Department of Theatre

Fine Arts, Room 127

PO Box 6000 Binghamton, New York 13902-6000
607-777-2567, Fax: 607-777-2489

COURSE CODE: THEA 226 Jazz I SEMESTER: Spring 2022

TIME: 12:00-1:00pm MW 11:40-1:00pm TR LOCATION: FA91
INSTRUCTOR: JoEllen Kuhlman OFFICE HOURS: TR 2:30-3:30pm apt. only
EMAIL: JMHansen@binghamton.edu

Course Descrip on
Dance I Technique. Jazz I. Contents very by semester. May be repeated for credit if the content is di erent. This course
is appropriate for majors, non-majors and rst year students. Previous dance experience helpful. Novices should take
Basic Dance. Class meets four mes per week. A endance is mandatory.

Detailed Course Descrip on

This course introduces the dancer to many styles of jazz dance, including concert, nightclub, television and lm, as well
as Broadway. Strenuous and physically demanding class.

Contact Hours
This course is a 4-credit course, which means that students are expected to do at least 9.5 hours of course-related work
or ac vity each week during the semester. This includes scheduled class lecture/discussion mee ng mes as well as me
spent comple ng assigned readings, studying for tests and examina ons, research, choreography sessions, preparing
wri en assignments, and other course-related prac ce.

Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for THEA 226. (Note: If you are unsure of your placement in this course, please consult me
within the rst week of class.)

Gen Ed Designa on
This course sa s es two Gen Ed requirements: A (Aesthe cs) and Y (Physical Ac vity)

A - Aesthe cs - A courses enhance students' understanding of the crea ve process and the role of imagina on
and aesthe c judgment in at least one principal form of ar s c expression.

Y - Physical Ac vity - Y courses devote at least 50% of their me to the performance of physical exercise and are
designed to develop one or more of the following a ributes: neuromuscular skill, muscular strength and
endurance, cardiovascular endurance, exibility.

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 Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, student’s should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a further increase in body ar cula on, exibility and a broadening of step vocabulary.
2. Demonstrate co-ordina on and rhythm as well as demonstra ng the ability to re ect on the rela onship
between dance and music.
3. Describe the physical requirements of jazz styles and how they relate to theatre, dance and culture in
general.

Course Expecta on
Students are expected to:
• Take responsibility for own physical development.
• Understand the need for self-discipline.
• Develop personal working processes.
• Develop a sense of your body and its limita ons.
• Demonstrate the ability to follow direc on by the choreographer/ instructor.
• Adapt to various jazz dance forms and styles.
• Demonstrate and iden fy the physical characteris cs of various jazz dance styles.
• Develop an understanding of the historical context of various jazz dance forms

Applica on of knowledge and skills

• Demonstrate beginner/intermediate level of prac ce related to jazz dance technique and genres.
• Exhibit and perform various dance styles and forms u lizing a connec on to the music and the audience.
• Evaluate knowledge and jazz dance forms through journal and/ or wri en appraisal.

Values
• Develop an apprecia on of dance and movement in rela on to jazz dance.
• Further develop safe dance prac ces.
• Cul vate exibility and openness as well as the ability to express oneself with convic on and respect within a
group/ rehearsal environment.
• Dis nguish and explore choreographers and their styles within jazz dance as a form.
• Apply further explora on of various movement and jazz dance forms.

Assignments
Par cipa on and Engagement
You are expected to engage ac vely in the classroom se ng, be it small groups of whole class, ask ques ons,
demonstrate steps and o er commentary and answers to ques ons posed by the instructor and fellow classmates.
When dancing in class, please keep in mind that you are NOT expected to dance with awless ar cula on and
impeccable rhythm. Learning jazz dance without making mistakes is very di cult, and I expect every single one of you to
make mistakes. Students who do not make constant and signi cant e ort to par cipate will receive a low grade for this
part of the course.

A endance
A endance is mandatory for all classes. A er 2 absences, your nal grade will be dropped by one full le er grade. A er
3 absences, your nal grade will be dropped by 2 full le er grades, and you should consider dropping the class. Please
be on me, dressed in dance a re and ready to work, otherwise, you will be considered late. Two lateness’s equals one
absence. Students who are ill or injured are expected to ac vely observe the class through note taking, unless they are
physically unable to a end. A Doctor’s note must be provided for any more than 2 absences.

Research Paper Presenta on

You will conduct research on a jazz dance choreographer selected by you and approved by me by the date indicated on
the syllabus. You will submit a Short Bio, Talk about how they began dancing, their dance training, their career, what
made them famous, your favorite dance piece/work and how did they in uence dance. Your Paper will be at least 4
pages but no more than 10 pages in length, not including the Works Cited page. You will then present your paper in class
at the end of the semester. Your presenta on should be no more than 10 minutes long, plus 3 minutes for Ques ons
and Answers, and should make use of slides or other visual aids. Show a video clip of your favorite piece of work.





