MFA in Dance Proposal

Table of Contents I. II. III. A History and Background of the M.F.A. in dance department How the Program fits into the Institution’s Mission Dance Program Overview Department Description and Philosophy Department Mission Faculty IV. MFA Degree in Dance Description and Philosophy Graduate Admission Requirements Department Provisional Admission University Requirements MFA Curriculum Course Requirements, Electives Course Descriptions Suggested Three Year Plan Student Learning Goals Other Program Outcome Goals V. Evaluation of Program Evaluation of Graduate Students of Dance Internal Evaluation External Assessment of Program Graduate Alumni List VI. Justification for Program Enrollment History Summary of Projected Enrollment in Program VII. Program Resources 2 I. A History and Background of the M.F.A. in Dance A recent audit in the SCHEV office revealed the lack of proper documentation for George Mason University’s M.F.A. degree in Dance. The University’s history of accelerated growth and expansion, and the frequent movement of the Dance program from one administrative home to another, has resulted in this awkward situation. The attached proposal is a necessary procedure to rectify this administrative oversight, and to reauthorize the M.F.A. in Dance which was first proposed in 1985, initiated in 1992 and graduated its first student in 1995. In 1985, the Dance Division (then a part of the Department of Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences) sent a letter to regional organizations and institutions concerning the University’s offering an M.F.A. in Dance and received positive responses. In 1992, after years of curriculum planning and research into student demand, the Dance Division of the Institute of the Arts initiated the M.F.A. At the time there was no other terminal degree program in dance in the state (though Shenandoah University now offers an M.F.A. degree). George Mason’s current M.F.A in Dance curriculum was approved by the Institute of the Arts faculty and administration (official minutes available) in fall 1993. In addition to serving the needs of Virginia students, the M.F.A. in Dance was approved by SCHEV, in 1997, for admission to the Academic Common Market serving students from consortium states (West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland). In July 2001, the Department of Dance, and all of its degree programs, became a part of the new College of Visual and Performing Arts. The attached proposal describes a program that has been operational for almost ten years. The faculty and funding for its programs are already in place, the curriculum has been revised and approved through proper university procedures, and its student learning goals, evaluation methods and assessment were documented in the recent SACS report submitted by the University. In addition, many of its graduates are now professionals in the field, providing evidence of the program’s viability within George Mason’s strategic plan and programmatic direction. 3 II. How the Program fits into the Institution’s Mission "George Mason is deeply committed to the arts and to educating our students about the significance the arts have in all our lives. This is why the arts are integral to our institution. We encourage active student participation in the many programs and related courses in the arts that are scheduled throughout the year. Students are able to receive a more balanced education, develop a deeper appreciation of the arts, and achieve a more enlightened perspective of the world." Alan G. Merten, President, George Mason University The College of Visual and Performing Arts was established to create an academic environment in which the arts may be considered both as individual disciplines and as interdisciplinary forms that strengthen each other. Courses of study in the college's four departments—Art and Visual Technology, Dance, Music, and Theater—are designed to lead to careers as creators, performers, teachers, and scholars of the arts, as well as prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. In addition to providing strong programs for arts majors and minors, the college strives to ensure that the entire George Mason University student population has the opportunity to experience and study the arts as a key component of a well-rounded liberal arts education. Studying the arts goes hand in hand with creation and performance. The College of Visual and Performing Arts provides the theaters, studios, rehearsal spaces, computer laboratories, recital halls, and performance classrooms in which our students can hone their skills. The college's faculty of practicing artist-teachers works closely with students in a variety of curricular and co-curricular creative projects. Once basic techniques are established, students are encouraged to stretch, grow, and experiment within this supportive environment. Students regularly perform, create, exhibit, and otherwise develop their art forms in a wide variety of