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DANCE-121 - Beginning Modern Dance - Wendy Hassenpflug

Course:Beginning Modern Dance
Professor:Wendy Hassenpflug
Email:wendy.hassenpflug@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Online
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

profile photo of Wendy Hassenpflug

My name is Wendy Hassenpflug. I have been teaching at College of the Canyons since 2006. I also teach at California State University, Northridge and local yoga studios. My passions include modern dance, aerial dance, acroyoga, aerial yoga, partnering, breath work, somatics (mind-body work) and improvisation. My professional performance background includes: Kit Andree Company Dancer, WFL San Antonio Gold Dust Girl, Le Jazz Noir Company Dancer, and Martin Dancers.

In addition to teaching at the collegiate level, I also taught & directed award-winning high school dance teams in CA, TX, and NV for 10 years. The style of modern dance technique that I teach is a combination of Limon, Horton and Hawkins classical modern techniques. I teach with a strong sense of body awareness and body biomechanics, aiding my students in their quest to dance stronger and more intelligently.  

Our class will take place online, until further notice. I may use a combination of both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, depending on the format of the class. Students will be exposed to other artists' choreography and techniques via videos, in addition to my instruction. We will survey the class on the first day to see what type of space everyone has to move (i.e. both inside and outside your homes). This will enable me to customize the instruction and choreography based on the spaces we are working with. I look forward to getting to know you and co-creating together.

Course Description

Introduces the basic movements, patterns and style of modern dance, emphasizing elementary skills and techniques while conferring an appreciation of modern dance and increasing understanding of body structure and movement. 

What to Expect in this Course

Students are expected to attend and participate in the synchronous class meetings via Zoom, and to watch and participate with the pre-recorded classes. It is necessary to have a device that includes a camera and microphone (laptop or phone), as well as a strong wifi connection. Synchronous class meetings will take place during the scheduled days and times, as listed in the Class Schedule. Asynchronous class meetings allow students to view videos and practice at their own pace, and in some cases record and upload videos of themselves for feedback. Expect to devote a minimum of 3 hours per week to learning and practicing for your class.

Knowledge of how to use Canvas is necessary as assignments and class information will be posted there, all assignments and written exams will be submitted via Canvas.

It will be helpful to have access to Spotify, Wendy's playlists will be available there.

Types of Assessments

  • Technique Assessments
  • Midterm and Final - over technique learned in class
  • Written Exams
  • Midterm and Final will take place on Canvas to include multiple choice and short answer responses. Questions are derived from class discussions, and course documents.
  • Practical Exams
  • Midterm and Final - choreography learned in class

Textbook Information

Beginning Modern Dance by Miriam Giguere Dance.

http://www.humankinetics.com/beginningmoderndance1e 

Available via COC Cougar Bookstore, Amazon, or via the publisher Human Kinetics.No ad

Other Relevant Course Information

No additional materials are required for class.


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 09/17/2021 Sub#: 676

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