Beginning Modern Dance Syllabus

Beginning Modern Dance Syllabus

by Brittany Fishel -
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Bryn Mawr College

Modern: Beginning Technique

Tuesday/Thursday 12:55-2:15PM

Instructor: Britt Fishel, MFA

Email: bfishel@brynmawr.edu

 

Course Statement

In this course, I am committed to creating and supporting a classroom community that is inclusive, equitable, and conducive to learning for all students, as well as sensitive to the specific, unique, and unpredictable challenges we will each and all encounter this term. To this end, I am designing course activities meant to help you gain and demonstrate understanding of modern dance in ways that are flexible and personally meaningful. 

If you are unable to attend class or complete an assignment by the due date, I ask that whenever possible you let me know ahead of time and work with me to determine when you will complete the work (from class or assigned). In this situation there will be no grade penalty for late work. If it is not possible for you to request extra time beforehand, I ask that you maintain communication with me as much as possible so that we can work together to determine a good course of action. I ask those of you who cannot take technique for an extended period of time to talk with both your Dean and me to arrive at a practical and workable plan for completing the work.

Course Objectives

  • To experience a progression of movement phrases designed to develop an understanding of modern dance principles.
  • To gain confidence in movement sequences, and explore movement creatively.
  • To improve body placement, strength, stamina, and flexibility while embodying modern dance technique.
  • To investigate elements of choreography with an emphasis on modern dance characteristics.
  • To incorporate elements of improvisation and to communicate movement ideas, both individually and collaboratively.

Attendance*:

Students are allowed 4 absences (there are no excused absences). For each additional absence, your letter grade will be reduced by 1/3.  

*Attendance includes arriving to class on time, being dressed and ready to move, and participating in all class components.

Flexibility and Consideration to all COVID-19 related situations will be made.

Rubric for Grading:

*Please note that grading for PE Students is 100% Attendance Driven.

**All Beginning level courses are graded as Credit/No Credit.

Technique Area 
Excellent
5
Good
4
Adequate
3
Needs Improvement
2
Weak
1
Skill
The Student demonstrates a clear embodiment of course modality, alignment, control, flexibility, and strength. He/she has a strong sense of musicality and the ability to assimilate corrections.
Student is proficient in thinking independently and collaboratively in the classroom.
The Student demonstrates some embodiment of course modality, alignment, control, flexibility and strength.  Advancement in level only if recommended by instructor.
Student is consistent in thinking independently and collaboratively in the classroom.
The Student demonstrates an adequate understanding of course modality, but not fully embodied. Continuing to work on alignment, control, flexibility and strength.  Student should remain at current level.
Student is working on thinking independently and collaboratively in the classroom.
The Student is under- developed in alignment, control, flexibility and strength. Is just beginning to understand course modalities.  Further work is needed at current level.
Student  rarely shows skill in thinking independently and collaboratively in the classroom.
The Student lacks an understanding of course modality,  alignment and control.  He/she lacks in flexibility, musicality and the ability to pick up combinations. Student cannot think independently or collaboratively in the classroom and needs support.
In Class Participation
The student demonstrates a high level of concentration, energy and confidence when executing movement in class.
The student demonstrates a high effort of professionalism by arriving to class on time, dressing properly, and being prepared to dance.
Student actively participates in group discussions. 
The student demonstrates a good level of concentration, energy and confidence when executing movement in class.
The student demonstrates a good effort of professionalism by arriving to class on time, dressing properly, and being prepared to dance.
Student regularly participates in group discussions.
The student demonstrates an adequate level of concentration, energy and confidence when executing movement in class.
The student demonstrates some effort of professionalism by arriving to class on time, dressing properly, and being prepared to dance. Student sometimes participates in group discussions.
The student demonstrates a low level of concentration, energy and confidence when executing movement in class.
The student lacks in effort of professionalism by arriving to class tardy, dressing improperly, and not being prepared to dance.
Student rarely participates in group discussions.
The student demonstrates a poor level of concentration, energy and confidence when executing movement in class.
The student lacks in effort of professionalism by constantly arriving to class tardy, dressing improperly, and not being prepared to dance.
Student never participates in group discussions.

A Student

  • Displays technical mastery over movement material presented in class (appropriate to the level of the course).
  • Effectively integrates feedback offered by the instructor, and is consistent in applying this feedback through self-correction.
  • Demonstrates self-directed learning.
  • Consistently works responsibly both independently and collaboratively with peers and the instructor on course concepts and problem solving.
  • Makes informed choices about the development of individual artistic voice.

B Student

  • Displays technical competence with movement material presented in class.
  • Displays continual effort to integrate feedback offered by the instructor, but may rely on instructor for prompts to correct and implement.
  • Is developing skills in self-directed learning.
  • Can work responsibly both independently and collaboratively with peers and the instructor on course concepts and problem solving.
  • Demonstrates some evidence in development of individual artistic voice.

C Student

  • Does not display technical competence with movement material presented in class.
  • Has difficulty integrating feedback offered by the instructor, and relies on instructor for prompts to correct and implement.
  • Lacks awareness to do effective independent work.
  • Is inconsistent in working collaboratively with peers and the instructor on course concepts and problem solving.

D Student

  • Does not display technical competence with movement material presented in class.
  • Does not integrate feedback offered by the instructor.
  • Lacks awareness to do effective independent work.
  • Does not work collaboratively with peers and the instructor on course concepts and problem solving. 

Academic Credit: As part of the grading process, you will be asked to reflect on the course and your performance through writing. 

Class Policies:

  • Dance attire/Athletic attire should be worn in order to participate. Clothing should allow you to move comfortable and allow for your body to be seen. Footwear should be removed.
  • Students arriving more than 10 minutes late are to observe class and not participate for the day.
  • Injuries do occasionally happen. If you are limited in any way, please let your instructor know before the class begins. Know your limits as a mover, and take care of your body.
  • Shoes, food, gum, and beverages, with the exception of water are not allowed in the dance studio.
  • Cellphones are to be turned off or silenced for the duration of class. If there is a situation that requires your cell phone during class, please see the instructor privately before the class begins. 

Disability Disclosure: 

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a disability, should contact the instructor privately to discuss the situation and modification possibilities. 

Weather/Emergency:

Should weather or another emergency affect the instructor’s ability to teach, every effort will be made to email as soon as possible, or to arrange for a substitute instructor. 

* This syllabus is subject to change.