Courses of Study and Degree Requirements

The required coursework of The MFA curriculum encompasses Artistic Research (15 units), Theory (6 units), Disciplinary or Interdisciplinary Study Electives (21 units) and Thesis (6 units).

Core Courses

  • Artistic Research: Choreographic Praxis I and II (6 units); Movement Research I and II (3+3 units); Critique (3 units)
  • Theory: Theories of Corporeality (3 units); Contemporary Dance History or Critical Dance Studies (3 units)
  • Thesis: Dance Research and Writing (3 units); Thesis Project (3 units)

Each student's Research Portfolio is designed and implemented in an appropriate format (performance, exhibition, digital media, installation, site-specific work, social choreography, etc.) by mid-term of Spring Year II.

Sequence of Required Coursework

Year 1
Fall

12 units

  • Theories of Corporeality (3 units) - survey of critical theories in relation to the body
  • Choreographic Praxis (3 units) - A practice-based survey of expanded notions of Choreography
  • Movement Research I (3 units) - individually designed, mentored movement research including workshops by guest artists
  • Elective course 1 (3 units) in a discipline outside of dance
Spring

12 units

  • Critical Dance Studies OR Contemporary World Dance History (offered every alternate year, 3 units each) - survey course focusing on social, political, religious and gender histories related to various dance cultures of the world 
  • Choreographic Praxis II (3 units)
  • Dance Research and Writing (3 units) - discussions on various research methodologies in Dance history, ethnography and choreographic practice. Writing Intensive course.
  • Elective course 2 (3 units)
Summer (first year)
  • Dance Research Laboratory presented in collaboration with ADF

Year 2
Fall

12 units

  • Critique
  • Elective course 3 (3 units)
  • Elective course 4 (3 units)
  • Movement Research II (3 units)
Spring 

12 units

  • Thesis Project (3 units) - Public presentation of the practical component of the thesis project and Oral Defense
  • Elective course 5 (3 units)
  • Elective course 7 (3 units)
  • Elective Course 7 (3 units)