Dance and Theatre Arts

Dance, DANC = 0125

1050. Dance Performance and Production Lab. 1 hour. (0;3) A structured laboratory course giving credit to students for their experiences in the production areas and performance of dance as an art form. The course is fourfold in content, including auditions, rehearsals, performances and all facets of production. All students planning to audition for a dance performance in the Department of Dance and Theatre Arts must be enrolled in a performance and production lab. Additionally, all enrolled in the course are provided the opportunity to be involved in a dance production in the capacities of auditions, performance and/or production each semester. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in a DANC technique course. May be repeated for credit.

1095. Stage Production I. 1 hour. (1;3) Introduction to the principles and practices governing the presentation of stage productions. Students participate in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup operations for theatrical productions. Opportunity to serve in management or design positions when qualified. One-hour weekly lecture plus at least 45 clock-hours per semester in a production laboratory. May be repeated for credit. DANC majors are required to have at least 1 hour each in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup production activities, or the equivalent, for graduation. (Same as THEA 1095.)

1100. Stress Reduction Through Movement. 3 hours. (3;1) A study of the basic theories and practices of wellness for increased quantity and quality of life through classroom and movement laboratory experiences. Scientific and philosophic examination of the body-mind connection. Course focuses on gaining an understanding of stress, stress-related illnesses and injuries, and techniques of stress release through movement for rehabilitation and health maintenance. Course addresses learning/growth processes, creativity, body image, preventive care, structural disciplines, movement analysis, body/movement therapies, massage and relaxation techniques. Satisfies Wellness requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

1200. Appreciation of Dance as a Contemporary Art Form. 3 hours. The aesthetics of dance as a performing art. Emphasis placed on the development of an appreciation for dance as a form of communication and as a reflection of contemporary society. Lectures, films and field trips. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

1250. Somatic Approaches to Movement. 3 hours. Basic tenets of functional anatomy, accessing particular somatic (body) techniques in order to enhance one's ability to embody and project movement intent effectively and aesthetically. Addresses organizational structures of the body, core support mechanisms and dynamic alignment, as well as introduce a more sophisticated awareness of rhythm and texture in relationship to time and space. Required of all entering dance majors and open to all who wish to learn to move from the inside out.

1400. Modern Dance Technique, Level I. 3 hours. (1;3) Introduction to theory and technique of modern dance. Fundamental exercises and analysis of time, space and dynamics as they apply to elements of dance with emphasis on structural alignment and integration. May be repeated for credit.

1410. Ballet Technique, Level I. 3 hours. (1;3) Basic techniques of classical ballet. Emphasis placed on fundamentals of alignment, integration, terminology and simple ballet movement vocabulary. May be repeated for credit.

1500. Jazz Dance Technique, Level I. 1 hour. (1;3) Introduction to jazz dance through a study of its vocabulary, style and technique. May be repeated for credit.

1710. Tap Dance Technique, Level I. 1 hour. (1;3) Basic technique of tap dance designed for the beginning performing student. Fundamentals of body placement, terminology, simple tap combinations, elements of performance quality and tap dance composition. May be repeated for credit.

2050. Principles and Techniques of Dance Performance. 1 hour. (1;4) Study of principles and techniques of dance performance through practical application of performing skills. In-depth work in body awareness, development of mental discipline and understanding the psychological aspects involved in non-verbal communication. Experience in working with a choreographer and performing in both laboratory and concert settings. One hour weekly lecture and movement plus a minimum of 60 clock hours in a movement laboratory. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in DANC 1400, 2400, 3400 or 4400.

2350. Improvisation and Introduction to Composition. 3 hours. (3;4) Theory and practice of movement exploration for use in establishing expressive movement patterns to be structured into short dance compositions. Three hours weekly of lecture and movement plus a minimum of 60 clock hours in a movement laboratory. Prerequisite(s): concurrent enrollment in DANC 1400, 2400, 3400 or 4400.

2400. Modern Dance Technique, Level II. 3 hours. (1;3) Emphasis placed on performance of relatively more complex combinations of movement patterns. Technical development of the body for greater range of movement and control. Analysis of time, space and dynamics as they apply to dance. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2410. Ballet Technique, Level II. 3 hours. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 1410. More emphasis is placed on simple adagio and allegro combinations as well as stylistically building the body as a performing instrument within the vocabulary of classical ballet. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2411. Beginning Pointe. 1 hour. (0;3) Fundamentals of classical pointe work preparatory to learning variations from the classical ballet repertory; increasing awareness of and proficiency in this facet of classical ballet training. Prerequisite(s): DANC 1410 or consent of department, and concurrent enrollment in DANC 1410, 2410, 3410 or 4410. May be repeated for credit.

2500. Jazz Dance Technique, Level II. 1 hour. (1;3) A continuation of DANCE 1500. Study includes more complex vocabulary, longer movement combinations and more attention to technique and development of jazz dance style. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2710. Tap Dance Technique, Level II. 1 hour. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 1710 with an emphasis placed on performance of relatively more complex combinations of movement patterns and increased vocabulary. Attention to performing technically to include more intricate rhythm skills, projection, focus, spatial clarity and overall musicality. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

2800. Survey of Dance. 3 hours. Primitive to contemporary dance both as a reflection of cultures and societies and as a performing and participatory art form. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts or the Crosscultural and Global Studies requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

2900-2910. Special Problems. 1-3 hours. Prerequisite(s): consent of the department.

3050. Dance Kinesiology. 3 hours. Study of the science of movement as it relates to the specific needs of the dancer. Emphasis placed on kinesiological studies within the dance technique class for greater understanding of developing strength, flexibility, balance and endurance as they apply to the mechanics of movement vocabulary in dance. Special attention is given to injury prevention. Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2360, 2370 and DANC 2400/2410.

3060. Music Analysis for Dance. 3 hours. (3;1) Interrelationship of music and dance; investigative and experiential aspects of improvisational accompaniment for dance, including elementary playing of instruments and voice. Techniques of sound taping and construction of percussive instruments; observation of the relationship between the work of a musician/composer and a teacher/choreographer. Three hours weekly of lecture and movement plus a minimum of 60 clock hours in a skills development laboratory. Lab time involves development of skills playing instruments and accompaniment of movement as well as development of creative compositions. Prerequisite(s): DANC 1250, 2350 and two dance technique courses.

3230. Introduction to Movement Therapy. 3 hours. Theory and methods of movement and dance in the therapeutic setting. Use of movement as a tool of rehabilitation. Various aspects of therapy and their relationships to movement and higher states of consciousness. Prerequisite(s): DANC 3050 and BIOL 2360.

3400. Modern Dance Techniques, Level III. 3 hours. (1;3) Continued development of movement vocabulary with emphasis on processing increasingly complex material. Self-analysis of strengths and weaknesses. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

3410. Ballet Technique, Level III. 3 hours. (1;3) Greater emphasis on expressive performance of classical ballet. Development of greater physical strength, stamina and flexibility. Introduction to pointe work, partnering and more complex movement vocabulary. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

3411. Pointe/Repertory/Partnering. 1 hour. (0;3) A continuation of DANC 2411; continued development of expertise that prepares the dancer for learning classical repertory and partnering techniques. Prerequisite(s): DANC 2411 or consent of department, and concurrent enrollment in DANC 2410 or 3410. May be repeated for credit.

3510. Principles and Theories of Dance Composition. 3 hours. (3;4) Development of principles and theories involved in composition. Emphasis placed on movement principles. Group and structural forms. Three hours weekly of lecture and movement plus a minimum of 60 clock hours in a movement laboratory. Prerequisite(s): DANC 2350 and concurrent enrollment in DANC 1400, 2400, 3400 or 4400.

3617. African Music and Movement. 1 hour. (2.5;0) Study of selected African drum music and development of related traditional movement skills through studio experience. Movements are compared and contrasted with various African and social uses, and artistic and educational values. May be repeated for credit. (Same as MUAG 3617.)

4095. Stage Production II. 1 hour. (1;3) Advanced study of the principles and practices governing the presentation of stage productions. Students manage or serve as crew heads for front-of-house, backstage, and costume and makeup operations for theatrical productions. Opportunity to seek independent solutions to management or technical problems when qualified. One-hour weekly lecture plus at least 45 clock-hours per semester in a production laboratory. Prerequisite(s): 3 hours of DANC 1095, or the equivalent, or permission of the department. May be repeated for credit. DANC majors are required to have at least 1 hour each in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup production activities, or the equivalent, for graduation. (Same as THEA 4095.)

4400. Modern Dance Technique, Level IV. 3 hours. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 3400. For the highly accomplished modern dancer giving emphasis to pre-professional training. Introducing more complex work in contemporary styles. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

4410. Ballet Technique, Level IV. 3 hours. (1;3) A continuation of DANC 3410. For the serious ballet dancer with emphasis on pre-professional preparation. Introducing more complex elements of petit allegro, grande allegro, classical and contemporary ballet repertory. Prerequisite(s): placement through proficiency exam. May be repeated for credit.

4610. Effort/Shape. 3 hours. Study of the expressive relationships of energy exertions and the body as it adapts to space. Exploration of how combinations of motion factors affect the visual, functional and expressive composition of movement. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. One year's previous movement training helpful but not necessary. (Same as THEA 4610.)

4620. Space Harmony. 3 hours. Study of harmonic spatial forms and the manner in which they materialize in movement. Explorations of these forms are developed from geometric shapes creating clarity in postures and gestures. Prerequisite(s): one year of movement study. (Same as THEA 4620.)

4650. Senior Project. 3 hours. (3;4) Individualized dance project with selected faculty member. Includes specialized study in, but not limited to, areas such as choreography, creative research, therapy, dance science, examination of pedagogical or administrative issues. Serves as the capstone course for the BA degree in dance.

4800. Studies in Dance. 1-3 hours.

4900-4910. Special Problems. 1-3 hours each. Problems must be approved by the department chair.

Theatre Arts, THEA = 0126

1043. Costume I. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the preparation of costumes for theatrical productions. Costume construction, basic materials, pattern making, work with special fabrics; introduction to design techniques. Practical application in laboratory and on crew assignments for theatrical productions. Required for theatre arts majors.

1045. Performance I. 3 hours. (3;2) Fundamentals of theatrical and film performance. Exercises to develop physical and emotional identities, powers of observation, sense memory, emotion memory, sources of vocal production, physical expressiveness and techniques of improvisation and mime.

1046. Introduction to Stagecraft: Scenery, Lighting, Props and Sound. 3 hours. (3;2) Creation of stage scenery, lights, properties and sound; communication, operations, and safety during theatrical production.

1095. Stage Production I. 1 hour. (1;3) Introduction to the principles and practices governing the presentation of stage productions. Students participate in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup operations for theatrical productions. Opportunity to serve in management or design positions when qualified. One-hour weekly lecture plus at least 45 clock-hours per semester in a production laboratory. May be repeated for credit. THEA majors are required to have at least 1 hour each in front-of-house, backstage, or costume and makeup production activities, or the equivalent, for graduation. (Same as DANC 1095.)

1340. Aesthetics of the Theatre Throughout the World. 3 hours. Theory and practice of theatre art throughout the world. Appreciation of drama in both western and nonwestern cultures. Principles of dramatic criticism. Cultural and social significance of the theatre and its drama. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts or the Crosscultural and Global Studies requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

1375. The Actor and the Text. 3 hours. (3;2)- Principles and practices governing the craft of theatre performance relative to the content within the dramatic texts. Acting as a manifestation of historical and cultural ideals with emphasis on a developing appreciation for the literary masterpieces of world theatre. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

2051. Voice for Theatre. 3 Hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the use of the voice for theatrical and filmic performances. Contemporary systems of vocal preparation. Standard stage, film and television dialects. Required for theatre arts majors whose concentration is acting or directing.

2110. Stagecraft. 3 hours. (3;2) Advanced study of scenery construction and rigging; shop and production crew organization and management; backstage techniques. Introduction to scene design. Practical experience in laboratory and production assignments. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1046 or consent of department.

2150. Costume II. 3 hours. (3;2) Advanced construction techniques for theatrical costuming. Practical experience in laboratory and production assignments. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1043 or consent of department.

2160. Stage Lighting. 3 hours. (3;2) Advanced techniques for theatrical lighting, stage instrumentation and circuitry. Practical experience in laboratory and production assignments. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1046 or consent of department.

2260. Non-Western Theatre and Drama. 3 hours. Plays, playwrights, actors and other theatre artists in relation to the cultures of Japan, China, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East. Theatre architecture and the use of environmental spaces for theatrical performances. Emphasis on theory and criticism of dramatic art. Satisfies the Crosscultural and Global Studies requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

2340. Theatre Appreciation. 3 hours. (3;2) The study of the elements and production of the theatrical art form. A survey of theatre productions in and around the Metroplex. Field trips. May not be counted toward a major or minor in theatre arts. May be repeated for credit when the productions vary. Satisfies the Visual and Performing Arts requirement of the University Core Curriculum.

2350. Performance II. 3 hours. (3;2) Study and practice of the fundamentals of acting. Techniques of scoring a role, communicating with a partner, playing intentions and finding the inner world of a character in a play, a film or a television production. Acting exercises and scene work. Written examination on a selected bibliography about acting. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1045, 2051, 2351 or consent of department.

2351. Movement for Theatre. 3 Hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the use of the actor's body for theatrical and filmic performances. Emphasis on the dynamics and the therapeutic aspects of movement as a means of exploring and expressing thoughts or feelings, and on periods and styles of movement. Study of the theories and techniques of Rudolf von Laban. Coordinated performance with voice, body and musical accompaniment. Development of mime, pantomime and stage combat techniques. Required for theatre arts majors whose concentration is acting or directing.

2360. Repertory Theatre. 3 hours. (1;4) Principles and practices governing performance and technical activities in a professionally oriented summer repertory theatre. Students may enroll four times for credit, but no more than 6 semester hours may be used toward a major in theatre arts and no more than 3 semester hours toward a minor in theatre arts.

2380. Theatrical Makeup. 3 hours. (3;2) Principles and practices governing the use of theatrical makeup in the performance of a play or in a film or television production. Prerequisite(s): THEA 1043 and 1046, or consent of department. Recommended for all theatre arts majors.

Top | Undergraduate Catalog Course and Subject Guide | UNT Undergraduate Catalog Shortcuts | Texas Common Course Numbering System | Additional Undergraduate Literature | Graduate Catalog Course and Subject Guide