Weber State University   

Performing Arts

Dance

Results of Assessment

2001–2002 (submitted 09/30/02)

It should be noted that all six Learning Outcomes in the Dance Area are assessed each year in their various forms. Not all assessment procedures are used with each of the outcome measurements.

1. Have a practical, working knowledge of how to put together a dance on stage, including all related technical considerations.

Simulated and actual activities of putting on a concert and doing or assisting with these activities. Community related projects--creation and realization of performances for and with local population. Capstone project of individual or group--project completion, evaluation discussion, written analysis and portfolio.

2. Have the ability to critically evaluate what they and others have created.

Papers and journals that present and substantiate criticism of concerts. Group discussions in classes and seminars. Capstone project--refinement and editing process, evaluation discussion, self assessment.

3. Have a kinesiological understanding of the body.

Written exams. Case studies of peer dancers. Internship experiences with instructor and peer observation feedback.

4. Be proficient in the technical principles of dance, with an ability to identify, analyze and resolve specific physical problems.

Simulated/actual activities in daily technique class, includes constant feedback. Video tapes of students’ skills are self, peer, and faculty assessed--discussion, written analysis.

5. Have an historical context in dance, including how it relates to the rest of our society, culture and history.

Written exams, oral exams/presentations, papers/outlines, quizzes. Specific attention is paid to the student being able to put together various facts and identify trends, significances and parallels. Research, creation and presentation of lecture/demonstration. Guest artist in residence from historical foundation.

6. Have explored creative processes and structures (their own, their peers, those of faculty or guest choreographers and of major historic choreographers).

Written exams and oral exams, especially with regard to major historic choreographers. Papers, journals, simulated and actual activities with self, peer, and faculty discussion. Video tapes. Guest artist in residence from historical foundation. Creation of historic work for public performance.

Additionally the Dance Area outcomes assessment results for 2001-2002 showed the following: Faculty Discussion is ongoing. Assessment results have led to the hire of a new faculty (one year) competent in Dance for the Camera, Ballet, Modern Dance, Pilates, teaching methods and theory courses; and three new elective courses. It has become clear through the assessment process that in order to cover the knowledge base and skills a student needs in order to receive a degree preparing her/him for the contemporary field, an additional tenure track dance faculty is imminent.

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