public venues, enhancing their experience as working artists while enriching the cultural life of the George Mason community. An education in the arts is deepened by regular contact with the work of distinguished visiting artists. The college is home to the Center for the Arts, which comprises a variety of professional presenting and producing units that provide a diverse program of challenging and entertaining cultural experiences for the entire university community, as well as Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. area. Artists from across the country and around the world regularly perform in the Concert Hall, give master classes, work with students during extended residencies, and interact with the community in a variety of other ways. The accessibility of the Concert Hall, TheaterSpace, Johnson Center Gallery, Harris Theater, and other campus venues make the arts pervasive at George Mason University and in our larger community. 4 III. Dance Program Overview Dance Department Description and Philosophy Dance at George Mason University is noted, according to George Jackson of The Washington Post, for being ―tuned in to the contemporary scene.‖ GMU’s modern based program offers its dance majors rich educational experiences through its courses in studio, theoretical study and performance and choreography. There are also abundant opportunities to view professional dance artists and companies at the many performance venues in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. A minimum of five formal concerts and four informal choreographic showcases are produced each academic year. There are additional performance/ choreographic opportunities in M.F.A. thesis concerts and outreach projects. A long-standing successful guest artist residency allows students to work closely with renowned choreographers each term. The Dance Department encourages and supports collaborative projects with other disciplines. There are additional opportunities for master classes, pre- and post-performance concert discussions, and the possibility of involvement in interdisciplinary projects and activities. Dance Department Mission The Dance Department is committed to providing its students the best possible environment for artistic, intellectual, and educational growth in the art form of dance, and to producing artists who have acquired the life skills necessary for responsible community membership. The education of future artists, teachers, scholars and advocates is at the heart of the dance curriculum. Working within the deep foundation of a liberal education provided by the university, the Department of Dance enables students to develop their full potential ensuring their lives are rich and meaningful in both artistic and academic purpose. Equally important is our commitment to contribute to the cultural life of the university, community and region through the education of dance audiences and by providing a wide range of dance experiences which foster a deeper understanding of dance as a vital human experience. Our mission is in accord with the university’s, emphasizing interdisciplinary research and teaching, creativity, and the preparation of graduates who will succeed in an ever changing and diverse society. 5 Dance Faculty LINDA GARNER MILLER (Department Chair) received her MFA in Dance from the University of Hawaii. She has performed with the Cincinnati Ballet and Opera, Ruth Page’s International Ballet Company, Hawaii Dance Theatre and Repertory West. In Washington D.C. she has performed with numerous companies and choreographers including the Washington Opera. Linda has choreographed works for university productions and musical theatre including the award-winning Pirates of Penzance. She was nominated for a Helen Hayes award for her choreography in Interact’s H.M.S. Pinafore. KAREN STUDD has a master’s degree in Dance from the University of Oregon and is a certified Laban Movement Analyst. She has taught at the University of Oregon, the University of Wisconsin and the Laban Certificate Extension Program. Her choreography has been performed by the Kanopy Dance Company in Madison, Wisconsin, Eksperymentalne Studio Tanza Company of Krakow, Poland, and the D.C. Contemporary Dance Theatre. JIM LEPORE, who was a member of the Jose Limon Company, received his M.F.A. from Temple University. He serves on the faculty of the White Mountain Summer Dance Festival, is the coordinator of an Afro-Cuban dance workshop held in Santiago, Cuba, and is a Certified Movement Analyst. He has taught at Temple University, the College of William and Mary, and the University of Washington. His choreography has been performed in Brazil, Mexico and Greece. BUFFY PRICE received her graduate education from NYU’s Department of Dance Education. She performed and taught in New York with Nancy Meehan, and she has also taught at George Washington University, Sweet Briar College, and Shenandoah University. JOAN NICHOLAS-WALKER has performed her own choreography and the work of others both nationally and abroad. She received her B.F.A. from George Mason University and her M.F.A. from Ohio State. While at O.S.U. she received several grants to conduct research of the traditional dances of Madagascar. SUZANNE CARBONNEAU is a dance critic and historian who writes for The Washington Post and other publications. She holds an M.A. in Dance from American University, a C.M.A. from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute, and a Ph.D. in Performance Studies from New York University. Suzanne is a consultant to the N.E.A. Dance program and is co-director of the Audience Enrichment Program at Jacob’s Pillow. She teaches at Bates Dance Festival, where she is also director of audience development. 