Students pursuing the BFA in Dance gain in-depth knowledge of dance as an art form and an area of scholarly inquiry. The degree prepares students for careers in professional dance and provides a foundation for teaching in K-12 and higher education, dance entrepreneurship, dance/movement therapy, Pilates, the health and fitness industry, arts administration, as well as many other fields.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance requires a minimum of 85 major credits and is designed for students who wish to spend more time preparing for a professional career in dance.
A dance degree at UW–Madison offers opportunities to:
- Study with a world-class faculty, with excellent teacher-student ratios.
- Perform frequently in faculty and student-choreographed works, in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Experience an interdisciplinary approach that connects dance to the arts and humanities, as well as the social, biological, physical, and biological social sciences.
- Earn scholarship and award funding for study in the academic year and summer, including departmental awards for honors study.
- Work with nationally and internationally renowned guest artists and master class instructors, such as the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Pilobolus, Meredith Monk, Elizabeth Streb, David Parsons, Sean Curran, Danielle Russo, Carrie Hanson, Joe Goode, Susan Marshall, Kun-Yang Lin, and Tim Miller, Abdel Salaam/Forces of Nature.
- Train intensively in choreography to create solo and group works for performance.
An audition is required to declare a dance degree. Auditions are held in August, November, and February.
The Dance Department also offers five certificates: a general certificate in Dance, a certificate in Dance Education, one in Dance Studies, a certificate in Dance/Movement Therapy, and another certificate in Pilates. A teacher certification minor in Dance Education is also available for students enrolled in another undergraduate teacher education program.
How to Get In
Program Admission Overview
All students wishing to major in dance must complete a performance audition to be admitted to the program. Consult the Dance department website for more detailed information about the audition process.
Entering the School of Education
New and Current UW–Madison Students
On-campus students wishing to be admitted to one of the dance program options must audition and also have earned a minimum 2.5 grade point average. On-campus students should obtain and submit a signed Professional Program Application, to the School of Education Student Services office, Room 139 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, at any time during the academic year. The application must be signed by the appropriate dance department advisor.
Prospective Transfer Students
Applicants not already enrolled on the UW–Madison campus must be admissible to the university to enroll in a School of Education program. Admission to UW–Madison requires a separate application and admission process. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information.
Prospective transfer students should meet as early as possible with a dance department advisor and with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office. Coursework taken at another institution may need to be evaluated by a faculty or staff member in dance. Transfer students must audition to be admitted to one of the dance program options. Prospective transfer students are strongly advised to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Students with a previous degree
Prospective applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are strongly encouraged to meet with a School of Education advisor in advance of their application. Consultations with advisors are available in person or via telephone; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are admitted to the School of Education as either an Education Special student or a second degree student, depending on their interests and academic background. Admission as an Education Special student indicates that the student has an interest in pursuing certification in a subject area studied during the initial degree; another degree is not awarded for this "certification only" coursework. Second degree students are seeking a second, unrelated degree from the School of Education, which may, or may not, include teacher certification. Candidates for limited enrollment programs must meet all admission eligibility requirements for the program and must compete with the eligible applicants for program admission. More information is available here.
Admission and Application
Criteria for Admission
Requirements and selection criteria may be modified from one application/admission period to the next. Eligibility for consideration:
- The dance department currently admits students to its programs only through a performance audition.
- Cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale).1
- On-campus transfer students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on the UW–Madison campus, as modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- Submission of all required application materials, including the dance program application and any required transcripts.
- 1
A comprehensive cumulative GPA of all college-level, transferrable coursework attempted on both the UW–Madison campus coursework and coursework taken at any other colleges or universities may be calculated for the exclusive purpose of establishing an applicant’s eligibility for consideration. Both the comprehensive cumulative GPA and the comprehensive cumulative GPA based on a student’s last 60 credits may be calculated. See Last 60 Credits Rule (detailed below). If admitted, students must earn the minimum cumulative GPA for UW–Madison coursework established by their program and the School of Education each semester after admission.
Last 60 Credits Rule
Two grade point averages will be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to programs. GPAs will be calculated using
- all transferable college level coursework attempted, and
- the last 60 credits attempted.
