Bulletin Description

 

Overview

The BA in Dance offers two major concentrations: (1) Performance and Choreography with focuses on Ballet or Contemporary Dance; and (2) Dance Education K-12.

Performance and Choreography focus on classical ballet requires 7 ballet technique classes as well as 7 classes from contemporary and other forms of dance. The contemporary dance focus requires 7 contemporary techniques classes as well as 7 classes from ballet and other forms of dance. Academic coursework such as choreography, dance history, and theory courses are in ballet or contemporary dance, depending on the focus. Dance performances will include full-length ballet productions, classical repertory and contemporary works. All majors are required to be in Dance Company for 7 semesters.

Bachelor of Art in Dance (Emphasis in Performance and Choreography)

Admissions Requirements

1. Entering freshmen and transfer students must meet University admissions requirements and academic standards.

2. Initial acceptance into the Dance Performance and Choreography concentration is dependent upon a qualifying dance audition in ballet or contemporary dance.

3. All dance majors in performance and choreography are encouraged to complete all four years at USC Columbia Campus due to the rigorous and ongoing nature of the technical proficiency, as well as company requirements. If a student chooses to transfer into the Dance Major, deficiencies and additional course work may be necessary.

Progression Requirements

At the end of each semester dance majors will be evaluated for proficiency and progression to the next level of dance technique based on Rubrics and syllabi. To graduate, students must move up at least one level beyond their entry level in ballet or contemporary dance.

Degree Requirements

1. General Education (53–62)

For a general outline, see “College of Arts and Sciences, Curricula Section 1 ”
It is strongly suggested the following courses be taken as part of the General Education requirements: BIOL 243/243L, BIOL 244/244L, DANC 150, ANTH 356, ANTH 352, DANC 300, SPCH 140, CSCE 101, and CSCE 102

*DANC 150 and DANC 300 must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

2. Major Requirements (39)

Dance Performance/Choreography Curriculum Emphasis in ballet or contemporary danceRequired: DANC 230, DANC 250, DANC 382, DANC 480, DANC 490

3 hours from the following: DANC 350 or DANC 450
3 hours from the following: DANC 281 or DANC 282

Majors are required to enroll in Ballet or Contemporary Technique dependant on your focus for 7 semesters as well as 7 additional techniques.

Majors are required to enroll in Dance Company and Production for 7 semesters

3. Cognates, see “ College of Arts and Sciences” (12 hours)

4. Electives, see “College of Arts and Sciences” (16 hours)

Bachelor of Art in Dance (Emphasis in Dance Education K-12 Certification)

Admission Requirements

1. New freshmen who meet university admissions standards are eligible for admission to the dance in program with a concentration in dance education offered by the college of Arts and Sciences in cooperation and collaboration with the College of Education.

2. Initial acceptance into the Dance Education concentration is dependent upon a dance audition in ballet or contemporary dance.

3. Students may enter the program with a GPA of 2.0, but must maintain a GPA of 3.0 throughout the program, because some semesters require more than 16 credit hours.

4. Dance Education majors are encouraged to complete all four years at USC Columbia Campus due to the rigorous and ongoing nature of the technical proficiency, as well as company and world dance requirements.

5. If a student chooses to transfer into the Dance Education Major additional course work may be necessary due to deficiencies.

Progression Requirements

1. At the end of each semester dance majors are formally evaluated for technical placement and/or progression to the next level.

2. Students who wish to enter the program from another college on the Columbia campus or another USC campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

3. Students who enter the program from a regionally accredited college or university outside the USC system must meet current admissions standards of the university. Students may not transfer credit for any course that carries a grade lower than a C. All dance majors with a concentration in dance education must fulfill Professional Education Program requirements.

4. To remain in the program with a concentration in Dance Education, a student must make satisfactory progress towards a degree. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation or removed from the college.

Professional Education Requirements

Teacher Preparation

The Dance Education Major supports prospective teachers in developing both in-depth content knowledge and appropriate knowledge, skills, and dispositions of teaching required in today’s classrooms. Extensive clinical experiences in a variety of appropriate PreK-12 classrooms and schools are a central component of the program. To receive a recommendation for professional certification, students must complete the Dance degree and pass the required professional examinations and a performance-based teaching assessment (see “Certification”, below).