6 IV. MFA Degree in Dance Description and Philosophy The MFA in Dance is a 60-credit plan of study that emphasizes performance, teaching and choreography, grounded in the modern dance genre. Students can complete the course of study within 3 years by maintaining full time status (minimum 9 credits); 6 credits in any given semester are the minimum for which a student should register. The Dance Department has chosen to keep this degree program small and selective in order to provide adequate resources to all students in the degree plan. Since the MFA is considered a terminal degree in the studio area of the dance discipline, candidates admitted to the MFA degree are selected based on the following evidenced criteria: • • • • • • advanced proficiency in either ballet or modern technique; undergraduate degree in dance, or equivalent; quality choreography; life experiences in the field; professional goals which can be supported through the graduate plan of study; demonstration of professional commitment to the field. Upon entering the program it is expected that all candidates will take advantage of the diverse and abundant cultural opportunities both on the GMU campus and in the Washington D.C. area, as well as the many performance and creative opportunities produced by the Dance Department. It should be noted that GMU offers its students four dance studios and a resident pool of GMU graduate and undergraduate dancers for exploration of choreography in GMU’s production venues. Although the MFA degree is relatively new (its first graduate was in the class of 1995) the Dance Department considers the needs of both its graduate and undergraduate students when allocating resources for the academic and production components of its program. The Department believes its graduate students are role models for the undergraduate dance majors and therefore, expects that graduate students will be active participants in all aspects of the Department. 7 Graduate Admission Requirements Department In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for graduate study, the applicant must submit (directly to the Dance Department) a resume and a 10-minute VHS video that illustrates the applicant’s choreography. All candidates must also demonstrate advanced technical proficiency through an audition, either in person or, by special arrangement, on video. All candidates must satisfy the following prerequisites: advanced technical ability; improvisation; two semesters of dance composition; two semesters of dance history; rhythmic analysis or music for dance; anatomy/kinesiology; and, dance production. Prerequisite courses may be completed before or concurrent with graduate course work and are usually fulfilled if the applicant has earned a B.A. or B.F.A. in Dance. Provisional Admission A degree-seeking applicant with a baccalaureate degree who has not met all admissions requirements may be offered provisional admission if sufficient evidence is presented to suggest the applicant has the ability to pursue graduate wor k. As first priority when starting the graduate program, a provisionally admitted student must satisfy the conditions of admission. Once the student has satisfied the conditions specified in the offer of admission and submitted all admissions credentials, the provisional qualifier will be removed from the student’s record. Written confirmation indicating removal will be sent to the student from the college dean. If the student does not meet the admissions conditions within the time limit specified, the student may be terminated from the program. All applicants admitted provisionally are in degree-seeking status. The course work taken appears as a part of their regular student record and does not need to be transferred. The Dance Department Graduate Coordinator is responsible for monitoring the progress of students provisionally admitted. University Requirements The Dance Department urges all of its MFA candidates to familiarize themselves with the policies of the University, with special note to the Honor System and Code. All policies are listed in the University Catalog, which can be purchased at the GMU Bookstore. The following is a summary of the most frequently asked questions regarding University policies. • With the approval