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 Midterm Exam
There will be a midterm exam during the 7th week of classes, during our regular class mee ng. This exam will strictly
re ect the content of the material covered, and the format will fairly represent the format ac vi es completed in class or
as homework.

Final Exam
There will be a nal exam in the next- to- last week of the term, during our regular class mee ng. This exam will strictly
re ect the content of the material covered, and the format will fairly represent the format ac vi es completed in class or
as homework.

Final Dance Performance

There will be a nal dance performance a er the last day of classes on Thursday, May 12, with the presenta on
beginning at 6pm. Please note, you may be required to arrive a full hour before the start me for rehearsal. This
Performance will include all dance students that are enrolled in any dance class.

Assignments
Par cipa on and Engagement 20%

A endance 20%

Research Paper 10%

Research Paper Presenta on 5%

Midterm Exam 15%

Final Exam 15%

Final Dance Performance 15%

___________________________________________

TOTAL 100%

Grading Criteria
Le er Grades are based on A endance, Par cipa on, A tude, Mo va on, Discipline, and Technical Growth. A’s are not
given just for a endance or excellence, but on individual e ort and growth in class. To pass this class, you must
par cipate in the dance departments performance on May 12, 2022 in Wa ers Theatre. You are responsible for learning
and demonstra ng all work from class. You will also be responsible for presen ng your work and jus fying it.

Grading Scale
A 93-100 C+ 77-79
A- 90-92 C 73-76
B+ 87-89 C- 70-72
B 83 – 86 D 60-69
B- 80 – 82 F 0-59

ALL RESULTS WITHIN DANCE WILL BE RATIFIED BY THE HEAD OF DANCE

Course Materials
Clothing
Students must wear dance Clothes. Some examples: Black Leotard, ghts, jazz pants, leggings, ed shorts,
ed Shirt/Tank. Note: Hair must be well groomed, kept o the face, and pulled back in a bun or ponytail.

Shoes
Students must have jazz shoes or Piroue e Shoes.





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 E que e
• Please remove shoes and coats before entering the dance studio and leave them in the hall or lockers.
• Please remove chewing gum before entering the classroom.
• Please remove all loose jewelry from your neck, ears, wrists and ngers.
• Bring a towel or yoga mat for ab/ oor work if you like.
• No food or drink in the classroom except water.

Chosen Names and Personal Pronouns

Everyone has the right to be addressed by the name and pronounces that correspond to their gender iden ty, including
non-binary pronouns, for example: they/them/theirs, ze/zir/zirs, etc. Rosters do not list gender or pronouns so you may
be asked to indicate the pronouns you use so that I don’t make assump ons based on your name and/or appearance/
self-representa on (you are not obligated to do so). If you use a chosen name, please let me know. Chosen names and
pronouns are to be respected at all mes in the classroom. Mistakes in addressing one another may happen, so I
encourage an environment of openness to correc on and learning. I will not however, tolerate repeated comments
which disrespect or antagonize students who have indicated pronouns or a chosen name. Chosen name and personal
pronouns may evolve over me, so if at any point during the semester you would like to be addressed di erently, please
let me know.

Diversity and Inclusion

In this class, people of all ethnici es, gender iden es, religions, ages, sexual/a ec onal orienta ons, abili es,
socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and na onali es are strongly encouraged to share their perspec ves and
experiences. Over the course of the semester, please honor the uniqueness of your fellow classmates and refrain from
personal a acks or demeaning comments of any kind. If you feel your di erences may in some way isolate you from the
Binghamton University community or if you have any speci c accommoda ons, please speak with me about your
concerns to help you become an ac ve and engaged member of your class and community.

Professionalism
This course is designed to re ect professional standards, as they exist in the current arts industry. Students are expected
to demonstrate a high level of commitment and discipline to themselves and colleagues; to follow any instruc on given
by sta members whether permanent or visi ng; and to refrain from any behavior that would jeopardize the success of
the course work.

Technology & Conduct

Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic entertainment devices are not permi ed in class. Please silence cell phones
before class begins and keep them out of sight. Laptops and tablets may be used for research or note taking purposes
during group work and speci c class exercises, and for quick reference during discussions and lectures. Please respect
your peers and the classroom environment by using technology appropriately in class.

Per university policy, any person whose behavior is seriously damages the class’ ability to achieve its objec ves will be
excluded from a ending class. Details on this policy, including an appeal procedure, are available in the Binghamton
Bulle n.

To ensure the free and open discussion of ideas, students may not record audio or video of classroom lectures,
discussion and/or ac vi es without the advance wri en permission of the instructor, and any such recording properly
approved in advance can be used solely for the student’s own private use.

