Dance Major
https://communication.northwestern.edu/academics/theatre/undergraduate-programs/major-dance.html
The Department of Theatre also offers a major in dance.
The dance major prepares students for further advanced academic work or a wide range of positions in the dance field. The major’s comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the study of dance as well as the act of dancing, providing students with robust opportunities for writing, research, and analysis in the field, in addition to the study of dance techniques and choreography. The program supports a number of dance organizations, and offers many performing opportunities.
The primary principle that undergirds the dance major is a belief that movement is the foundation for liberatory possibility. The study of dance within the liberal arts context allows students to connect with their bodies, and think critically and creatively about the world they live in through their bodies and dance-making practices. Students’ other interdisciplinary fields of study are incorporated into a holistic understanding of what it means to be a thinking-feeling individual in community with others. In both studies and studio settings, students ultimately cultivate creative collectivity through an awareness of critical difference and are prepared intellectually and artistically for lifetime involvement in the field.
Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.
Major Requirements (13 units)
All courses for SoC majors, minors, fields of concentration and distribution requirements must be completed with a grade of C- or higher and may not be taken P/N.
Introductory Courses (3 units)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DANCE 101-1 | Introduction to Dance Studies |
| DANCE 101-2 | Dance as Creative Collaboration |
| DANCE 225-0 | Dance Composition |
Dance Technique Courses (3 units)
A minimum of 3 units from the following list (each dance technique class carries .34 units; 3 classes add up to 1.02 unit of credit). Each unit of technique must be taken in a chosen dance category (e.g., 3 classes in Modern/Contemporary, 3 classes in Basic Theatrical Dance, etc.). Classes need not be taken at the same level or in any particular order; students are free to choose which technique categories they study.
General Technique Courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DANCE 110-0 | Movement for the Stage |
Music Theatre Dance
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DANCE 130-0 | Music Theatre Dance I |
| DANCE 230-0 | Music Theatre Dance II |
Basic Theatrical Dance
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DANCE 140-1 | Basic Theatrical Dance I |
| DANCE 140-2 | Basic Theatrical Dance II |
| DANCE 140-3 | Basic Theatrical Dance III |
Modern/Contemporary
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Modern/Contemporary I | |
| Modern/Contemporary II | |
| Modern/Contemporary III |
Dances of the African Diaspora
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Dances of the African Diaspora I | |
| Dances of the African Diaspora II | |
| Dances of the African Diaspora III |
Jump Rhythm
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DANCE 161-0 | Jump Rhythm Technique 1 |
| DANCE 261-0 | Jump Rhythm Technique II |
| DANCE 181-0 | Jump Rhythm Tap 1 |
| DANCE 281-0 | Jump Rhythm Tap II |
Classical Dance
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Classical Dance I | |
| Classical Dance II | |
| Classical Dance III |
Jazz Dance
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DANCE 180-1 | Funk Jazz |
| DANCE 180-2 | Theatre Jazz |
| DANCE 180-3 | Street Jazz |
Additional Dance Courses (7 Units)
At least 6 courses chosen from the following options, plus 1 enrollment in DANCE 399-0 Independent Study during senior year:
Full-Credit Dance Courses
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| DANCE 201-0 | Dance in/as Culture |
| DANCE 202-0 | Anatomy |
| DANCE 215-0 | Dance Histories |
| DANCE 235-0 | Choreography for Musical Theatre |
| DANCE 315-0 | Dance Criticism |
| DANCE 325-0 | Advanced Choreographic Study |
| DANCE 326-0 | Advanced Improvisation |
| DANCE 335-0 | Special Topics in Dance Research |
| DANCE 345-0 | Studies in Collaboration |
| DANCE 375-0 | Summer Dance Institute |
| DANCE 399-0 | Independent Study 1 |
| DANCE 465-0 | Studies in Dance |
- 1
No limit per degree, but only 1 DANCE 399-0 Independent Study can be applied to the Dance Major requirements.
School Requirements (1 unit)
First-Year Seminar (1 unit)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CMN 101-0 | SoC First Year Seminar: Interdisciplinary Topics in Communication Arts & Sciences |
SoC Capstone
This requirement can be fulfilled by a combination of CMN 398-1 and CMN 398-2. Other courses may be appropriate as substitutions for CMN 398-1 and/or CMN 398-2. Students may consult with their SoC academic advisor if they have questions about appropriate substitutions.
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CMN 398-1 | SoC Capstone: Lecture |
| CMN 398-2 | SoC Capstone: Lab |
Additional Requirements (28 units)
Distribution Requirements (18 units)
18 units of credit outside the school, including 8 units of credit from the School of Communication distribution areas: 2 from science, mathematics, and technology; 3 from individual and social behavior; and 3 from humanities and fine arts. In addition, 3 courses must be at the 200 level or above, and 3 courses must be at the 300 level or above.
Electives (10 units)
Electives in communication and other areas to complete a minimum of 42 units of credit.
Department Honors
The Dance Program encourages students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the dance major to participate in the Theatre Honors Program. Students work closely with a faculty member to design, execute and present a research project that delves into the study of Dance. Contact the Dance Program for more information on eligibility and requirements.