THEA 239 Lighting Design  3 credits
           DANC 467 Performance Lab  3 credits
           DANC 360 Company Lab 1 credit
  DANC 405/410/415  
 1-3 creds 
           DANC 471 Dance Pedagogy 2 credits
           DANC 497 Internship 

1-3 credits

Minor in Dance: 23 credits
Lower Division (11 credits) 
  
One of the following theory/practices:
DANC 170 Principles of Dance Conditioning  3 credits
DANC 165 Interdisciplinary Arts 3 credits
Two of the following technique/practice courses:
         DANC 105 Jazz Dance I              2 credits
         DANC 110 Contemporary/Modern Dance              2 credits
         DANC 115 Ballet I               2 credits
         DANC 205 Jazz Dance II 2 credits
         DANC 210 Contemporary/Modern II 2 credits
         DANC 215 Ballet II 2 credits
Required theory and practice:
  
DANC 270 Dance History 3 credits
DANC 470 Strategies for Dance Instruction 3 credits
Upper Division (9 credits)   
 One of the following 3-credit performances:
        DANC 300 Musical Theatre Dance 3 credits
        DANC 301 Pop Culture Dance              3 credits
        DANC 305 Jazz III + DANC 405 Jazz Performance              3 credits
        DANC 310 Contemporary/Modern Dance III + DANC 410 Performance              3 credits 
        DANC 315 Ballet III + DANC 415 Ballet Performance 3 credits
 Select one of the following courses:   
           THEA 260 Production Lab 1 credit
           DANC 360 Company Lab 1 credit
           DANC 465 Choreography  3 credits
Lower Division
DANC 100 Introduction to Dance
3.00 credits
This course introduces dance as an art form composed for the stage and as a social form present in all cultures. Students will gain the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various forms and cultures.
DANC 105 Jazz Dance I
2.00 credits
Beginning and continuing instruction in jazz dance. This course includes the technique, vocabulary and history of the genre. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 125 - Taken before Fall 2026
DANC 110 Contemporary/Modern Dance I
2.00 credits
In this course, students learn the vocabulary, history, elementary principles and techniques of Contemporary and Modern Dance. Students also develop an understanding and appreciation of dance as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts. This is a beginning level course. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 224 - Successful completion
DANC 115 Ballet I
2.00 credits
In this course, students learn the vocabulary, history, elementary principles and techniques of Ballet. Students also develop an understanding and appreciation of Ballet as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts. This is a beginning level course.
Equivalent:
THEA 124 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 155 Dance: Culture and Art
3.00 credits
This course provides the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various cultures. Physical learning of a number of social/ballroom dance forms is paired with cognitive and emotional understanding of the countries and cultures from which they were derived. Students study the concepts of lead/follow, the transition from social to concert dance as a global phenomenon and gain an understanding of dance from a global perspective.
Equivalent:
THEA 102 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 165 Interdisciplinary Arts
3.00 credits
This course uses concepts of theatre-, dance-, and visual arts-based research to solve problems. Students will be exposed, through lecture and assignments, to theories and methods from each art form and will learn to integrate the art forms to explore complex concepts through performance.
DANC 170 Princ of Dance Conditioning
3.00 credits
This course introduces the foundations of human movement and Functional Awareness Principles. This course is designed to encourage optimal use of the dancer’s body through exploration of proper alignment techniques, somatic practices and human anatomy and physiology. Increased knowledge of human movement empowers students to prevent injury and enhance longevity and performance. Students are challenged to explore course content through lectures, classroom discussion, and practical dance training exercises.
Equivalent:
THEA 227 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 180 Topics in Dance
1.00- 4.00 credits
DANC 190 Independent Study
1.00- 6.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 193 FYS:
3.00 credits
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
DANC 205 Jazz Dance II
2.00 credits
This intermediate course in jazz dance focuses on technique, vocabulary, choreography and performance studies.
Equivalent:
THEA 125 - Taken before Summer 2021
THEA 321 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 210 Contemporary/Modern Dance II
2.00 credits
In this intermediate course, students continue to learn the vocabulary, principles, and techniques of Contemporary Modern Dance. Students also develop an understanding and appreciate of dance as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts.
Equivalent:
THEA 324 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 215 Ballet II
2.00 credits
This intermediate course in Ballet builds upon the elementary principles and techniques of Ballet I, focuses on technique, an expanded dance vocabulary, and a survey of ballet styles and methodology.
Equivalent:
THEA 320 - Successful completion
DANC 270 Dance History
3.00- 4.00 credits
This course introduces students to major concepts and approaches in the study of dance as a political, historical, and artistic practice. Students will look at dance as a reflection of culture and as an art form from earliest societies to the present, focusing on western dance history and its multi-cultural influences.
Equivalent:
THEA 228 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 280 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 285 Interdiscipl Arts E-portfolio
.00 credits
In this zero credit course taken each fall of sophomore and junior years, Interdisciplinary Arts Minor students will submit work from the year before into an e-portfolio format. This will be reviewed by the Director and the student in a scheduled meeting, reviewing ideas for the senior synthesis project and ensuring they are on track with coursework.
Equivalent:
THEA 222 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
DANC 290 Independent Study
1.00- 6.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
Upper Division
DANC 300 Musical Theatre Dance
3.00 credits
In this course, students learn Musical Theatre Dance and History. By examining the unique aspects of multiple styles of dance and physically learning numbers from musical theatre, students prepare for the Spring Dance Concert. This course is a performance-focused study of Dance, but also includes research and presentations in Musical Theatre Dance history.
Equivalent:
THEA 322 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 301 Pop Culture Dance
3.00 credits