Undergraduate Program in Dance Education

Students who wish to become dance teachers pursue an intensive academic study in the area of dance in combination with professional training for teaching grade K-12. To receive a recommendation for professional certification, students must complete the baccalaureate degree and the professional program in education (College of Education).

Certification

Degree requirements and certification requirements are linked. In as much as certification requirements are the responsibility of the State Board of Education, if state regulations change, degree requirements are also subject to change. All students seeking a recommendation for certification must:

Successfully complete the requirements of the degree program.
1. Achieve test scores at or above the level established by the state on the program-appropriate exams (Praxis II series).
2. Submit scores earned on the Praxis (Praxis II Series) to the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education, Wardlaw 113, and to the S.C. Department of Education.
3. Submit to an FBI check for prior felony convictions prior to full-time clinical experience.
4. Pay all certification fees as required.
5. Successfully complete ADEPT requirements with a positive recommendation for certification.

Progression Requirements

To remain in the Dance Education Program offered by the College of Education, in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, a student must make satisfactory progress toward the degree. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation or be removed from the college. In addition, all students in the college are subject to the regulations on probation, suspension, and readmission in the section of this bulletin titled “Academic Regulations” under the heading “Academic Standing.”

Professional Education Program Requirements

Information regarding the professional education program and certification are available from the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education, Wardlaw 113, 803-777-6732, teach@gwm.sc.edu.

1. Upon completion of 60 semester hours of course work including courses specified by the program area, the candidate should submit an application to the College of Education Office of Student Affairs for admission to the professional program. To be admitted into the professional program, candidates must have:

a. a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50.
b. a passing score on Praxis I (all three tests).
c. grades of C or better in English (ENGL 101 and 102) and public communication (SPCH 140).
d. a grade of C or better in all dance courses.
e. a passing score on a dance proficiency written exam.
f. a completed professional program application with appropriate signatures. Note: If members of the University dance faculty have specific concerns regarding an applicant's potential to become a professional educator, the Professional Education Committee for Dance (PECD) may request a personal interview with the applicant to make their determination. Such concerns may include but are not limited to an unsatisfactory professional disposition, a lack of intellectual motivation, inadequate interpersonal skills, an uncooperative attitude, violation of fundamental academic principles of honesty and integrity, or weakness in expressive skills. The PECD's identification of such weaknesses in either writing or speech may require additional academic work as a condition of acceptance.

2. A formal admissions application is also required for the fourth-year student teaching internship program, which is also submitted to the College of Education. For admission to the internship, a candidate must:

a. be admitted to the professional education program.
b. have completed 100 hours of practicum in dance education through course practica, the USC Dance Conservatory, the College of Education Gateway Center, and/or other experiences as approved by the dance education faculty.
c. complete DANC 270,270P, 370, 370P, 470,471.
d. complete PEDU 340/360.
e. complete EDFN 300, EDPY 401, and ARTE 360.
f. complete six courses in content area of dance.
g. achieve a GPA of 2.50 or higher in all dance and education course work.
h. have a satisfactory personal interview with a committee of dance and education faculty.
i. pass criminal background check and health screening requirements.

3. Certification: All students seeking initial teacher certification must meet the following requirements:

a. successfully complete the requirements of the degree program.
b. achieve scores at or above the criteria established by the state on the program-appropriate exams (Praxis II series). Scores earned on the Praxis must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education, and to the South Carolina State Department of Education.
c. submit an application for certification to the College of Education Office of Student Affairs and pay all certification fees as required.

Professional Program

Admission to the professional program in Dance Education is granted by the dean of the College of Education and constitutes the first “midpoint” review in each respective assessment system. Information about the professional program in education, the directed teaching/internship, specific deadlines, and applications are available from the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education.

Exit Requirements

1. Successfully complete all degree requirements.
2. Complete and submit an application for graduation to the College of Education’s Office of Student Affairs early in the last semester of the senior year. Students should consult the official University calendar for the specific date that the application is due.

