Examination arrangement

Course content

This course is designed to give a general introduction into practice and methods in using dance and methods for health and therapeutic purposes. After completing the course, students are expected to be able to plan and tech dance in a heatlh related way for at least one type of population, for instance children, teenagers or grown up

The study course has two parts: Part one gives an introduction into methods and perspectives for human health. The second part will examine different methodological approaches for working with different populations, with an emphasis on children and the elderly. Both parts will consist of theory as well as practical tools for working with different health -challenges. The students will also be given an introduction into the history and methods of dance and movement therapy.

Learning outcome

The student should,

• have fundamental knowledge of psychological, physical and health challenges typical for selected populations
• have knowledge of different methods when working with movement and dance in health- sociocultural and societal perspectives
• have knowledge of specific methods within the ´work of dance and movement therapy: Group therapy (for instance the Chase method, Living music/living dance method), individual work. Knowledge of some for instance how to use dance and movement for autistic children, for those with eating disorders, for those suffering from dementia)

Skills

• Skills in using fundamental psychologically sound dance and movement principles in a teaching and/or therapeutic situation.
• Be able to evaluate your own teaching
• Be able to plan and use appropriate dance and movement for a given population
• Create learning experiences that enhances feelings of mastering, creativity and positive experiences

General competence

• Be able to work goal oriented and independent with others as well as individually
• Be able to reflect and discuss different uses of dance and movement in a health perspective
• Be able to work goal oriented and independent with others as well as individually
• Be able to reflect and discuss different uses of dance and movement in a health perspective

Learning methods and activities

2 Intensive study-weekends (Friday to Sunday). In addition. In addition 12 hours of digital teaching.

Mandatory tasks. Sufficient presence at the study weekends (80%). Approved (by main teacher) individual task.

Compulsory assignments

• Presentation of an independent study task
• Mandatory participation during intensive teaching

Further on evaluation

The practice-based, compulsory assignment must be approved before the student can take the exam. The presentation of a chosen theme is based on independent student work, done in groups of 3-4 per group. The students, under supervision, choose an age group or a specific challenge (for instance dementia patients) and develop a session of about 45 minutes (if three are working together), or 60 minute (if four are working together). Specific criteria will be set; the session must include a warm up, a main part and a conclusion. The practice-based task will be discussed and evaluated in terms of content by the supervisor and must be approved before the student can take the course exam. The students who are not presenting, will participate in the activities presented by the group. These presentations are scheduled to take the last sessions after lunch on the last Sunday of the last intensive teaching sessions.

The formal assessment is a written paper, where the student discusses their practice-based task, using theory from the course literature. The written task should be around 4500-5500 words.

It is not necessary to re-do the compulsory assignment, should the student fail the written exam.

Recommended previous knowledge

Experience within dance or similar subject such as music, drama, physical education is an advantage, but not mandatory. The student must be willing to work on the dance floor, trying out different dance movements, this could be sitting as well as standing. No previous dance experience is needed, but an interest for using dance and movement in a healing frame/purpose is necessary.

Course materials

Reading lists will be presented at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions