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, certificates, 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). One full unit of technique (3 classes) must be taken in a chosen dance category (e.g., 3 classes in Modern/Contemporary, 3 classes in Basic Theatrical Dance, etc.). The other .68 units can be from any category. 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
The SoC Capstone is an overlay requirement that may be fulfilled through CMN 398-1 and the accompanying lab, CMN 398-2, or through any of the courses listed below. Students should consult with their SoC academic advisor with questions about fulfilling the Capstone requirement through an alternative course listed below.
Courses that fulfill the SoC Capstone requirement
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| CMN 398-1 | SoC Capstone: Lecture |
| CMN 398-2 | SoC Capstone: Lab |
| CMN 340-0 | School of Communication EPICS Internship Seminar |
| CMN 370-0 | Module Capstone |
| CSD 332-0 | Clinical Assisting in Speech and Language Pathology |
| RTVF 397-3 | Advanced Directing III |
| THEATRE 375-0 | Advanced Acting Topics |
| THEATRE 383-3 | Advanced Playwriting Sequence |
| THEATRE 391-0 | Stage Management Intensive in Theory and Practice |
| THEATRE 392-0 | Advanced Stage Management |
| THEATRE 393-0 | Production Management |
| THEATRE 396-0 | Theatre Management and Arts Leadership |
| CFS 387-0 | Field Studies in the Environment & Sustainability |
| CFS 388-0 | Field Studies in Business Culture |
| CFS 391-0 | Field Studies in Social Justice |
| CFS 392-0 | Field Studies in Public Health |
| CFS 393-0 | Field Studies in the Modern Workplace |
| CFS 394-0 | Legal Field Studies |
| CFS 395-0 | Business Field Studies |
| CFS 397-0 | Field Studies in Civic Engagement |
| CFS 398-0 | Field Studies in Humanities |
| CRDV 301-0 | Introduction to Career Development |
| DSGN 300-0 | Designing Your Life |
| DSGN 370-0 | Portfolio Development & Presentation |
| MUSIC 360-0 | Career Innovation in Music and the Performing Arts |
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.
For a comprehensive list of courses that fulfill each distribution area, see Distribution Requirements on the School of Communication's Requirements page.
Electives (10 units)
Electives in communication and other areas to complete a minimum of 42 units of credit.
Language Requirements
Students pursuing the BACMN must demonstrate two-year proficiency in a classical or modern language other than English as defined by the Weinberg College requirement for proficiency in a language other than English. Students pursuing the BSCMN do not have a language proficiency requirement.
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.