The State University of New York at Fredonia

Department of Theater & Dance

DANC 214 / Tap Dance II - CRN 35918 / Fall 2014
Location:
DODS Hall Room 148
Time:
Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00p.m. 3:20p.m.
Lecturer:
Angelika Summerton, MA, MPA
Office:
147 Dods Hall, phone: 673-3355
Email:
Angelika.Summerton@fredonia.edu
Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 2:30p.m. - 4:00p.m., Tuesdays 4:00p.m. - 5:30p.m.
and by appointment, walk-ins are welcome
I. Course Description & Rationale
Tap Dance II is a continuation of Tap Dance I. Tap Dance II will intensify and expand the
technique of basic tap dance with a strong focus on the artistic execution of individual
movements and recollection of dance combinations (e.g. time steps and routines). Together with
the proper timing and the correct use of the terminology the student will continue to study the
technique of tap dance. The scholarly part of this course will cover the development of tap dance
and will introduce well-known masters of this performing art.
Since its creation in the second half of the 19th century, tap dance has never lost its popularity as
performing art. This course is designed to complement and support students in the BFA Dance
Major program, BFA Musical Theatre Major and other students who have an interest in this
performing art.
II. Textbook
No textbook is required at this time. All materials will be provided by the lecturer in form of
postings under lessons on ANGEL. Students are asked to take notes in class and use the internet
for further study and research.
III. Intended Learning Outcomes/Course Objectives
strengthen and extend the fundamentals of tap dance acquired in DANC 114/Tap Dance I
execute correctly single movements as well as the broad variety of combinations of steps.
(e.g. time steps, turns and routines)
demonstrate enhanced practical skills and control in tap dance technique
demonstrate ability to use the body effectively on stage as an instrument for
characterization
be familiar with the historical and cultural dimensions of tap dance
learn about leading choreographers, dancers, both past and present
be proficient in the use of the proper tap dance terminology
Tap Dance II is in compliance with learning goal A of the BFA Dance program by demonstrating
significant technical mastery of a variety of dance techniques. Tap Dance II also meets two of the
four SUNY Fredonia Baccalaureate Goals: Skill and Creativity.

IV. Instructional Methods and Activities

The majority of the class work will be practical exercises and training with occasional viewing of
videos. The discussion of live dance performances on campus will serve as an additional means
of instruction. Students have the opportunity and are encouraged to attend master classes if
offered and also practice outside the regular class time. Practical evaluations and quizzes will be
conducted periodically. Students oral presentations will serve as additional means of instruction.
All grades and additional reading material will be posted on ANGEL.
V. Course Requirements
The following assignments will be graded:
4 Practical Evaluations for a total of 70% of the final Grade
1 Terminology Quiz for a total of 20% of the final Grade
1 Oral Presentation for a total of 10% of the final Grade
Attendance according to policy under section VII.1. & 2.
VI. Grading and Evaluation
All written assignments (oral presentation) have to be submitted to a drop box on ANGEL in
Microsoft Word format for grading when assignments are due. All grades will be posted on
ANGEL and are accessible to students constantly. Inquiries regarding grades or the methodology
of grading are welcome anytime.
Grading Scale:
A = 100% - 95%
B = 86.99% - 83%
C = 76.99% - 73%
D = 66.99% - 63%
A- = 94.99% - 90% B- = 82.99% - 80%
C- = 72.99% - 70%
D- = 62.99% - 60%
B+ = 89.99% - 87% C+ = 79.99% - 77%
D+ = 69.99% - 67% F = 59.99% or less
VII. Instructors Policies & Procedures
1. Attendance Policy
Students will be allowed to miss two class periods without any consequence to the final grade.
Three absences will drop the final grade by 10 points or one full letter grade. Each absence
thereafter will drop the final grade by an additional 10 points or one full letter grade. Arriving to
class after attendance was taken is considered to be tardy. Two times tardy, leaving early or two
times not physically participating in class equals one missed class. In summary, the student may
miss two classes unexcused, may come once late to class, and may observe class once without
any grade penalty. Excused absences are limited to grave family emergencies, serious illness
with a doctors note or participation in a required college sanctioned activity with prior notice.
Students have to be on the dance floor in the appropriate outfit to be considered in class. Class
will start on time.
2. Missing or rescheduling
Late coursework will be lowered by 5 points for each missed day for a maximum of 40 points or
8 calendar days. Zero points will be awarded after the eighth day. Any absence from a practical
or written test will receive 0 points. To schedule a make-up test, the student will be required to
provide a note from a doctor or a rational explanation. Regular missed classes cannot be made up
with extra homework. Please note that excess absences cannot be factored into the ANGEL
grading system and wont be noticeable until the final grade has been submitted on Your
Connection.
3. Academic Integrity
2

Please read the institutions Academic Integrity Policy at

http://www.fredonia.edu/StudentAffairs/JudicialAffairs/policies.asp
4. Disabilities/Health Policy
Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act students with disabilities are entitled to receive reasonable accommodations to
have equal access to this course. Please contact the coordinator of Disability Support Services,
Reed Library (4th floor), 673-3270. The coordinator will review your disability documentation
and make a determination about what accommodations and/or services you are eligible for.
Please feel free to discuss these accommodations with me after that time. The entire process will
be strictly confidential.
5. Professionalism & Attire Policy
Students are required to wear clothes suitable for tap dance. Feet and ankles have to be fully
visible. Long pant legs may be rolled up for class as long as they remain in place. No
legwarmers! No chewing gum while in class and no food or drinks on the dance floor. No eating
during class period! Cell phones need to be silenced and may not be monitored during class time.
Talking out of turn is disruptive to the flow of class. Students are also asked to bring a container
with water to class instead of leaving class for the water fountain. Students unable to comply
with the policy will be asked to leave class and will be charged with an absence. A proficient
attitude is necessary in order to be successful in this course.
VIII. Tentative Schedule
Week
1
8/26 & 8/28/2014
2
9/2 & 9/4/2014
3
9/9 & 9/11/2014
4
9/16 & 9/18/2014
5
9/23 & 9/25/2014
6
9/30 & 10/2/2014
7
10/7& 10/9/2014
8
10/14 & 10/16/2014
9
10/21 & 10/23/2014
10 10/28 & 10/30/2014
11
11/4 & 11/6/2014
12
11/11 & 11/13/2014
13 11/18 & 11/20/2014
14
11/25& 11/27/2014
15
12/2 & 12/4/2014
16
12/9& 12/11/2014
17
12/15/2014

Scheduled Event:

1st Practical Evaluation on Thursday

No Class on Thursday Fall Break

2nd Practical Evaluation on Tuesday - OP Group I on Tuesday

3rd Practical Evaluation on Thursday

OP Group II on Tuesday - Video on Thursday
Thanksgiving Break
Terminology Quiz on Tuesday
4th Practical Evaluation/Final Monday, Dec 15, 2014 @ 4p.m.

IX. Miscellaneous
Any other concerns not addressed by this course outline will be dealt with at the discretion of the
instructor.