Degree Requirements

1. General Education (53–62)
For a general outline, see “College of Arts and Sciences, Curricula Section 1 ”
It is strongly suggested the following courses be taken as part of the General Education requirements: BIOL 243/243L, BIOL 244/244L, DANC 150, ANTH 356, ANTH 352, DANC 300, SPCH 140, CSCE 101, and CSCE 102
*DANC 150 and DANC 300 must be passed with a grade of C or higher.

2. Major Requirements (47)
Required: DANC 230, DANC 250, DANC 281, DANC 282, DANC 350, DANC 382, DANC 480, DANC 490

Majors are required to enroll in Ballet and Contemporary Technique for 7 semesters.
Majors are required to enroll in World Dance Sequence for 7 semesters.
Majors are required to enroll in Dance Company and Production for 7 semesters

3. Professional Education (36)
Required: DANC 270, DANC 270P, DANC 370, DANC 370P, DANC 479, DANC 470, DANC 471

4. Education Cognate (12)
Required: EDFN 300, EDPY 401, PEDU 515, ARTE 360

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS (For both degree programs in dance)

1. To graduate with a major in dance, students must move up at least one level beyond their entry level in ballet or contemporary dance.
2. CAPSTONE COURSE: Each degree has a capstone experience for its majors: BA in Dance is a senior concert. BA in Dance Education is the student teaching internship.
3. Dance students must complete performance requirements for graduation which consists of choreographing, performing, and producing original work.
4. Dance Education majors must complete all performance, choreography, and production requirements before student teaching semester. Students must also make above a C+ in DANC 471 (Synthesis of Dance Education Constructs) before advancing to DANC 479.

Overview

Dance Education Pending Approval

Dance Performance/Choreography and Dance Education

Bachelor of Arts, Dance: Concentration in Performance and Choreography

The performance and choreography concentration focusing on classical ballet requires 7 ballet technique classes as well as 7 classes from contemporary and other forms of dance. The contemporary dance focus requires 7 contemporary technique classes as well as 7 classes from ballet and other forms of dance. Academic course work such as choreography, dance history, and theory courses are in ballet or contemporary dance, depending on the focus. Dance performances include full-length ballet productions, classical repertory and contemporary works. All majors are required to be in dance company for 7 semesters.

Admission Requirements

1. Entering freshmen and transfer students must meet University admissions requirements and academic standards.
2. Initial acceptance into the performance and choreography concentration is dependent upon a qualifying dance audition in ballet or contemporary dance.
3. Dance majors in performance and choreography are encouraged to complete all four years at USC, Columbia Campus, due to the rigorous and ongoing nature of the technical proficiency, as well as company requirements. If a student chooses to transfer into the dance major with a concentration in performance and choreography, additional course work may be necessary due to deficiencies.
4. Students who wish to enter the program from another major on the Columbia campus or from another USC campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Progression Requirements

1. At the end of each semester, dance majors are formally evaluated for technical placement and/or progression to the next level of dance technique.
2. As part of graduation requirements, students must move up at least one level beyond their entry level in ballet or contemporary dance.

Degree Requirements
(120 hours)

1. General Education Requirements (53-62 hours)
For a general outline, see "College of Arts and Sciences," curricula section I.
The following courses fulfill some of the general education requirements and must be completed for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in dance: BIOL 243, 243L, DANC 150, DANC 300. DANC 150 and DANC 300 must be passed with a grade of C or higher.
It is strongly suggested the following courses be taken as part of the general education requirements: BIOL 244, 244L, ANTH 356, ANTH 352, SPCH 140, CSCE 101, and CSCE 102.
2. Major Requirements (39 hours)
DANC 203; DANC 250; DANC 382; DANC 480; DANC 490; 3 hours from DANC 350 or DANC 450; 3 hours from DANC 281 or DANC 282
7 hours dance technique courses selected from one focus (ballet or contemporary dance)
7 hours additional dance technique courses
7 hours dance company and production courses
3. Cognates, see "College of Arts and Sciences," curricula section I (12 hours)
4. Electives

Bachelor of Arts, Dance: Concentration in Dance Education

The B.A. in Dance with a concentration in dance education is pending approval as a teacher certification program from the State Board of Education.

