Dance Science, BS

Dance Science is an interdisciplinary major that investigates dance practice with a focus on an application of the scientific principles that contribute to an understanding of the moving body. The BS in Dance Science is designed to enable students to work in a range of health and fitness industries in addition to graduate studies with the proper prerequisites. The BS is 68 units with courses in biology, chemistry, kinesiology, choreography, movement and theory. Students will be able to combine their passion for dance with their esteem for sciences.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this degree, students will:

DEMONSTRATE understanding of the biological workings of the human body and its relevance to human health;
DESCRIBE the relationship between physical activity, dance, health, wellness and quality of life;
DISTINGUISH technical terms and theories used in dance studies, influenced by aesthetics, anatomy and science, Somatics, pedagogical and performance theories; and employ this terminology appropriately when discussing and writing about specific works and/or assessing one’s practice;
ANALYZE health, fitness and performance parameters in diverse populations with attention to issues of access, representation, exclusion, and inclusion in the field;
ENGAGE in critical discourse to explore how social identities are constructed, constrained, reinforced, and treated with inequality by systems of power;
FORMULATE an intersectional perspective through the lenses of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, ability, age, and culture; strengthening our sense of how socially conscious bodies are able to see and take action towards social diversity in relationship to the SMC community, the Bay Area, the country and beyond when assessing one’s practice;
UNDERSTAND the practice of scientific inquiry through laboratory experimentation including the logic of experimentation, data analysis and ethical implications;
EXHIBIT strong communication skills with attention to empathy, collaboration, and compassion;
CREATE a leadership style that employs ethical, responsible, professional, behavior.

Lower Division

The following lower-division courses are required for the major.

Chemistry

Take one of the following Chemistry courses with the corresponding lab. Students aiming to satisfy prerequisites for physical therapy graduate programs should take CHEM 230 and 230L.

Biology

Take one of the following Biology courses with the corresponding lab.

Anatomy

Take one anatomy course with lab. Dance Science students should take BIOL 213, however a transferred course that is equivalent to BIOL 215 will count for the major. Students aiming to satisfy prerequisites for physical therapy graduate programs should take BIO 215.

Physiology

Take one physiology course with lab.

Upper Division

The following courses are required. Dance Science students must obtain permission of the instructor to enroll in KINES 360 and 460.

Upper-division Movement Classes

Take six movement classes from the following list. Courses may be repeated.

Upper-division Elective

Take one of the following courses. Dance Science students must receive permission of instructor to enroll in upper-division Kinesiology classes. The upper-division Biology courses require prerequisites that are not part of the Dance Science major.