
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| DAN-101 | Introduction to Jazz Technique | This course is an introduction to the style, technique, and rhythmic structures of jazz dance with emphasis on increasing movement capabilities and personal expression. It includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to jazz. | 1 |
| DAN-100 | Introduction to Ballet Technique | This course is an introduction to the techniques of the classical ballet, including alignment, positions, port de bras, and allegro combinations. It includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to ballet. | 1 |
| DAN-200 | Somatics for the Dancer | This course is a study of somatic practices in dance. Students explore and discuss issues related to one body practice. Topics include body awareness, alignment, injury prevention, and movement observation. | 2 |
| DAN-260 | Jazz Technique II | This course is a refinement of beginning skills, with an emphasis on development of technical abilities and performance qualities. It focuses on intermediate concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to jazz. Prerequisite: DAN 101. | 1 |
| DAN-250 | Ballet Technique II | This technique course is designed to increase skill in classical ballet. It includes intermediate concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to ballet. Prerequisite: DAN 100. | 1 |
| DAN-120 | Introduction to Modern Technique | This course is an introduction to the movement techniques of modern dance. It includes fundamental concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to modern dance. | 1 |
| DAN-130A | Dance Ensemble I | Dance Ensemble I - This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Prerequisite: Audition. | 0.5 |
| DAN-130B | Dance Ensemble I | Dance Ensemble I - This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Prerequisite: Audition. | 0.5 |
| EDU-213 | Educational Psychology | This course provides a thematically arranged study of the theories and principles of psychology that have influenced instructional practices. Behavioral and cognitive approaches to learning, motivation, and instruction are explored. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 4 |
| DAN-270 | Modern Technique II | This course is a refinement of beginning skills with an emphasis on development of technical abilities and performance qualities. It includes intermediate concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to modern dance. Prerequisite: DAN 120. | 1 |
| DAN-350 | Ballet Technique III | This course is designed to increase skill in classical ballet technique. It includes advanced concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to ballet. Prerequisite: DAN 250. | 1 |
| DAN-360 | Jazz Technique III | This course is designed to increase skill in jazz technique. It includes advanced concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to jazz. Prerequisite: DAN 260. | 1 |
| POS-301 | Arizona and Federal Government | This course is a survey of Arizona history and government, as well as American government. It meets the teacher certification requirement for Arizona government and American government. | 2 |
| DAN-370 | Modern Technique III | This course focuses on the exercises and activities necessary to develop strength, flexibility, endurance, and technical dance skill. It includes advanced concepts, skills, movement vocabulary, and artistic expression specific to modern dance. Prerequisite: DAN 270. | 1 |
| DAN-355 | Dance Kinesiology and Injury Prevention | This writing-intensive course focuses on the anatomical and mechanical principles that relate to human movement; the analysis, management, and prevention of dance injuries; the analysis of body types and technical ability; and the means by which to improve dance ability. Aspects of teaching safe technique classes and alternative methods will also be explored. Prerequisite: DAN 200. | 4 |
| DAN-385 | Choreography I: Space and Time/Design and Dance | This course is a study of the elements of time and space, their intrinsic artistic significance, and their significance in organized forms of meaning in dance. The course considers time and space design in the related fields of music and art as relevant to choreographic design and communication in dance. Prerequisite: DAN 210. | 2 |
| ESL-223N | SEI English Language Teaching: Foundations & Methodologies | The historical, legal, theoretical, and sociological foundations of programs of instruction for students with non-English language backgrounds are presented. The study of models, prototypes, and methodologies for ESL instruction is included. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance. | 3 |
| DAN-280A | Dance Ensemble II | Dance Ensemble II - This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Prerequisite: Audition. | 0.5 |
| DAN-280B | Dance Ensemble II | Dance Ensemble II - This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Prerequisite: Audition. | 0.5 |
| DAN-210 | Improvisation for Dance | This course focuses on creating and developing movement through dance improvisation in solos, duets, and groups. Contact improvisation and partnering, the uses of improvisation in choreography and performance, and the creative process are explored. Students are guided toward finding their own artistic voice through movement, discussion, and writing. | 1 |
| DAN-390 | Choreography II: Process | This course is a study of and experience in various approaches to the choreographic process as related to artistic concepts and to the philosophy of art as espoused by various traditional and contemporary dance artists and as developed by the individual student. Prerequisite: DAN 385. | 2 |
| DAN-380A | Dance Ensemble III | Dance Ensemble III - This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Prerequisite: Audition. | 0.5 |
| DAN-380B | Dance Ensemble III | Dance Ensemble III - This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Prerequisite: Audition. | 0.5 |
| DAN-320 | Technology for Dance Educators | Students study and utilize a variety of dance technologies, such as computer software, hardware, networking, multimedia, interactive media, and the Internet in order to foster inquiry, collaboration, and interaction in the classroom in order to meet the needs of a diverse student population. | 2 |
| DAN-335 | Foundations of Dance and Culture for Diverse Learners | Students study the historical, philosophical, and sociological influences that have shaped dance, ethno/world dance, dance education, and the issues faced by educators today, as well as the challenges of the future that await persons now entering the teaching profession. The course also examines the unique learning needs of exceptional students. Emphasis is placed on definitions, etiology, characteristics, and prevalence of various exceptionalities; laws and litigation protecting the rights of students with special needs and their families; current issues affecting persons with special needs; social perceptions, assessment, inclusion, and transition; and basic curriculum accommodations and supportive services for teaching students with special needs in the dance classroom. Practicum hours: 15. Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| DAN-315 | Dance History I | This writing-intensive course is a study of the histories and aesthetic systems of selected world dance traditions emphasizing interconnections between aesthetic practice, religious and social needs, and the impact of cultural convergence on dance. | 4 |
| DAN-340 | Dance History II | This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive comparative study of dance in the 20th and 21st centuries. The focus is on significant trends and individuals who shaped the development of modern dance, ballet, jazz, and vernacular dance in the modern era. | 4 |
| ARE-337 | Integrated Arts Methods and Assessment in the Elementary School | This course explores an integrative arts model, using methods and assessments for teaching theatre and dance in a K-8 curriculum. Lesson planning and curriculum design are tied to state standards for dance education. Field Experience hours: 20. Prerequisite: DAN 335 Foundations of Dance and Culture for Diverse Learners for Dance Education majors. | 4 |
| DAN-460 | Choreography Practicum | This course is a supervised experience in choreographing a dance for public performance arranged through a cooperative effort of the student and supervisor. Practicum hours: 10. Prerequisite: DAN 390. | 2 |
| DAN-450 | Dance Pedagogy | This course educates the student in methods of teaching dance in elementary school, secondary school, community college, university, and dance studio settings. It encompasses the basic objectives of dance education, and the components of excellence in teaching, physical training, fitness, and art. Practicum hours: 10. Prerequisite: DAN 355. | 2 |
| DAN-395 | Dance Production | This course is designed to introduce students to the elements of technical theater specific to a dance production and to prepare students to organize a production in a variety of media. The course covers the fundamentals of lighting and costume design; sound/music/video recording and other multimedia devices; and basic elements of production management, such as contracts, labor issues, budgets, facility rentals, marketing and fundraising. Prerequisite: DAN 390. | 4 |
| DAN-300 | Alignment and Pilates for Dance | This course addresses issues of strength and alignment for dancers, using Pilates mat exercises. The class addresses areas of strength essential for dancers, focuses on breathing techniques integral to the exercises, and uses the exercises as a means to better understand and improve alignment. The course also addresses how strength and alignment facilitate more ease and efficiency in movement. | 2 |
| DAN-398 | Dance Methods and Assessment in the Secondary School | This course is a study of methods for developing and conducting the dance program in junior and senior high schools. Methods, materials, topics, and issues in dance education are used to prepare dance education majors to enter the teaching profession. Practicum hours: 30. Prerequisite: DAN 390. | 4 |
| DAN-480 | Dance Ensemble IV | This course is designed to prepare the student for a performance tour. Through rehearsal, performance, and discussion, students gain proficiency in dance by learning choreography for performance in various dance styles. Prerequisite: Audition. | 1 |
| ESL-433N | Advanced Methodologies of Structured English Immersion | In this course, students continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion and other instructional programs for English Language Learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Students identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance and ESL 423N or ESL 223N. | 3 |
| ARE-480 | Student Teaching: Arts Education | Student Teaching: Arts Education - Teacher candidates are required to fulfill a semester long internship experience in a classroom with a certified, experienced teacher. The semester includes the opportunity to improve skills in classroom management, assessment, and professional preparation, and to utilize applicable content standards, Arizona Professional Teacher‛s Standards, and Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Standards within the classroom. Prerequisites for A: Fingerprint Clearance; successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 3.0 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II® (Content Area); Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments. All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. | 12 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 80 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 80 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 0 - 6 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
Grand Canyon University © 2012 - All Rights Reserved. GCU is an accredited university founded in 1949. We are a Christian university and offer online degree programs and campus based classes. As a private university in Arizona, GCU has six colleges offering business degree programs including an Executive MBA, health science degrees, liberal arts degrees, doctorate degrees, nursing programs, and teaching programs. Our Performing Arts College offers fine arts and production degree programs. GCU is a military friendly school and offers military tuition rates.
