Dance, BFA

The School of Music and Dance ’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance is a professional degree that offers concentrations in modern or jazz technique, as well as comprehensive study in choreography, theory, and performance. It is an intense program of study and is specifically designed to prepare students for the competitive career of dance performance. Guided by dedicated faculty and prominent guest artists, students will be challenged with technical practice in various dance techniques, theoretical study in several areas, and multiple performance opportunities. We are confident that our BFA program will encourage each student in his or her unique talents to grow into a successful dancer and a significant contributor to the artistic community.

Program Learning Outcomes

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements	42
Major Preparation	11
Major Requirements	64
University Electives	3
Total	120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

University Requirements

Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (30 units)

Of the 39 units required by the university, 9 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (6 units)

Of the 9 units required by the university, 3 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)

Complete one 6-unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see course descriptions for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

U.S. History and Government (6 units)

Complete One US1: US History Course

AMS 10 - Stories that Make America 3 unit(s) (C2+US1)
HIST 15 - Essentials of U.S. History 3 unit(s) (D+US1)

Complete One US23: US Constitution and California Government Course

POLS 15 - Essentials of U.S. & California Government 3 unit(s) (D+US23)
POLS 16 - Power and Ideas in American Politics 3 unit(s) (C2+US23)

Physical Education

The Physical Education Requirement is waived for this major. See the Exceptions for University Graduation Requirements .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a Writing in the Disciplines (100W) course. The Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) is satisfied by a course in the major. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirements.

Major Preparation (11 units)

DANC 43 - Dance Improvisation 1 unit(s)
DANC 75 - Rhythm and Dynamics in Dance 1 unit(s)
MUSC 10A - Music Appreciation 3 unit(s) (C1)
MUSC 100W - Written Communication II 3 unit(s) (WID) (TA 100W also accepted)
DANC 102 - Dance in World Cultures 3 unit(s) (V)

Major Requirements (64 units)

Dance Technique, Performance and Choreography (53 units)

Freshmen must perform at level II in area of option. Minimum of one technique class daily required each semester at SJSU. Level I is prerequisite if unable to perform at level II or higher in Modern, Jazz, Ballet or Tap.