|
Western
Michigan University's Department of Dance is nationally recognized
as a community that values aesthetic breadth, student choice and
disciplinary excellence. In our mission as a dance community we
are committed to:
- The highest aesthetic standards,
- Being of
service to our diverse cultural community,
- Excellence
in creative and scholarly research,
- Exemplary,
experientially-based teaching.
The Department
goals are to educate students who will:
- Participate
in dance and dance-related activities,
- Integrate
theory and practice,
- Demonstrate
skills, credentials and knowledge needed to carve careers,
- Articulate
and apply a personal aesthetic.
Department objectives
are:
- Provide training
in ballet, jazz and modern and study of the theoretical and creative
areas of dance
- Maintain,
evaluate and update curricula which take into account current
standards and practices, as well as department aspirations and
realities
- Maintain
and enhance the visibility and reputation of the department
- Periodically
review and revise admission, grading, retention and graduation
requirements using data generated by the Department Assessment
Plan and the criteria for National Association of Schools of Dance
accreditation standards
- Provide consistent
academic advising and a variety of opportunities that enhance
the student’s transition to professional careers in dance
- Attract and
retain students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate strong
academic and physical abilities, as well as artistic potential,
utilizing a scholarship system designed to recognize potential
and reward excellence
- Maintain
ongoing communications with alumni
- Encourage
and support student and faculty experimentation and collaboration
with other artists
- Stabilize,
augment and diversify the personnel of the department
- Support faculty
in maintaining, updating and refining skills and to remain visible
as dance professionals
- Provide
opportunities for students to study and perform the works of master
choreographers and sponsor residencies and master classes by guest
artists
- Provide service
to the community through outreach activities, such as seminars,
conferences, and lecture-performances
- Provide a
variety of course offerings for the non-major student which provides
physical experience in and appreciation of dance
- Incorporate
digital technology into pedagogical and aesthetic practices
Revised and
adopted Fall 2006
|
|
