Syracuse University Classes


Syracuse University
Department of Exercise Science
DTS 252-M001 30431
Eest Coast Swing/Lindy Hop Dance

 

 

Instructor: Steve Ryan                                             Dates: August 25 – October 8, 2014

Course Number:  DTS 252-M001 30431                       Phone:  315-434-9503                                                

Credits:  1                                                                   Email:              stevenryan@aol.com

Course Description:

This course is designed for those who have no dance experience as well as for those who have done other styles of dance. Learn the fundamentals skills of East Coast Swing Dance (jitterbug) and the Lindy Hop, along with their history and musical context. Fundamentals, technique and musicality will be emphasized.

 

Required Text:  none

 

Email and Internet Access Required.

You are required to use your SU account to access the I-MOVE BLACKBOARD site for this class. All course/syllabus/assignment are posted on the I-MOVE Blackboard.

Course Objectives:

1. Demonstrate knowledge through performance of beginning East Coast Swing Dance and Lindy Hop skills in a variety of musical contexts ( big band, jazz, rock-n-roll)
2. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the historical background and development of the various swing dance genres.
3. Demonstrate an appreciation of East Coast Swing Dance by attending all classes and putting forth effort to improve skills and techniques.

Course Content:

East Coast Swing Dance
Lindy Hop Dance

Assignments:

Swing Dance Report: Write a two page paper, doubled space, report on the history of swing dancing. Include the following criteria: (Correct grammar, spelling, and content)

Due date: September 17, 2014
Final Exam: October 8, 2014

Course Evaluation                                         

Type of Assessment

Measurement instrument

% grade     

Course Objective

Skill Assessment

Rubric-dance performance

30%

1

Knowledge

History Report

10%

2

Participation

 

Participation Rubric

60%

3

Grading Policy: 94+ = A, 90-93 = A-, 87-89 = B+, 84-86 = B, 80-83 = B-, 77-79 = C+, 74-76= C, 70-73= C-, 60-69 = D.  Below 60 = F.

 

Attendance: Be sure to have your student ID to gain access to the building. Lack of an ID is not an excuse for missing class.

This is a ½ semester skill class. Participation is essential and mandatory.

Skill development is about showing up and doing it. Students are not allowed ANY unexcused absences. Any unexcused absence will result in dropping one final letter grade PER CLASS MISSED. Attendance will be taken during every class. The only reasons for an excused absence are for illnesses documented by a physician, for participation in official university-sponsored activities, or for absences pre-coordinated with the instructor based on a bona fide reason.  If you plan to miss any classes (even if excused) you might consider dropping the course. See Participation Rubric for detailed criteria about participation.

Class Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and soft soled shoes...attire that you can move easily in.

Class Safety: In the event that a participant goes down and a phone needs to be located, the instructor remains with the participant while another member of the class goes for help.

Emergency Numbers

Campus Phone 711

Campus Pay Phone *711

From AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint cell phones #SU (#78)

Emergency email and text messaging, from any cell phone 711@syr.edu

From any phone 315-443-2224

AED's are located: Flanagan Exercise studio, outside the studio under the stairway. Ernie Davis, outside studio by the main desk.  Archbold, located in the lobby outside service center. Women's Building, located in main hallway before Exercise Science office. 

 Students with Disabilities: If you believe that you need accommodations for a disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services(ODS), http://disabilityservices.syr.edu, located in Room 309 of 804 University Avenue, or call (315) 443-4498 for an appointment to discuss your needs and the process for requesting accommodations. ODS is responsible for coordinating disability-related accommodations and will issue students with documented disabilities Accommodation Authorization Letters, as appropriate. Since accommodations may require early planning and generally are not provided retroactively, please contact ODS as soon as possible

Academic Integrity: The Syracuse University Academic Integrity Policy holds students accountable for the integrity of the work they submit. Students should be familiar with the Policy and know that it is their responsibility to learn about instructor and general academic expectations with regard to proper citation of sources in written work. The policy also governs the integrity of work submitted in exams and assignments as well as the veracity of signatures on attendance sheets and other verifications of participation in class activities. Serious sanctions can result from academic dishonesty of any sort.


For more information and the complete policy, see the Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures (PDF). http://academicintegrity.syr.edu/uploads/docs/SU%20AI%20Policies%20Procedures.pdf

Religious Observation (The following text is required in your syllabus): SU's religious observances policy, found at http://supolicies.syr.edu/emp_ben/religious_observance.htm, recognizes the diversity of faiths represented among the campus community and protects the rights of students, faculty, and staff to observe religious holy days according to their tradition. Under the policy, students are provided an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirements that may be missed due to a religious observance provided they notify their instructors before the end of the second week of classes. For fall and spring semesters, an online notification process is available through MySlice/Student Services/Enrollment/My Religious Observances from the first day of class until the end of the second week of class.