The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility. If fewer than 60 credits have been attempted, all credits will be used to calculate the GPA. Graded graduate coursework will also be used in all GPA calculations. ("Attempted" coursework indicates coursework for which a grade has been earned.) More information on this rule is available here.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. More information: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. More information: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
School of Education Degree Requirements
Communication: Breadth and Depth
Courses designated as Communication A (Comm A) and Communication B (Comm B) help students learn how to gather and assess information from a variety of sources and to present different kinds of information, insight, and analysis to diverse audiences. Comm A courses focus on essential communication skills and Comm B courses teach research, writing, and communication skills within a disciplinary area.
| Communication A | Complete either:
|
| Communication B | One course with the Communication B designation. |
Quantitative Reasoning: Breadth and Depth
Quantitative Reasoning A courses provide students with foundational skills in mathematics, computer science, statistics or formal logic that are needed for dealing with quantitative information. In Quantitative Reasoning B courses, students use quantitative tools in the context of other disciplines or course material.
| Quantitative Reasoning A | Complete either:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning B | One course with the Quantitative Reasoning B designation. |
Liberal Studies Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Students take courses in areas of particular interest and also have an opportunity to sample the wide selection of courses offered across the university. Coursework is required in humanities, social studies (social science), science, and cultural and historical studies. Some elective coursework is also needed to reach the required number of credits.
The School of Education’s Liberal Studies requirements can be used to satisfy the campus-wide Core General Education requirements. Communication A and B, and Quantitative Reasoning A and B coursework can also be used towards Core General Education and other requirements. Academic advisors can suggest courses that will count in multiple places.
A basic outline of the liberal studies is included below. Students must consult the detailed version of the requirements for more information about course selection and how the liberal studies requirements apply to this major.
Are you interested in switching to the School of Education? If so, you should run a “what-if” DARS report. It will show how many of these requirements you have already met and are unmet.
Humanities
Complete a minimum of 9 credits from these categories.
| Literature | Complete a course with the Literature designation, minimum of 2 credits |
| Fine Arts | Complete a minimum of 2 credits from the list of courses below. |
| Humanities | Courses to total 9 Humanities credits. Select from:
|
Fine Arts Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER 220 | HipHop, Youth Culture, and Politics in Senegal | 3 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER 233 | Global HipHop and Social Justice | 3 |
| AFROAMER 154 | Hip-Hop and Contemporary American Society | 3 |
| AFROAMER 156 | Black Music and American Cultural History | 3 |
| AFROAMER 225 | Introduction to African American Dramatic Literature | 3 |
| AFROAMER/ART HIST 241 | Introduction to African Art and Architecture | 3 |
| AFROAMER/ART HIST 242 | Introduction to Afro-American Art | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 267 | Artistic/Cultural Images of Black Women | 3 |
| AFROAMER/DANCE/MUSIC 318 | Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas | 3 |
| AFROAMER 338 | The Black Arts Movement | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 367 | Art and Visual Culture: Women of the African Diaspora and Africa | 3 |
| AFROAMER/AFRICAN 413 | Contemporary African and Caribbean Drama | 3-4 |
| AMER IND 325 | American Indians in Film | 3 |
| Any ART course | ||
| Any ART HIST course | ||
| COM ARTS 350 | Introduction to Film | 3 |
| COM ARTS 357 | History of the Animated Film | 3 |
| Any DANCE course | ||
| DS 120 | Design: Fundamentals I | 3 |
| ENGL 207 | Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction and Poetry Workshop | 3 |
| ENGL 307 | Creative Writing: Fiction and Poetry Workshop | 3 |
| ENGL 407 | Creative Writing: Nonfiction Workshop | 3 |
| ENGL 408 | Creative Writing: Fiction Workshop | 3 |
| ENGL 409 | Creative Writing: Poetry Workshop | 3 |
| ENGL 410 | Creative Writing: Playwriting Workshop | 3 |
| ENGL 411 | Creative Writing: Special Topics Workshop | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/HIST SCI/HISTORY 125 | Green Screen: Environmental Perspectives through Film | 3 |
| FOLKLORE/MUSIC 103 | Introduction to Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
| GERMAN 253 | Introduction to German Cinema | 3 |
| GERMAN 267 | Yiddish Song and the Jewish Experience | 3-4 |
| ILS 203 | Western Culture: Literature and the Arts I | 3 |
| ILS 204 | Western Culture: Literature and the Arts II | 3-4 |
| LITTRANS 207 | Slavic Science Fiction through Literature and Film | 3 |
| LITTRANS 231 | Manga | 3 |
| LITTRANS 232 | Anime | 3 |
| LITTRANS 233 | Russian Life and Culture Through Literature and Art (to 1917) | 3-4 |
| LITTRANS 234 | Soviet Life and Culture Through Literature and Art (from 1917) | 3-4 |
| LITTRANS/FOLKLORE 327 | Vampires | 3 |
| LITTRANS/THEATRE 335 | In Translation: The Drama of Henrik Ibsen | 3-4 |
| Any MUSIC course | ||
| Any MUS PERF course | ||
| Any THEATRE course | ||
Social Studies
| Social Studies | Complete 9 credits with the Social Science designation. The following programs have specific requirements:
|
Science
Complete a minimum of 9 credits, including Physical and Biological Science. A laboratory science course is also required. The lab course can count toward the Biological or Physical Science requirement if it has the requisite breadth designation.
