College of Natural and Health SciencesSchool of Sport and Exercise Science

Dance Activities

SES 209 - 006 CRN: 11259 Fall 2011 MW 12:20 – 1:10

Instructor: Kevin Shephard, M.A.

Location: Gunter 1840

Credit Hours: 1 credit

Office: Gunter 1760

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 1:20 – 2:20 by appointment

http://kevinshephard.checkappointments.com/

Email: Kevin.Shephard@unco.edu (use this email for all communication)

Personal Websites: http://uncoses.weebly.com/ & http://www.supportrealteachers.org/

Required Text: Reading assignments will be posted online.

Materials: Mini Discs, burnable DVDs, and music.

Course Description:

This course focuses on participation and analyses of traditional, social, American folk and square, and popular dance forms appropriate for upper elementary and secondary physical education.

Purpose/Rationale:

The purpose of this class is to introduce and enhance content knowledge in dance activities in many forms. Before physical education majors can construct or teach meaningful lessons they must first learn content that will provide “what will be taught” in those lessons. Throughout this course students will gain and/or enhance that knowledge base through personal experience.Dance activities provide one category of a diverse and comprehensive physical education curriculum for all school aged children. In applying dance experiences to extra-curricular life, variety is the key ingredient needed in the curriculum within the school. There are traditional forms that continue across time to be valued within our society including: Ballroom dance, social dance forms (Polka, Waltz, Two-step), American square dance, and novelty popular dances (Thriller, Cha Cha Slide, etc). These dance forms add cultural significance to the physical education curriculum.

Course Objectives:

1. Apply critical thinking skills in synthesizing and evaluating information relevant to rhythm and dance activities.2. Reflect on and examine attitudes toward dance both teaching and performing.3. Identify negative value judgments inherent in school dance and be able to identify approaches to foster positive value judgments.4. Apply the construct of developmental appropriateness in the selection of activities for children.5. Analyze rhythmical activities, identify critical elements and develop teaching cues specific to each activity.6. Demonstrate personal competency in performing rhythmical activities.

Teaching Methods:

The following may be used during the semester to provide variety in student learning: student-centered discussion, lecture, movement sessions, demonstrations, presentations, video, and small group work.

Course Requirements/Evaluation:

Course requirements will be discussed the first day of class. Due dates for outside assignments will be designed so that students have ample time for completion. It is the student’s responsibility to check their email and blackboard for information concerning assignments and rubrics.

1. Daily Participation and Professionalism 30%2. Group Presentation of a Folk/Line Dance 10%3. Skill Performance/DVD Project 30%4. Q & A Sessions (Oral Quizzes) 10%5. Exams 10%6. Outside Dance Events 5%7. Homework and other Assignments 5%

Grading: Our school does not use +/- grading system; grading breakdown is as follows:

90-100% = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D Below 60% = F

Professionalism:

Participation: Students are expected to participate in all activities and be ready to learn each class (see rubric below). This also includes giving input and feedback during discussions and group activities as well as producing college level work.

Attendance: Contact the instructor via email prior to class if you won’t be able to make it to class (Do not call the SES office about absences). If communicated early enough, alternative assignments MAY be given.

o Students can have 2 unexcused absences without losing points. Any more than 5 unexcused absences results in a failing grade.

o Coming in late or leaving early will result in loss of points on the Ready Rubric. Anything over 10 minutes of missed class will result in an absence. Since this is an activity-based class, most in class work can’t be made up.

Dress Expectations: Come to class dressed ready to participate in physical activity. Clothing and shoes should be appropriate for a physical education setting and not distracting to other students. This includes offensive/inappropriate pictures or text, revealing clothing, and unclean clothing.

Late Work: Students can turn in late work in my mailbox by 4pm (Gunter 2590). If you are involved in the UNC athletics or another UNC sponsored activity, it is your responsibility to communicate with the instructor regarding scheduling conflicts ahead of time.

Deductions for late work are as follows:o Late same day: 10% deductiono Late next day: 20% deductiono Anything after the next day: 40% deductiono All assignments must be completed in order to pass the class.

Behavioro Inappropriate language, comments, and/or behavior may be reported to the dean

of students. Remember you are a future teacher and professional and should act accordingly.

Bear Mail and Blackboard: Check daily for announcements.

Academic Misconduct: UNC’s policies and recommendations for academic misconduct will be followed. Refer to your copy of Student Rights and Responsibilities for details. Any student engaging in cheating or falsifying information in any component of this course will earn zero in that component of the class.

