Students learn how to frame a research question and effective research strategies for use in dance education contexts. In addition, students produce a protocol, requiring detailed preparatory research, testing of ideas, and presentation of theories and concepts in practice. Students work under faculty supervision and prepare a documented written report.

Course builds on the initial research class by helping students refine a thesis topic and determine appropriate research methods. The course also includes work to define the purpose of the thesis, its significance, and possible sources for the review of literature. In addition, students describe a potential population of students for their project, along with the steps to be taken to complete their project. Possible thesis projects are: a research-based dance performance, research-based dance curriculum, or qualitative study exploring a dance education question.

This course examines Somatic Movement Education (SME), to address aspects of SME as a complement to dance education. SME may be viewed as a movement and body-centered response to complex themes within the larger sphere of social contexts and constructs. Principal goals include heightened awareness of body centered pattern and sensation, capacity to embrace multiple perspectives, and the fostering of autonomy—of ourselves and of our environment. Material will draw from diverse SME practices and a range of literature in forming an individual relationship to SME as applied to personal practice and to facilitate critique around the evolving impact of SME on dance education.

Students learn movements from a number of popular dance forms - salsa, ballroom, hip hop, krump, steppin', Bollywood, country western line dancing and basic movements from yoga. Work on teaching progressions, pedagogical tips and lesson planning are also included.

Course covers dance production techniques to give students an overview and practical experience in all aspects of producing a dance concert or dance performance for primary level through college age students.

Course involves step-by-step process of writing or documenting and defending candidate's thesis project. S/U graded.