Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Science - Not offered in 2010
Overview
This new course will serve to educate health professionals, exercise and movement practitioners, dance researchers, dance educators, and dance artists about all aspects fundamental to the science of movement for dance.
Objectives
- understand the underlying principles related to health practices and psychology in the treatment and training of dancers;
- understand the underlying anatomical, biomechanical and motor learning principles related to dance training;
- develop research skills at both a theoretical and practical level appropriate to postgraduate study;
- be familiar with the literature and research currently available in the movement science field;
- incorporate conditioning and somatic practices into their chosen field of working with dancers;
- acquire a spirit of inquiry and initiative towards the development of dance science.
Prerequisites
The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to successfully pursue the course using the following criteria:
- an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, with a major in relevant discipline (dance, movement science, or health practices) or
- equivalent documented professional experience of at least five years.
The Selection Committee may conduct interviews for short-listed applicants and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.
Course Progression Guidelines
The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is two years full time. The progress of a student shall be deemed unsatisfactory if the student:
a) fails to pass 50% of the total credit points in any semester
or
b) obtains two successive fails in any one subject
Qualification for Award
The award of Postgraduate Diploma in Dance Science requires successful completion of the prescribed subjects and the gaining of a total score of 100 points.
Subjects by Year
Year 1
- 756822 - Biomechanics
- 756829 - Nutrition and Physiology
- 756832 - Independent Project (Certification) A
- 756-836 - Research Methods 1
- 756837 - Dance Anatomy
- 756838 - Dance Kinesiology
- 756839 - Conditioning and Somatic Practice
- 756-854 - Motor Learning
- 756855 - Independent Project (Research ) A
- 756865 - Dance Psychology
- 756866 - Independent Project (Research) B
- 756867 - Independent Project (Certification) B
Subjects
Year 1
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
Examines biomechanics for the purposes of dance science research. An overview of measurement instruments and analysis systems in biomechanics, and study of current literature and research applying biomechanical principles to movement studies.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Understand fundamental principles of biomechanics, and applications to dance teaching and dance research;
- Have a basic knowledge of the measurement instruments in research in biomechanics;
- Be familiar with the current body of literature in dance science related to biomechanical studies.
Assessment:
Participation and contribution to coursework (40%);
15 minute class presentation during the semester (40%);
Written assignment of not more than 1000 words at the end of semster (20%);
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
60 hours
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 48 hours (4 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
Investigation of current theories regarding nutrition for the dancer as athlete. A study of physiology as it relates to athletic practice. Issues to be included are eating for optimal performance, eating disorders and body image, substance abuse and its effects on dance practice.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Understand the nutritional needs of the student and elite dancer, and how to design a sound nutritional program for an individual dancer;
- Have a basic knowledge of human physiology and how food is utilised by the body to create muscular activity;
- Understand eating disorders and body image problems that cause nutritional deficiency in dancers, as well as habitual patterns in dance used to restrict food intake.
Assessment:
Participation and contribution to coursework (40%);
15 minute class presentation during the semester (40%);
Written assignment of not more than 1000 words at the end of semester (20%).
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
120 hours
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
This subject will provide students with the opportunity to complete a certification in a recognised system of body conditioning or somatic practice: Pilates, Horvath method, Feldenkrais, Yoga, Alexander Technique, etc. The certification would be started as part of Independent Project (Certification) A and completed in Independent Project (Certification) B. The literature review would be relevant to the philosophy of the chosen system and include current research into the method.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Initiate certification in a recognised system of body conditioning/somatic practice for dancers;
- Understand the process of completing a thorough literature review for their area of certification;
- Know how to describe and review the philosophy of a system of body conditioning/somatic practice for dancers.
Assessment:
Assessments in accordance with certification requirements.
Written assignment of not more than 5000 words (80%) and oral presentation at the end of semester (20%).
Hurdle requirement 20% attendance.
Time Commitment:
60 hours
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours (2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
Introduction to research methods for scientific inquiry in dance. A literature survey of the dance medicine and science journals and texts. Overview of quantitative and qualitative research and applications to dance medicine and science. Analysis and discussion of various measurement instruments utilised in research experiments.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Understand research methods as applied to the field of dance science;
- Be familiar with the literature available in dance medicine and science;
- Be able to identify quantitative and qualitative methods of research, and when each is appropriate;
- Have the ability to select the appropriate measurement instruments for quantitative research projects in dance;
- Understand how to recognise limitations and flaws in research projects in the current literature.
Assessment:
Literature survey of 750 words approximately due early in semester and assignment of 2000 words approximately due at the end of semester (100%).
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
60 hours
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
A study of human anatomy as it relates to dance practice. The musculo-skeletal system, form and function of muscle joints, and dynamic alignment are discussed.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Be familiar with the musculo-skeletal system of the human body;
- Understand muscle function as it relates to dance practice;
- Understand optimal alignment of dance practice and which muscles participate in alignment both in stance and in motion through space.
Assessment:
Course participation and contribution (20%);
Coursework including completion of set task during the semester (20%);
Final written exam (60%).