of the dean, a student may apply a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours earned 8 through GMU Extended Studies toward a master’s program. • The grading system for graduate credit is A, A-, B+, B, (satisfactory) and C, F (unsatisfactory). Faculty may also report IN (incomplete) or IP (thesis in progress). Graduate students have only 9 weeks to complete the work required to change a grade of IN (incomplete) to a letter grade before the Registrar converts the IN to an F. Thesis will be assigned an IP (in progress) until the thesis work is complete. • A graduate student may repeat a course in which a grade of C or below has been earned. The Dance Department will accept only one such grade conversion. • A graduate student may apply up to 6 hours of C grades in graduate-level courses and must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the degree application. The GPA calculation does not include transfer credits. • Graduate students may choose to graduate under the catalogue in effect when they were admitted or the catalogue in effect when they graduate or any catalogue that was in effect during the time of their enrollment. However, students who have been inactive more than one year must graduate under a catalogue in effect after they have been granted permission to re-enroll. • Graduate students must complete all requirements for the master’s degree within six years of the date of initial registration as an admitted (degree or provisional) graduate student. • Only graduate-level courses may apply toward the degree. M.F.A. Curriculum Course Requirements, Electives DANC 501 Graduate Dance Seminar DANC 525*/545* Advanced Modern or Ballet Technique (Minimum 9 cr. in Modern; 6 cr. in Ballet) DANC 560* Advanced Choreography DANC 570*/571* Advanced Dance Performance 3 18 6 9 or Residency Workshop Laban Movement Analysis Philosophy and Aesthetics Contemporary Trends Advanced Teaching Seminar Dance Management Internship Thesis Electives 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 6 60 DANC 580 DANC 598 DANC 615 DANC 627 DANC 680 DANC 790* DANC 799 XXX TOTAL CREDITS: Course Electives DANC 553 DANC 562 DANC 599 DANC 520 Teaching Creative Movement Directed Choreography Independent Study Special Topics 3 1-3 1-3 1-3 * Elective credit may be earned in these courses if taken beyond the number of credits required in the curriculum. Course Descriptions DANC 501 GRADUATE DANCE SEMINAR (3) Presentation and discussion of current issues in dance specific to the areas of education, research, and professional development in the field. DANC 520 SPECIAL TOPICS IN DANCE (1-3) Prerequisite: 9 hrs. of dance or permission of instructor. In-depth presentation and exploration of topical studies in dance and/or related fields. Topic depends on instructor. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits. DANC 525 ADVANCED MODERN DANCE (1-3) Prerequisite: Audition. Advanced training in modern dance technique emphasizing the attainment of high technical ability and performance skills. May be repeated for a total of 18 credits. DANC 545 ADVANCED BALLET (1-3) Prerequisite: Audition. Advanced training in ballet technique with an emphasis on high technical quality, performance skills, ballet vocabulary and styles. May be repeated for a total of 18 credits. DANC 553 TEACHING CREATIVE MOVEMENT (3) To provide theory, methodology and practicum experience in preparation for teaching creative movement to children K-12, with some application to special populations. DANC 560 ADVANCED CHOREOGRAPHY (3) Prerequisite: DANC 351 or permission of instructor. Intensive study and exploration of advanced choreographic forms culminating in a public performance of a complete dance work. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits. 10 DANC 572 DIRECTED CHOREOGRAPHY (1-3) Prerequisite.: Permission of the instructor. Individual choreographic project supervised by a faculty member. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. DANC 570 ADVANCED DANCE PERFORMANCE (1-3) Prerequisite: Audition. Advanced performance through participation in university productions and professional dance companies. May be repeated for a total of 12 credits. DANC 571 RESIDENCY WORKSHOP (1) Prerequisite: Audition. Rehearsal and performance of a new or restaged dance by a guest choreographer in an intensive rehearsal setting. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. DANC 580 LABAN MOVEMENT ANALYSIS (3) Introduction to the components of Laban Movement Analysis: body, shape, effort, and space. The course also includes motif writing for recording and analyzing movement. DANC 598 PHILOSOPHY AND AESTHETICS OF DANCE (3) Prerequisite: DANC 390 and 391 or permission of the instructor. A study of the philosophical theories and aesthetic principles of dance as a performing art. DANC 599 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3) Individual research or a creative project in close consultation with an instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. DANC 615 CONTEMPORARY TRENDS (3) Prerequisite: Graduate standing. A study of contemporary art and artists and their current ideas and practices as they relate to the making of new work. DANC 627 ADVANCED TEACHING SEMINAR (3) Prerequisite: DANC 454 or permission of instructor. Discussion of advanced problems in teaching from both the scientific and creative points of view. DANC 680 DANCE MANAGEMENT (3) Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Exploration of the technical, financial and economical aspects of dance management including the areas of marketing, fundraising, publicity, incorporation, booking, nonprofit vs. profit-making organization, and issues relating to current practices in the performing arts industry. DANC 790 INTERNSHIP (1-3) Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Study that would involve intensive professional experience through sponsorship of a dance company, agency, or other organizations in the area of management, administration, performance, choreography, or teaching. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. DANC 799 THESIS (6) Prerequisite: Graduate standing, permission of advisor and approval of proposal. Original research, including written work and a public performance, under the direction of a thesis committee. 11 Suggested Three Year Plan for M.F.A. Candidates Entering Fall 2001 Fall 2001 Spring 2002 Adv. Teaching Sem. (627) 3 Phil & Aest (598) Performance 1 Technique (525) Technique (525) 3 Technique (545) Technique (545) 2 Internship (790) 9 Adv. Choreo (560) Fall 2002 Grad Seminar (501) Dance Management (680) Elective Technique (525) Spring 2003 Adv Choreo (560) Performance(570/571) Laban Mvmnt Anal (580) Technique (525) Technique (545) Spring 2004 Thesis (799) Contemporary Trends Technique (525) 3 1 1 3 3 11 3 1 3 2 1 10 6 3 1 10 3 3 3 1 10 Fall 2003 (thesis choreography) Elective 3 Performance (570/571) 1 Technique (525 3 Technique (545) 3 10 Student Learning Goals 1. Students will demonstrate professional competency as dancers in public performances. 2. Students will achieve technical mastery in one dance technique and competency in at least one other traditional or innovative dance technique appropriate to their work. 3. Students will demonstrate mastery of choreographic skills, and depth and refinement of choreographic expression, which culminates in a significant body of work presented in public performance. 4. Students will critically analyse and interpret in depth the cultural, philosophical and aesthetic values of dance. They should be able to place works of dance in historical and stylistic context and be able to form and defend value judgments about dance. 5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the principles of Laban Movement Analysis and will exhibit refined awareness of multiple movement concepts which can be applied cross-culturally. 12 6. Students will understand the philosophy, curriculum and methodology of teaching dance in higher education, and demonstrate their ability to teach effectively in a variety of settings. 7. Students will utilize technological developments applicable to research, communication and creative projects in dance. 8. Students will have an understanding of: contemporary artists and their current ideas; issues in the field of dance as they relate to the making of new work; and, the ability to address new questions and issues. 9. Students will acquire the skills of independent research, critical writing, and effective oral expression, and they will demonstrate professional competency in the dissemination of knowledge. Other Program Outcome Goals 1. Students will be hired as university dance faculty. 2. Students will become artistic directors of their own companies. 3. Students will be employed as professional performers and choreographers. V. Evaluation of Program Evaluation of Graduate Students of Dance There are no commercially available tests/surveys appropriate to the Dance discipline in higher education. In place of such test/surveys, the following assessment tools/processes are employed by the dance faculty and recognized by the accrediting body, the National Association of Schools of Dance. Internal Evaluation Audition/Ongoing Evaluation Prospective students are assessed in audition/evaluation classes which are scheduled each semester. After being admitted to the program, students are annually evaluated during Spring semester by a panel of Dance faculty who confer regarding the student’s progress and ongoing technical training and development. Faculty-student contact and interaction On a daily basis, throughout the semester, faculty evaluate students and give feedback in technique and theory classes, rehearsals and student creative projects such as directed choreography, independent study and internships. 