Admission Requirements

New freshmen who meet University admissions standards are eligible for admission to the dance program with a concentration in dance education offered by the College of Arts and Sciences in cooperation and collaboration with the College of Education. Students who wish to enter the program from another college on the Columbia campus or another USC campus must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher if they have completed less than 30 semester hours of credit or have a GPA of 2.25 if they have 30 semester hours or more. Students who wish to enter the program from a regionally accredited college or university other than USC must meet applicable admissions standards of the University. Students may not transfer credit for any course that carries a grade lower than C. All students applying to the program will be given a dance theory and content placement exam. If accepted, all dance majors with a concentration in dance education must fulfill professional education program requirements.

Curriculum
(126 hours)

1. General Education Requirements (53-62 hours)
For a general outline, see "College of Arts and Sciences," curricula section I.
2. Major Requirements (51-55)
A dance major with a concentration in dance education must earn a minimum of 51 to 55 credit hours of major course work, which includes 12 credit hours of student teaching. Some of the course work will originate from the College of Education. Of these minimum 51 hours, 34 from the dance curriculum will be prescribed as follows:
DANC 577 Dance Performance (3 hours)
DANC 479 Teaching Internship in Dance Education (12 hours)
DANC 477 Teaching Methods of Dance and Practicum (4 hours)
DANC 303 The Dancer's Body (3 hours)
DANC 381 Dance History (3 hours)
DANC 371 Introduction to Choreography (3 hours)
Choose from DANC 375, 376, 402, or 474 (ballet technique) (4 hours)
Choose from DANC 274 or 374 (modern dance technique) (2 hours)
The remaining 17 hours will be offered by the Department of Physical Education and/or the College of Education and meet state certification requirements. They are:
PEDU 340 Practicum in the Instruction of Young Learners in Movement Settings (1 hour)
PEDU 360 Instructional Aspects of Physical Education (3 hours)
PEDU 515 Physical Education for Inclusion (3 hours)
EDFN 300 Schools in Communities (3 hours)
EDPY 401 Learning and Diversity of Learning (3 hours)
EDPY 401P Practicum: Learners and the Diversity of Learning (1 hour)
EDSE 584 Middle and High School Internship Seminar (3 hours)
Recommended elective courses:
PEDU 263 Introduction to Athletic Training (2 hours)
PEDU 263L Athletic Training Lab (1 hour)

Progression Requirements

To remain in the dance program with a concentration in dance education, a student must make satisfactory progress toward a degree. A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be placed on academic probation or removed from the college.

Professional Education Program Requirements

Information regarding the professional education program and certification are available from the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education, Wardlaw 113, 803-777-6732, teach@gwm.sc.edu.
1. Upon completion of 60 semester hours of course work including courses specified by the program area, the candidate should submit an application to the College of Education Office of Student Affairs for admission to the professional program. To be admitted into the professional program, candidates must have:
a. a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.50.
b. a passing score on Praxis I (all three tests).
c. grades of C or better in English (ENGL 101 and 102) and public communication (SPCH 140).
d. a grade of C or better in all dance courses.
e. a passing score on a dance proficiency written exam.
f. a completed professional program application with appropriate signatures. Note: If members of the University dance faculty have specific concerns regarding an applicant's potential to become a professional educator, the Professional Education Committee for Dance (PECD) may request a personal interview with the applicant to make their determination. Such concerns may include but are not limited to an unsatisfactory professional disposition, a lack of intellectual motivation, inadequate interpersonal skills, an uncooperative attitude, violation of fundamental academic principles of honesty and integrity, or weakness in expressive skills. The PECD's identification of such weaknesses in either writing or speech may require additional academic work as a condition of acceptance.
2. A formal admissions application is also required for the fourth-year student teaching internship program, which is also submitted to the College of Education. For admission to the internship, a candidate must:
a. be admitted to the professional education program.
b. have completed 100 hours of practicum in dance education through course practica, the US