This course is an examination of the history and the physical styles of hip hop, fusion, funk, contemporary, and other pop culture genres of dance. This experiential dance class includes a public performance in the Spring Dance Concert. First level class recommended. Spring, odd years.
Equivalent:
THEA 323 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 305 Jazz Dance III
2.00 credits
Advanced course in Jazz focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, companies, and careers in dance. When taken in conjunction with DANC 405 students perform in the Spring Dance Concert.
Equivalent:
THEA 321 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 310 Contemp/Modern III
2.00 credits
Advanced course in Contemporary Modern Dance focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, companies, and careers in dance. When taken in conjunction with DANC 410 students perform in the Spring Dance Concert.
DANC 315 Ballet III
2.00 credits
Advanced course in Ballet focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, ballet companies, and careers in dance. In addition, this course provides students with an opportunity to continue their study of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on technical and artistic development through their participation in the Spring Dance Concert.
Equivalent:
THEA 320 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 360 Dance Company Lab
1.00 credit
Participation as a performer in a Dance Program company or ensemble. Spring and Fall. Course repeatable for 6 credits
DANC 380 Topics in Dance
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 390 Independent Study
1.00- 6.00 credits
DANC 405 Jazz Dance Performance
1.00 credit
Advanced course in Jazz Dance focuses on the application of technique, individual artistry and choreography in performance. Dancers participate in public performances of the Spring Dance Concert. Spring.
Concurrent:
DANC 305
DANC 410 Contemp/Modern Performance
1.00 credit
Advanced course in Contemporary and Modern Dance focuses on the application of technique, individual artistry and choreography in performance. Dancers participate in public performances of the Spring Dance Concert. Spring.
Concurrent:
DANC 310
DANC 415 Ballet Performance
1.00 credit
This advanced course in Ballet has a co-requisite of DANC 315 Ballet III, which focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, ballet companies, and careers in dance. In addition, this course provides students with an opportunity to continue their study of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on technical and artistic development through their participation in the Spring Dance Concert.
Concurrent:
DANC 315
DANC 455 Dance Senior Seminar
1.00 credit
A career preparation and individual artistic development experience in a cohort and mentorship setting. Students engage in self-initiated as well as guided exercises to prepare for life and career after graduation. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 498 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 460 Advanced Dance Production
1.00 credit
Students learn the specifics of how to produce dance concerts. The learning experience includes advanced participation in producing fall dance concerts including but not limited to marketing, production meeting, theatre preparation, lighting, sound, house management etc.
DANC 465 Choreography
3.00 credits
This course is about finding one’s ‘voice’ through the study and application of the art of dance composition. Choreography in dance history, contemporary methods, dynamics, rhythm, design, motivation, gesture and improvisation are explored as basic elements for building dance. The final project will be presenting a work in the Gonzaga Student Choreography Concert. Students will leave this course able to express their creative ideas through the artistic medium of dance. It is strongly recommended that students participate in the Student Choreography Concert as a dancer prior to taking this course.
Equivalent:
THEA 425 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 466 Advanced Composition
1.00 credit
This course builds on the coursework from THEA 425. With a foundation in dance conceptualization, analysis, communication, and choreography, students create advanced compositions by further developing their voice as a dance artist. Students in this course have the opportunity to observe, reflect and revise and further develop their individual creative voice.
Equivalent:
THEA 426 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 467 Dance Choreography Lab
1.00 credit
Participation as a choreographer (working closely with faculty advisor(s)) in a Department dance company/ensemble or Theatrical production. Spring and Fall.
Prerequisite:
DANC 465 Minimum Grade: D
DANC 470 Strategies: Dance Instruction
3.00 credits
In this course, students learn a variety of dance teaching styles, strategies, curriculum planning, and evaluation methods. Students will develop their own teaching style through a service-learning practicum leading an after-school creative dance program (ZagDance). Students will examine how economic factors including access, transportation and support can hinder the children’s previous exposure to dance class. Emphasis is placed on teaching basic creative dance to build a positive classroom environment while meeting the needs of various levels of elementary dance students.
Equivalent:
THEA 496 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 471 Dance Pedagogy for the Studio
2.00 credits
Students will continue to explore a variety of pedagogical styles and strategies, curriculum planning and evaluation methods in the field of dance.
Prerequisite:
DANC 470 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
THEA 496B - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 497 Internship
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic and work load to be determined by student and instructor.
 

In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.

The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.

Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and Humanistic University, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?

  • The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of FYS courses).  
  • Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
  • Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
  • Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
  • Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.

Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?

  • Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
  • Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses) .

Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?

  • Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?” 

  • Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of CIS courses).

The Broadening Courses

  • Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
  • Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.

  • Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
  • Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).

Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum

All Gonzaga students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.