Intellectual Property
The recording of steps or class will only happen with instructors permission. All ar s c work and choreography must be
cited correctly.

Academic Honesty
Plagiarism, copying of assignments, chea ng, and other breaches of academic integrity will not be tolerated. Viola ons
of the University-wide policy on academic integrity will result in automa c failure of the assignment and possible failure
of the course. Binghamton University’s Academic Honesty Code and infrac on procedures are available in the Bulle n,
h p://bulle n.binghamton.edu.
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 Students are asked to prac ce extra care and a en on in regard to academic honesty, with the understanding that all
cases of plagiarism, chea ng, mul ple submission, and unauthorized collabora on are subject to penalty. Students must
properly cite and a ribute all sources used for papers and assignments. Students may not collaborate on exams or
assignments, directly or through virtual consulta on, unless the instructor gives speci c permission to do so.

Pos ng an exam, assignment or answers to them on an online forum (before, during, or a er the due date), in addi on
to consul ng posted materials, cons tutes a viola on of the university’s Honesty policy.

Likewise, unauthorized use of live assistance websites, including seeking “expert” help for speci c ques ons during an
exam, can be construed as a viola on of the honesty policy. All students should be familiar with the University’s Student
Academic Honesty Code.

Students with Disabili es (SSD)

Students reques ng disability-related accommoda ons should register with the Services for Students with
Disabili es o ce (SSD). They are the appropriate en ty on campus to determine and authorize disability-
related accommoda ons. The o ce is located in the University Union, Room 119. Phone number
607-777-2686. For students already registered with SSD, please provide your academic accommoda on le er
as soon as possible so that we can discuss the implementa on of your accommoda ons.

Student Support
If you are experiencing undue personal or academic stress at any me during the semester or need to talk with someone
about a personal problem or situa on, I encourage you to seek support as soon as possible. I am available to talk with
you about stresses related to your work in my class. Addi onally, I can assist you in reaching out to any one of a wide
range of campus resources, including:

• Dean of Students O ce: 607-777-2804

• Decker Student Health Services Center: 607-777-2221
• University Police: On campus emergency, 911
• University Counseling Center: 607-777-2772
• Interpersonal Violence Preven on: 607-777-3062
• Harpur Advising: 607-777-6305
• O ce of Interna onal Student & Scholar Services: 607-777-2510
• Ombudsman: Main campus 607-777-2388 University Downtown Center O ce 607-777-2388
• Services for Student’s with Disabili es: 607-777-2686 (Voice, TTY)

In the event that you choose to write or speak about experiencing or surviving sexual violence, including sexual
harassment, da ng and domes c violence, sexual assault, stalking, and rape, please keep in mind that I am required, as
your instructor, to no fy the Title IX Coordinator. They will ensure you are provided with on and o campus resources
and an opportunity to discuss your op ons. If you would like to disclose your experience con den ally, you can contact
University Counseling Center, Decker Student Health Services, Harpur's Ferry, Ombudsman, or Campus Ministry. For
more informa on, please go to h ps://www.binghamton.edu/ivp/ or h ps://www.binghamton.edu/rmac/ tle-ix/.

Diminished mental health, including signi cant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or problems with ea ng and/or
sleeping can interfere with op mal academic performance. The source of symptoms might be largely related to your
course work; if so, I invite you to speak with me (or your other professors) directly. However, problems with
rela onships, family worries, loss, or a personal struggle or crisis can also contribute to decreased academic
performance, and may require addi onal professional support. Binghamton University provides a variety of support
resources: the Dean of Students O ce and University Counseling Center o er coaching on ways to reduce the impact to
your grades. Both of these resources can help you manage personal challenges that impact your well-being or ability to
thrive at Binghamton University. Accessing them, especially early on, as symptoms develop, can help support your
academic success as a University student.
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 In the event I feel you could bene t from such support, I will express my concerns (and the reasons for them) to you and
remind you of our resources. While I do not need to know the details of what is going on for you, your ability to share
some of your situa on with me will help me connect you with the appropriate support.

General statement from the University

Binghamton University follows the recommenda ons of public health experts to protect the health of students, faculty,
sta and the community at large. Safeguarding public health depends on each of us strictly following requirements as
they are ins tuted and for as long as they remain in force. Health and safety standards will be enforced in this course.

Face coverings and other safety measures

Current rules require everyone to wear a face covering that completely covers both the nose and mouth while indoors
(unless they are ea ng or alone in a private space like an o ce). A face shield is not an acceptable subs tute. Classroom
safety requirements will con nue to be based on guidance from public health authori es and will be uniformly applied
across campus. If these requirements change, a campus-wide announcement will be made to inform the University.

• The University recommends and supports swi ac on and clear consequences if a student’s non-
compliance risks the safety of others. If you forget your face covering or it does not meet these
requirements, you will be asked to leave the room immediately. You may not return un l you meet the
requirement. If you miss a graded assessment due to being asked to leave the classroom for not having a
proper face covering, you will receive a zero on the assignment.

