Dance Assessment and Student Learning Outcomes

Studies/Core Competencies
The following are central to the undergraduate degrees in Dance:

• Knowledge of a kinesthetic as well as an intellectual understanding in the language of movement art, gaining skills in oral, written and non-verbal communication
• Practice of creative, reflective thinking
• Knowledge of diversity and multicultural issues
• Engagement in the community through the cultural art realm
• Knowledge of professional practices in the field of dance

Program Description, Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment
Dance offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts as well as an endorsement in Dance Education in conjunction with Woodring College of Education.  Western’s Dance Program offers experiences in performing, directing, teaching producing and choreographing. Students are prepared for performance or teaching careers in dance and are professionally prepared for a lifelong relationship with the arts.

Student Learning Outcomes and Assessment
The following areas of knowledge are central to the undergraduate degree in Dance:

• Development of physical and artistic skills required for proficiency in modern dance technique and competency in ballet technique.  (critical and creative skills of body/mind).
• Ability to apply essential principles of choreography and performance to the study and evaluation of concert dance (critical skills).
• Familiarity and knowledge of compositional skills to develop choreography in traditional and/or experimental approaches (creative skills).
• Familiarity and awareness of the history of dance as evidenced by performers, educators, choreographers and their works.
• Comprehension and respect for diversity and expression of culture through the study of dance and movement.
• Achieving deep identification with dance through rigorous study of technique, history, kinesiology, pedagogy, technical production and performance opportunities to synthesize a personal aesthetic and artistic development.