Applied Methods: Dance in Schools and Communities

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
SPSC 1317
Descriptive
Applied Methods: Dance in Schools and Communities
Department
Sport Science
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

and

Lab: 2 hours/week

Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning Activities
  • Lectures
  • Discussion groups / group work
  • Practical applications
  • Peer-led / peer teaching
  • Problem-based learning
  • Experiential learning
Course Description
This course provides students with the knowledge and experience necessary to plan and teach lessons in dance in educational and community settings. Students gain practical experience in planning, leading, and evaluating lessons in dance. Students are introduced to a variety of dance styles. Experience in dance is not a prerequisite for this course. This course may be used as elective credit for the Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching. This course does not qualify as a "lab science" course.
Course Content
  • Dance education in school and community settings
    • Scope of practice in dance education
    • Conceptual approaches to dance education based on Laban Movement Principles
    • Movement skills and artistry through exploration of expressive movement
    • Current topics in dance education
  • Movement concepts 
    • Space
    • Time
    • Force
    • Body
    • Effort action
  • Skills developed through dance education
    • Physical literacy
    • Creativity
    • Critical thinking
    • Collaboration
    • Dance-specific movement skills    
    • Techniques and patterns used in a variety of dance forms
  • Unit/Session planning
    • Individual lesson planning
    • Skill progression
    • Guiding others through the creative process
  • Arts integration in schools
    • Interdisciplinary approach to dance education 
    • Dance activities for a classroom environment
  • Community Dance
    • Definitions of community dance practices
    • Approaches to community-based dance experiences
  • Teaching methods and instructional strategies
    • Creativity and self-expression through planned movement or structured improvisation
    • Skill development in dance 
    • Diverse approaches for all stages of learning and development 
    • Music selection 
    • Counting and cuing techniques
    • Environmental concerns
    • Use of props
    • Imagery as a teaching tool
    • Strategies for inclusive dance practice
  • Assessment techniques
    • Analysis and assessment of technical skills
    • Self-analysis of skills and creative process through reflection and observation 
    • Evaluation tools based on lesson/unit plans content
Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • recognize and describe movement vocabulary used in a variety of dance forms;
  • apply appropriate pedagogical principles for effective instruction based on a conceptual approach to dance education;
  • describe and demonstrate instructional strategies for leading safe, effective, and inclusive lessons in dance;
  • create lesson plans and unit plans based on a conceptual approach to dance education including movement exploration, skill development, and choreography;
  • create movement experiences using dance that can be applied to a variety of educational and community-based settings;
  • explain the developmental factors and learner attributes for working with a range of ages and skill levels;
  • discuss current topics related to planning and implementing dance in inclusive settings.
Means of Assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student’s graded work. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Professionalism and attendance 0-15%

Reflection and self-assessment 5-25%

Instructional knowledge and planning 25-30%

Peer assessment 10-20%

Presentations 25-30%

Total 100% 

Textbook Materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:

Gilbert, A.G. (current edition). Creative Dance for All Ages. Human Kinetics.