Dance Theory (B0215A310034)

Programme objectives

The Bachelor’s programme of study in Dance Theory is focused on the issues of historical and systematic dance theory and its application in popularisation and organisational activities. It should provide students with an overview of the field and detailed descriptions of dance in its various forms, its historical development, the internal structure of dance, the theoretical tools used for its investigation, the basic methods of dance theory, and their use in independent work with dance material. In seminar assignments, students master the process of theoretical work, the scholarly presentation of its results, and its application in organisational work. They also familiarise themselves with the theoretical “infrastructure”. The programme focuses mainly on the findings which constitute the basis of the field, i.e. descriptive history in overview form, but with the necessary detail, especially in describing the art of dance in the first half of the 20th century. This is essential for the development of all theoretical/systematic disciplines, which are a fundamental component of the continuing Master’s programme in the field. In addition to this historical foundation, there are courses focusing on dance theory and its applications. Furthermore, the programme devotes attention to the basic characterisation of dance theory as an artistic-theoretical discipline in its historical and theoretical definition, in its specifics, in its methodological approaches, in the volume of its acquired knowledge hitherto, and in its current state and focus.

The programme of study situates dance in the context of art (culture) and other art forms (mainly music). Historical and theoretical knowledge is supplemented by the development of practical dance experience, which is a necessary condition for theoretical reflection on dance. The programme’s actual contents consist of historical subjects providing a detailed overview of dance forms in the European and Czech contexts, with an emphasis on theatrical dance, but also with a view to participatory dance cultures (folk dance, historical dances). In addition to historical subjects, the programme includes theoretical subjects (Introduction to the Study of Dance Theory, Introduction to Dance Theory, Analysis of Dance, Kinetography, proseminar and seminars) as well as subjects focusing on applied disciplines (Fundamentals of Dance Production). The main emphasis in these theoretical and applied subjects is placed on the connection between the instruction and the current situation, forms of dance and their scholarly reflection, and the current state of dance theory as an art-historical discipline.

Compared to the previous accreditation, there have not been any fundamental changes in the programme’s composition. The new required subject Fundamentals of Dance Production has been added in response to its societal topicality and necessity. This subject’s inclusion was also made possible by the fact that an instructor is now available who has elaborated its reflection in an academic form. The subject History of Art has been reconceived to accentuate the theoretical view of art as a symbolic cultural form, as well as its cultural and social meanings. Based on the defined concepts and characteristics of art, the historical overview of artistic developments is mainly focused on the European/Western cultural space, where the features of artistic production in individual periods are demonstrated in selected phenomena. Elective subjects relating to pedagogical qualifications for dance education have been made available to students in the programme. In other subjects, the innovation concerns mainly the course content as such (individual lectures) in response to newly available resources, as well as new findings, research efforts, and interpretive and methodological procedures. Their application is mostly not visible in the thematic areas, which are relatively constant due to the programme’s focus on the volume of knowledge which constitutes the field’s core. In the accreditation file, an innovative approach is evident in the inclusion of publications from the last eight years in the literature of the relevant subjects. New resources have also been used in e-learning materials and lecture presentations which have been created and/or supplemented in recent years. The contents of the lectures in the subject History of Dance and Ballet in Bohemia have been more fundamentally innovated. Here, a new thematic area has been formulated based on research on the oldest history of dance in the Czech lands during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period, as well as in the 1945-1989 period, where the instructor’s experience is applied based on two scholarly projects on this topic in which she participated.

Profile of a programme graduate

Graduates of the Bachelor’s programme of study in Dance Theory have acquired detailed knowledge of the field, especially in the area of the history and theory of dance. They are well-oriented in the domestic and foreign-language specialist literature, and are aware of other sources for studying various dance-theoretical topics (archival, electronic). They have mastered the principles of working with sources (study, criticism, analysis) and of drafting a scholarly text. They are familiar with methodological tools, especially historiographical and dance-analytical ones. They are able to creatively elaborate component specialist topics from sources into a scholarly text.

Graduates are able, within their field and according to the general task and allocated resources, to coordinate the activities of a creative team in the production of an artistic work of a smaller scale and simpler nature, and to be responsible for its results. In addressing problems, they are able to take into consideration the ethical dimensions that may be involved. They are able to communicate information concerning the nature of specialist issues in the area of dance and non-verbal theatre, as well as their own opinions on how to address such issues, to experts and laymen alike and in a comprehensible and convincing manner. Graduates are able to cooperate harmoniously on collaborative projects in a team, and to coherently bring together the opinions of other team members. They are able to transact within the scope of their specialist knowledge and skills in at least one foreign language.

In addition to knowledge of dance theory, graduates have also acquired and developed experience in the practical pursuit of various types of dance, which form an essential component of education in artistic disciplines. The aim of the programme is to educate experts with an overview of the field, its place in the spectrum of culture and science, and current trends.

Rules and requirements for creating study plans

General information about admission process

Applicability to other types of academic programmes

Parts of the state final examination and their contents

Other academic duties

Characterisation of professional practice

Anticipated job placement for graduates (typical employment)