Curriculum

MA, Teaching Dance in the Professions: Dances of the African Diaspora

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MA, Teaching Dance in the Professions: Dances of the African Diaspora

The 30-36 credit MA in Teaching Dance in the Professions (Dances of the African Diaspora) uniquely prepares you for a successful career teaching dance in institutions of higher education, private studios, and community settings with a focus on African diaspora dance forms and scholarship. As an established dancer and choreographer, you’ll enhance your pedagogical training, deepen your knowledge of historical and cultural dance contexts, and emerge as a research-informed and proficient teacher who balancing pedagogy, artistry, and research.

Core Course Sequence

You’ll take classes in dance education research, teaching creative movement, methods and techniques of teaching dance, and the history, culture, and pedagogy of dance. Guided electives offer an in-depth look into specific dance styles, including West African dance, Afro-Caribbean dance, and hip hop. The program culminates in a final research project addressing issues in dance education. 

CourseTitleCredits
Dance Education Core 
MPADE-GE 2265Theory & Philosophy of Dance Education3
MPADE-GE 2040History, Culture & Pedagogy of Early American Modern Dance2
MPADE-GE 2273Internship in Dance1
MPADE-GE 2278Dance Administration & Leadership in Higher Education & the Arts3
MPADE-GE 2403Research in Dance3
MPADE-GE 2610Kaleidoscope Dancers I2
MPADE-GE 2611Kaleidoscope Dancers II2
MPADE-GE 2805Professional Development I0
MPADE-GE 2806Professional Development II0
MPADE-GE 2272History, Culture & Pedagogy of Jazz Dance2
Dances of the African Diaspora Concentration 
MPADE-GE 2201West African Dance2
MPADE-GE 2025Hip Hop Dance Culture1
MPADE-GE 2202Afro-Caribbean Dance2
MPADE-GE 2520Community Building through Teaching, Creating, Performing: Dance Educ in Uganda (or Guided Elective, by advisement)3
MPADE-GE 2601Anthropology of Dance I2
Culminating Experience 
MPADE-GE 2509Culminating Seminar in Dance Education2
Electives 
Electives by advisement0-6
Total Credits30-36
Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
MPADE-GE 2265Theory & Philosophy of Dance Education3
MPADE-GE 2601Anthropology of Dance I3
MPADE-GE 2610Kaleidoscope Dancers I2
MPADE-GE 2025Hip Hop Dance Culture1
MPADE-GE 2040History, Culture & Pedagogy of Early American Modern Dance2
MPADE-GE 2202Afro-Caribbean Dance2
MPADE-GE 2805Professional Development I0
 Credits13
2nd Semester/Term
MPADE-GE 2403Research in Dance3
MPADE-GE 2075Applied Methods & Techniques of Teaching Dance2
MPADE-GE 2611Kaleidoscope Dancers II1
MPADE-GE 2278Dance Administration & Leadership in Higher Education & the Arts3
MPADE-GE 2806Professional Development II0
MPADE-GE 2201West African Dance2
Community Building through Teaching, Creating, Performing: Dance Education in Uganda or Guided Elective3
 Credits14
3rd Semester/Term
MPADE-GE 2509Culminating Seminar in Dance Education2
MPADE-GE 2273Internship in Dance1
 Credits3
 Total Credits30

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