 

Religious Observances Policy:

Policy Statement

Syracuse University recognizes the diverse faith traditions represented among its campus community and supports the rights of faculty, staff, and students to observe according to these traditions.
All University offices are asked to be sensitive to the needs of faculty, staff, and students who are observing a religious holiday when scheduling meetings and events.
Deans, department chairs, and program directors are asked to make every effort to avoid scheduling meetings or events at times that would exclude faculty who are observing a religious holiday from participation.
Supervisors are asked to be supportive of staff members who request vacation or personal time to observe a religious holiday and to make every effort to avoid scheduling meetings or events at times that would exclude such staff members from participation.
Students are asked to consider that it is more difficult to arrange appropriate accommodations in some kinds of courses - for example, those that have certain kinds of laboratories or a significant experiential learning component - so students should consider their need for accommodation for religious observances as they plan their schedule each semester. Students should recall that not every course is offered every academic year and that the catalog indicates how frequently each course is offered.
Faculty are asked to make appropriate accommodation for students' observance needs by providing an opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement that is missed because of an absence due to a religious observance, provided the instructor has been notified no later than the end of the second week of classes. No fees will be charged to the student for the costs incurred by the University for such make-up work. If a faculty member is unwilling or unable to make an appropriate accommodation, the student should consult his or her academic dean.
Syracuse University recognizes that the faith traditions observed by our diverse community include more holidays than can be captured adequately in a list. In addition, some observances vary by tradition and by country and are defined by the lunar calendar. However, to assist in identifying religious observance days, Hendricks Chapel has compiled a list of religious holidays that reflect a large proportion of the University community and that may or may not fall on University work and class days. The chapel also recommends consulting the more comprehensive Interfaith Calendar.

Participation Rubric

Unsatisfactory<70

Basic70-79

Proficient 80-89

Distinguished 90-100

 

ATTENDANCE

Exhibits a pattern of tardiness or absence. Fails to contact instructor to make arrangements for missed work. Gives no reason for missing class. Sometimes disrupts class by arriving late or leaving early.

Occasionally misses class. Tries to notify instructor if going to be absent, or contacts instructor following absence with reason for absence.

Consistently attends class and is on time. Usually notifies instructor in advance or arranges to meet instructor following a missed class. Usually gives reason for absence.

Arrives at class early. Always makes prior arrangement when absence is necessary. Submits assignments prior to absences and/or follows up to complete missed work. Arranges with classmates or instructor to secure handouts or materials presented in class.

IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE

Inattentive in class. May fall asleep, read newspaper, or attend to other materials not related to class. Rarely participates in class discussion. May distract others in the class with behaviors or talking. Distracted by phone/computer

Limited to no attempt in performing or creating a relationship to dance

Is attentive to what is happening in class. Attention is focused on class-related materials and activities. Responds appropriately when called on. Does not distract others in the classroom. Checks cell phone at times

Is going through the motion/ thoughts in relationship to dance

Actively engaged and interested in class activities. Volunteers to respond to questions. Participates in discussions. Stays focused. Has done necessary preparation for class.

Attempts all movement forms and thoughts in relationship to dance

Shows initiative in class activities. Applies knowledge and makes connections with previous learning. Asks questions showing intellectual interest. Seeks to extend understanding through higher-level thinking.

Really attempts to be the best they can be in relationship to dance

 

 

Swing Dance Skill Rubric

Distinguished: (90-100) Good posture, timing, technique, connection to your partner and footwork

Proficient (80-89) Students apply effective skills with errors in technique.  Students are inconsistent in good posture, timing, technique, connection to your partner.

Basic (70-79) Perform skills showing some elements of correct technique, but application is ineffective and inconsistent.  Students participate safely with consideration to their partner but are inconsistent in energy.

Unsatisfactory ( < 70) Students show little or no effort to attempt skills, resulting in consistently ineffective performance.  Students show little to no effort and do not participate with consideration to dance partner.


About Steve Ryan

Steven Ryan is a professional dancer who has been dancing for more than 25 years, and has won numerous dance competitions throughout that time in jazz, theatre arts, hustle &, west coast swing. He is an advanced level swing dancer on the international circuit. He has choreographed many swing dance routines that were performed by class members at local dances and at the Syracuse Symphony. He’s a firm believer in strong technique. He is also the founder of The Syracuse Swing Dance Society. He has been teaching swing for 17 years and stays current by attending and competing at National Events.

Recent accomplishment: Winning First Place in the Rising Star division at Swingin' New England. See the routine here.