Time Commitment:
60 hours
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 60 hours (5 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
The examination and exploration of dance movement focusing on kinesiological knowledge. The purpose of this study is to establish good practices for technical work in dance, and for movement analysis in conjunction with safe teaching methods and injury care. An introduction to current issues and theories regarding body structure, alignment, flexibility, muscular strength, conditioning practices, and neuromuscular functioning. Students will learn to recognise the causes of dance injuries, and to develop strategies for the prevention, treatment, and care of dance injuries.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Understand applications of anatomy to dance teaching practice;
- Recognise the causes of dance injuries;
- Have the capability to assess common conditions that predispose dancers to injury;
- Be capable of establishing conditioning programs for preventative work, in relation to muscular strength and flexibility;
- Have a fundamental knowledge of the neuromuscular basis of alignment problems.
Assessment:
Course participation and contribution (20%);
Coursework including 10 minute class presentation during the semester (20%);
Practical exam during the semester (20%) and written exam at the end of semester (40%).
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
120 hours
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 48 hours (4 hous per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
Examination of conditioning systems and somatic practices for dance training. Practical and theoretical studies of historical and current approaches to conditioning and somatic work for dancers, including Ideokinesis, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Pilates, Horvath Method, C-I Training, and yoga.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Understand the two general approaches to body changes currently in use, that is, physical conditioning and somatic practices;
- Be familiar with the prevalent conditioning and somatic systems and their historic development;
- Understand the overlap of conditioning and somatic practice, and problems of transfer of training to dance practice.
Assessment:
Course participation and contribution including practical demonstrations throughout the semester (60%);
10 minute class presentation during the semester (20%);
Written assignment of not more than 1000 words at the end of semester (20%).
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
60 hours
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
Examines motor learning and neuromuscular patterning for dance practice. Investigates current theories of motor development through childhood and adolescence, with a particular emphasis on pedagogical and training concerns. Explores the inter-relationship of creativity and motor development in dance.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Be familiar with motor development from early childhood to young adulthood, and how this impacts on dance training;
- Understand the underlying neuromuscular patterning that affects alignment, flexibility, training, strength training, and elite skills;
- Be capable of assessing physical versus neural issues in realignment and training, and how to apply this knowledge to teaching practices;
- Understand the role of creativity and improvisation in dance training.
Assessment:
Course participation and contribution including 2 set tasks during the semester (40%);
15 minute class presentation during the semester (40%);
Written assignment of not more than 1000 words (20%) at the end of semester.
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
60 hours
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
This subject will provide students with the opportunity to devise an original research project in dance science, including a literature review and appropriate methodology. The goal is to complete this project in Independent Project (Research) B as a final paper for the diploma. The independent project can also be accomplished by completing a certification in a recognised system of body conditioning or somatic practice (see alternate outline Independent Project (Certification) A.)
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Select and design a specific project for dance science research;
- Understand the process of completing a thorough literature review for a given specific research topic;
- Know how to design appropriate research methodology for a specific research topic.
Assessment:
One short written assignment due early in the semester (20%) and written assignment of 3500 words at the end of semester (60%);
Oral presentation of research project at the end of semester (20%).
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
120 hours
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
The study of psychological issues for dancers, and the current evolution of sport psychology theories for dance applications. Examination of specific issues including performance, anxiety, stress, perfectionism and body image, child development, and emotional disorders and behaviours affecting dance practice.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Understand the field of dance psychology and its relationship to sports psychology;
- Be familiar with common psychological issues that negatively impact on dance performance;
- Have a working knowledge of techniques in psychology used for motivation in elite sports and dance, and in dealing with performance anxiety.
Assessment:
Participation and contribution to coursework (40%);
15 minute class presentation during semester (40%):
Written assessment of not more than 1000 words at end of semester (20%);
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
60 hours
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This project will provide students with the opportunity to complete the design of an original research project in dance science. This project can be in the form of an experimental research project, or a full literature review into a new area of research interest in dance science. The goal is to finish a design of the project initiated in Independent Project (Research) A. The independent project can also be accomplished by completing a certification in a recognised system of body conditioning or somatic practice (see alternate outline Independent Project (Certification) B.)
Objectives:
On completion of this project, students should:
- Complete a written thesis in an area of interest in dance science;
- Describe the methodology for completing the project initiated in Independent Project (Research) A, either as experimental research or as a literature review representing a new area of inquiry or a synthesis of two or more areas of research;
- Present this project in a public forum.
Assessment:
Written assignment of not more than 7,500 words (80%) and oral presentation at the end of the semester (20%);
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
240 hours
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Contact hours: | 24 hours ( 2 hours per week for 12 weeks) |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject will provide students with the opportunity to complete a certification in a recognised system of body conditioning or somatic practice: Pilates, Horvath method, Feldenkrais, Yoga, Alexander technique, etc. The certification would be completed as part of Independent Project (Certification) A, and the final paper would consist of an analysis of the method from a dance science perspective.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Complete a certification in a recognised system of body conditioning/somatic practice for dancers;
- Describe and review/analyse the philosophy of a system of body conditioning/somatic practice for dancers;
- Present this project in a public forum.
Assessment:
Assessments in accordance with certification requirements.
Written assignment equivalent to not more than 5,000 words (80%) and oral presentation at the end of the semester (20%).
Hurdle requirement 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
240 hours