Ready Rubric

READY! 5 points

R- RespectYou showed respect for the learning environment with all your actions

(behavior, attitude, verbal language, body language), which of course includes being on time and staying the whole period.

E- Expectations

You came to class with expectations for LEARNING. You showed this by being prepared (homework completed), dressed for activity (appropriate and

safe attire), and by paying attention, following directions, and asking questions for clarification when needed.

A- Acceptance

You showed acceptance of your classmates by helping to create a safe environment for learning. Whenever a classmate struggled you were

encouraging rather than critical, and gave helpful suggestions if applicable.

D- Diligence

You demonstrated diligence in learning the skills and concepts in class. You participated in all activities and discussion, worked hard throughout class and

were motivated and focused on self-improvement. You did not need to be reminded to move or engage in any activity.

Y- Yes! You demonstrated a positive “YES” attitude toward the class and its content. There was no “I can’t” attitude, only “yes, I’m willing to try”.

Great Effort! 4 pointsYou nailed the R, A and Y, but didn’t quite hit the mark on E and D without being reminded.

You may also have earned an “Almost READY” because you were unable to participate in the planned learning activities because of illness or injury, but all other READY criteria were met.

Not quite… 2-3 pointsYou tried, but were not quite READY to learn today. You showed at least basic Respect for the learning environment, but you were lacking in two or more of the other categories (-EADY), or you were not able to take part in some of the planned activities because you forgot to dress for

safe participation.Maybe next class? 0 points

You were asked to leave the class activities because you did not show Respect for the learning environment, and your attitude/behavior was affecting the instructors and/or classmates in a

negative way.

Honor Code: All members of the University of Northern Colorado community are entrusted with the responsibility to uphold and promote five fundamental values. Honesty, Trust, Respect, Fairness, and Responsibility. These core elements foster an atmosphere, inside and outside of the classroom, which serves as a foundation and guides the UNC community’s academic, professional, and personal growth. Endorsement of these core elements by students, faculty, staff administration, and trustees strengthens the integrity and value of our academic climate.

Disability Support Services: Any student requesting disability accommodation for this class must inform the instructor giving appropriate notice.  Students are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services at (970) 351-2289 to certify documentation of disability and to ensure appropriate accommodations are implemented in a timely manner.

UNC’s Policies: UNC’s policies and recommendations for academic misconduct will be followed. For additional information, please see Dean of Student’s website, Student Handbook link: http://www.unco.edu/dos/handbook/index.html

Cell Phones: Please extend courtesy to your instructor and fellow students by silencing your cell phones. Although not an audio issue, text messaging and other cell phone activities are a distraction to other students and prevent you from full participation in class. All electronic devices should be kept in your backpacks and not on your physical person. Inform the instructor prior to class if you are expecting an emergency call or need to make a call during the class period. If a cell phone becomes a distraction, the student will be asked to leave.

Laptops: Please extend courtesy to your instructor and fellow students by not bringing laptops/netbooks to class. Laptop use can be a distraction to other students and may also prevent you from full participation in class. PowerPoints of lectures will be posted either before class (usually a least a day prior) or immediately after. If a laptop/netbook becomes a distraction, the student will be asked to leave.

Inclement Weather: Class will meet regardless of the weather unless instructed otherwise. Please do not call the SES offices to find out class information such as class cancellations. Should you have any questions please contact me via email.

Safety: This is a physical education class in which students will be engaged in activity. The safety of the teaching and learning environment is a shared responsibility. The instructor has the authority to insist upon a student’s removal from the class environment if the safety rules are violated, putting that student or others at risk for injury.

Injury incidents: Students are required to report any injury that occurs during class to the instructor before leaving class. An incident report will need to be completed and signed by the student immediately.

Class Protocols

1. Instant activities will be written on the white board as you walk in. Place your belongings along the back wall and begin activity.

2. The day’s agenda and class reminders will be written on the chalkboard.

3. When note taking is necessary, only bring paper, a writing tool, and something to write on. Even if you don’t plan on taking notes, still bring pen and paper so that if you change your mind you don’t have to get up and distract class. Leave all other materials by the back wall.

4. During discussion and lecture, we will usually use a horseshoe seating arrangement. Put chairs away when we are finished.

5. Q & A sessions are oral quizzes. Students will be picked at random.

6. We will be in close proximity with each other so hygiene is important. I’ll leave it at that.

7. No hats allowed in class.

The instructor reserves the right to make any changes to this syllabus with written notification.