Description

Degree: Bachelor of Arts Major: Dance Program Code: 3257 About This Major . . . The BA in Dance offers a broad, liberal arts approach to the study of dance and movement. Dance majors are immersed in a holistic approach to dance studies with coursework in a variety of dance forms, somatic practices, conditioning, movement analysis, dance history, choreography, pedagogy, dance company, and experiential anatomy. Additionally, students have numerous opportunities to choreograph, perform, and teach throughout their degree. The CMU Dance program is unique in that we offer a strong technical foundation, across a variety of dance styles. Through our diverse curriculum, students develop versatility and an appreciation for historical roots and current trends in the field. Within a supportive learning community, students engage not only in rigorous technical training, but are also invited to explore creative experimentation and collaborative possibilities. Through our guest artist series, community engagement programs, and annual participation in the American College Dance Association Conference, our students have numerous opportunities to develop professional and networking skills. These experiences not only offer potential professional connections, but also expose students to other areas of dance scholarship, including current practices in dance medicine, dance psychology, etc. Our dance majors have the unique opportunity to explore additional degrees in other disciplines at CMU that align with their studies in dance and movement. CMU Dance students are prepared for employment in various aspects of the dance field as performers, choreographers, teachers, and studio owners. Additionally, they are prepared to pursue graduate degrees, specialized certifications in performance, choreography, production, arts management, movement therapy, and numerous related areas of dance and movement research. For more information on what you can do with this major, visit Career Services’ What to Do with a Major? resource. All CMU baccalaureate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campus-wide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to: Communicate verbally contemporary and enduring concepts concerning Human Culture through participation and/or observation of the performing arts and speech. (Specialized Knowledge/ Communication) Communicate non-verbally contemporary and enduring concepts concerning Human Culture through participation and/or observation of the performing arts and speech. (Specialized Knowledge/ Communication) Create progressively more challenging projects through the use of intellectual and/or practical skills. (Applied Learning) Demonstrate teamwork and problem solving skills through collaboration and cooperation on creative projects. (Critical Thinking) Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and versatility of the discipline from conceptualization to application. (Applied Learning) Analyze ethical, social, and/or civic challenges and their intersection with the performing arts at the local, national, and global levels. (Personal and Social Responsibility) Find, critically evaluate, and effectively apply relevant sources of information to discipline-specific projects. (Information Literacy)