• How an in-class instance of inadvertent non-compliance or an in-class instance of deliberate non-

compliance. If a student does not comply with the requirements or the instructor’s direc on, the instructor
will immediately cancel the remainder of the class session and inform the dean’s o ce, which will work with
the Student Records o ce to issue a failing grade (“F”) for the course regardless of when in the semester the
incident occurs. The dean’s o ce will also inform the O ce of Student Conduct. If you choose to impose this
penalty, it should be explicitly stated in your syllabi, like other things that a ect grading.

• Consequences for non-compliance. If a student’s refusal to comply is a second o ense, the O ce of

Student Conduct may recommend dismissal from the University.

If the rules for health and safety measures change, the campus will be no ed and the new requirements will take e ect.

Non-compliance with safety requirements cons tutes a public health risk and a disrup on of the learning experience.
Our classroom policy prohibits ea ng and drinking; longer classes could include a short break.

Illness/quaran ne
Students should be reminded to stay home if they are ill and seek prompt medical evalua on if they experience
symptoms of COVID-19 h ps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/symptoms-tes ng/symptoms.html. Early case
nding will bene t the en re campus. This should apply to faculty/sta as well.

Decker Student Health Services does not have the resources to issue individual notes con rming illness. Please do not
require this of your students.

If you become ill or are required to quaran ne, instructors will deal with you on a case-by- case basis as they would when
dealing with cases of in uenza or other illness that keeps a student from a ending class. Instructors are encouraged to
contact the Center for Learning and Teaching for ideas and support in helping these students to keep up with the course.
Instruc onal designers and other academic support personnel can help tailor academic support to the course and to
speci c student needs.

Make Up Class Policy

The dance department cannot stress enough the importance of a endance because of the physical learning and muscle
memory involved in dance. However, should an absence be unavoidable please email your instructor of how to make up
the class.
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 SCHEDULE
JAN 25 Classes Begin
FEB 7 Add/drop deadline
MAR 1-4 Academic Assessment Days
MAR 12-20 No classes (spring break)
APR 1 Course withdrawal deadline
APR 13 Friday classes meet
APR 15-18 No classes (Passover/Easter)
MAY 11 Last Day of Classes & Choreographer Paper Due
MAY 12 Dance Show Performance/Final Exam (star ng at 6pm in Wa ers Theatre)

Grade De ni ons
NB: par cipa on in a class and good a endance alone will not equate to an A grade.

A Outstanding understanding and applica on of concepts, and content taught and must include ming,
musicality, precision, placement, technique, ar stry, interpreta on, discipline, excep onal skill level,
excep onal commitment, e ort, par cipa on, coopera on, outstanding applica on and integra on of
physical work into presenta ons, and performances. Ability to take all correc ons from instructor and
integrate them into prac ce.

B Solid work, good understanding and applica on of concepts; good skill level, good commitment,
par cipa on and; good applica on and integra on of physical work into presenta ons, and
performances. Most but not all of the criteria outlined in A equals a B grade. Cannot integrate all
correc ons into prac ce.

C Average work, assignments on me, average understanding and applica on of concepts; average skill
level; average par cipa on and performance; average applica on and integra on of physical work into
presenta ons and exercises. Integrates few correc ons into prac ce.

D Unsa sfactory. Assignments on me but seem thrown together or not completed, li le knowledge or
understanding of concepts, poor applica on of concepts, skill level low, li le prac ce shown, poor
applica on and integra on of physical work into presenta ons, exercises and performance.

F Assignment turned in late. Poor a endance and class work.

REMINDER:
A SYLLABUS IS A CONTRACT. CONTINUED ENROLLMENT IN THIS COURSE CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE
OF THE POLICIES SET FORTH IN THIS SYLLABUS. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS SYLLABUS.

References
Dennis, Anne. (1995). The Ar culate Body, The Physical Training of the Actor Drama. New York: Book Publishers. Roland, David Dr.
(1997).The Con dent Performer. Australia: Currency Press Ltd. Australia and Nick Hern Books Ltd. Green, Stanley. (1996). Broadway
Musicals Show by Show. Milwaukee: Hal Leonard Publishing Corp.

Green, Stanley. (1996). Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre. New York: Da Capo Press Inc.

Humphrey, Doris. (1957). The Art of Making Dances. U.S.A: Princeton Book Company/Book Horizons.

Kersley/Sinclair. (1977). A Dic onary of Ballet Terms. New York: Da Capo Press Inc.

Luigi, Kreigel, Roach. (1997). Luigi's Jazz Warm Up and Introduc on to Jazz Style and Technique. New Jersey: Princeton Book
Company/Dance Horizons.

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