13 Advising Conferences are regularly scheduled (average two per semester) with a faculty advisor to evaluate student progress, assist in course selection, and discuss career goals and options. Academic Evaluation In compliance with the university’a academic policies for graduate study (catalog page 42), a student is issued an academic warning for receiving a grade lower than a B. A student will be dismissed upon accumulating either grades of F in two courses or nine credits of unsatisfactory grades in graduate courses. A graduate student must have a grade point average of at least 3.00 on the degree application and may apply only up to six credits of C grades. The GPA calculation excludes any transfer credits. A student admitted to the program provisionally who fails to achieve a 3.00 GPA after completing 12 credits or who fails to meet any other conditions specified at admission will be terminated. Students must complete all requirements for the degree within six years from the date of initial registration as an admitted graduate student. Adjudicated showings Student performance and choreography is adjudicated in regularly scheduled showings (average 4 per semester) and selected for production in public venues. Each student choreographer receives written criticism/feedback from faculty and other choreographers. A faculty advisor meets with each student choreographer to discuss that criticism. The choreographer returns to rehearsals to implement the suggestions. The advisor, and often additional faculty, observe rehearsals or review a video of rehearsal, and continue discussion with the choreographer. Following a final adjudication, dances are selected for a performance venue. Each semester two produced concerts (lighting and costumes), and one informal showcase, insure that all student work is given the opportunity for public performance. M.F.A. Thesis Defense Scheduled following presentation of written thesis. External Assessment of Program Visiting guest choreographers who measure GMU dance student performance against other institutions they have worked with, and professional performers they employ. Professional adjudication at American College Dance Festival Association festivals, and Washington metropolitan choreographic showcases. Public performances of guest artist, faculty and student choreography. Success of graduates in professional performance and as university faculty. Informal alumni feedback. 14 Graduate Alumni MFA in Dance GMU Date Degree Conferred Name Position at last contact January 1995 Milly Dupont Dance Educator, Emory College Dance Educator and writer (contributed to Dance View) Dance Educator, Richmond Dance Artist and Educator, Minneapolis Assistant Professor (tenure Track), Northern Illinois University Adjunct Professor AVT – George Mason University and Artistic Director of Northern Virginia Center for Dance and Theatre Dance Educator, James Hubert Blake High School, Silver Spring, MD Guest Artist and teacher Virginia Commonwealth University and Sweet Briar Dance Educator teaching Asian dance Dance Educator, Shepherdstown, West Virginia May 1996 Marshalyn Michelotti August 1997 August 1997 Amy Sonne (Hoeing) Deborah Thayer August 1998 Karen Williamson May 1999 Diane Yates January 2000 Angela Caulfield May 2000 Jill Brammer May 2000 Young A. Lee May 2000 Cynthia McLaughlin 15 VI. Justification for the Program Enrollment History Master of Fine Arts - Dance Actual Enrollments Fiscal Year Headcount FTE FY 93 FY 94 4 3 2.5 1.7 1.60 1.76 FY 95 5 3.1 1.61 FY 96 6 4.2 1.43 FY 97 10 4.6 2.17 FY 98 9 6.7 1.34 FY 99 8 4.6 1.74 FY 00 8 5.2 1.54 FY 01 FY 02 7 7 4.1 4.4 1.71 1.59 Summary of Projected Enrollments in Program Institution: _George Mason University__Program title: M.F.A. in Dance____ CIP code: __50.0301________________ Degree level: Graduate_______ Initiation date: Fall 1992______________ Enrollment target date: ________ Name of person completing this form: _Linda G. Miller_________________ Title: Chair, Department of Dance_Phone #: 703 993-1121_____________ Instructions:  The Council will review for possible closure any program that has not met its own goals within five years of program initiation. Programs that do not anticipate producing at least an average of ten A.S., A.A., or A.A.&S. degrees, seven A.A.S. degrees, five bachelor's degrees, three master's degrees, or two doctoral degrees annually after a start-up period should not be proposed.  Provide a fall headcount and an annual FTE. Round the FTE to the nearest number. Part 1: Projected enrollment: 2003 - 2004 HDCT FTES _9__ _6__ 2004 - 2005 HDCT FTES _9__ _6 _ 2005 - 2006_ HDCT FTES _9__ _7__ 2002 - 2003 HDCT FTES __9_ _6 _ 16 VI. Program Resources The Dance Department is operating the M.F.A. in Dance degree program with our current budget allocation. We would submit the attached 2001-02 budget which includes, full-time faculty, part-time faculty, graduate assistant, classified position, administrative faculty, wages, and operating expenses. In addition, the Dance Department receives $3000 in fellowship and 9 credits of tuition waiver for the Graduate Teaching Assistant position as well as production support for M.F.A. Thesis concerts through the College.