MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Dance

Course: DAH100

First Term: 2008 Summer I

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Overview of the field of dance focusing on origins, historical development, and cultural characteristics of the various styles of dance

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Write a comprehensive definition of dance. (I) 2. Trace the origins of dance from the Functional period through the Postmodern period. (II) 3. Identify the cultural significance of dance as a function of ritual, religion, society, and art. (III) 4. Contrast ethnic dance and presentational dance. (IV) 5. Identify various dance styles, and list their characteristics. (V) 6. Trace the historical development of various dance styles. (I, II, III, V) 7. Define and explain dance theories as they relate to styles of dance. (V, VI) 8. List major contributors to the field of dance, and identify their contributions. (VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Defining Dance A. Function of dance in society B. Characteristics of dance C. Styles of dance II. Origins of Dance (Functional Period to Postmodern Period) A. Dance as human communication B. Dance as magic and ritual C. Dance in religion D. Dance in society E. Dance as an art form III. Cultural Significance A. As communication B. As magic and ritual C. In religion D. In society E. As an art form IV. Ethnic and Presentational Dance A. Role in society 1. Ritual 2. Social 3. Theatrical 4. Communicative B. Who dances and why? V. Styles of Dance A. Western theatrical dance (Eurocentric) 1. Primary a. Ballet dance b. Jazz dance (tap dance) c. Modern dance 2. Secondary a. Spanish classical dance b. Presentational folk dance B. Non-Western theatrical dance (Non-Eurocentric) 1. Black dance in the United States 2. Chinese classical dance 3. Japanese dance 4. East Indian dance 5. Folklorico dance C. Western nontheatrical dance (Eurocentric) 1. Ballroom dance 2. Square dance 3. Folk dance 4. Flamenco dance D. Non-Western, nontheatrical dance (Non-Eurocentric) 1. Native American dance 2. Black American dance 3. East Indian dance 4. Folklorico dance VI. Theories of Dance A. Ballet 1. Cecchetti 2. Vaganova 3. Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) B. Modern 1. Laban 2. Graham 3. Humphrey-Weidman 4. The Modern Tree C. Postmodernists

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 11/24/1992

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.