| Physical Science | Complete one course with the Physical Science designation. |
| Biological Science | Complete one course with the Biological Science designation. |
| Lab Science | Complete one course with the Biological, Physical, or Natural Science designation with a lab component; see Course Search and Enroll. Additional eligible courses are listed below. |
| Science Elective(s) | If needed, complete a course with the Biological, Physical, or Natural Science designation to total 9 Science credits. |
Laboratory Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANTHRO 105 | Principles of Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ATM OCN 101 | Weather and Climate | 4 |
| BOTANY 100 | Survey of Botany | 3 |
| BOTANY/PL PATH 123 | Plants, Parasites, and People | 3 |
| FOOD SCI/MICROBIO 324 | Food Microbiology Laboratory | 2 |
| GEOSCI 100 | Introductory Geology: How the Earth Works | 3 |
| PHYSICS 109 | Physics in the Arts | 3 |
| PLANTSCI 110 | Introduction to Plant Science and Technology | 4 |
Cultural and Historical Studies
Complete three requirements met by separate courses. Any of these courses can also be used to meet other requirements if it has the relevant breadth designation. A single course cannot satisfy more than one of the three Cultural and Historical Studies requirements listed below.
| Ethnic Studies | Complete 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies Designation. |
| United States or European History | Complete 3 credits from the list of courses below. |
| Global Perspectives | Complete 3 credits from the list of courses below. |
United States or European History Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AFROAMER 154 | Hip-Hop and Contemporary American Society | 3 |
| AFROAMER 156 | Black Music and American Cultural History | 3 |
| AFROAMER 231 | Introduction to African American History | 3 |
| AFROAMER 272 | Race and American Politics from the New Deal to the New Right | 3 |
| AFROAMER/AFRICAN/HISTORY/POLI SCI 297 | African and African-American Linkages: An Introduction | 4 |
| AFROAMER 302 | Undergraduate Studies in Afro-American History | 3 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 321 | African American History Since 1900 | 3-4 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 322 | African American History to 1900 | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 323 | Gender, Race and Class: Women in U.S. History | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 324 | Black Women in America: Reconstruction to the Present | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 326 | Race and Gender in Post-World War II U.S. Society | 3 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 347 | The Caribbean and its Diasporas | 3-4 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 393 | Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction, 1848-1877 | 3-4 |
| AFROAMER/HIST SCI/MED HIST 523 | Race, American Medicine and Public Health | 3 |
| AFROAMER/ED POL 567 | History of African American Education | 3 |
| AFROAMER 621 | Slavery and Capitalism in the United States | 3 |
| AFROAMER 623 | Women and Slavery in the United States | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 624 | African American Women's Activism (19th & 20th Centuries) | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 625 | Gender, Race and the Civil Rights Movement | 3 |
| AFROAMER 626 | Slavery and Emancipation in the United States | 3 |
| AFROAMER/HISTORY 628 | History of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States | 3 |
| AFROAMER 631 | Colloquium in African American History | 3 |
| AFROAMER 671 | Selected Topics in African American History | 3 |
| AMER IND 100 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AMER IND 185 | Indigenous Athletes and Sports | 3 |
| AMER IND/HISTORY 190 | Introduction to American Indian History | 3-4 |
| AMER IND 230 | Indigenous Resistance and Activism | 3 |
| AMER IND 250 | Indians of Wisconsin | 3 |
| AMER IND/ANTHRO 314 | Indians of North America | 3 |
| AMER IND/HISTORY 380 | Sovereignty and the Schoolhouse | 3 |
| AMER IND/SOC WORK 636 | Social Work in American Indian Communities: The Indian Child Welfare Act | 3 |
| ART HIST 357 | History of Wisconsin Architecture, 1800-present | 3 |
| ASIAN AM/AFROAMER/AMER IND/CHICLA 102 | Introduction to Comparative US Ethnic, American Indian, and Indigenous Studies | 3 |
| ASIAN AM/HISTORY 160 | Asian American History: Movement and Dislocation | 3-4 |
| ASIAN AM/HISTORY 161 | Asian American History: Settlement and National Belonging | 3-4 |
| ASIAN AM 170 | Hmong American Experiences in the United States | 3 |
| ASIAN AM/SOC 220 | Ethnic Movements in the United States | 3-4 |
| ASIAN AM/ASIAN/HISTORY 246 | Southeast Asian Refugees of the "Cold" War | 4 |
| ASIAN AM 253 | Critical Refugee Studies | 3 |
| ASIAN AM 441 | Hmong American Social Movements in the 20th and 21st Centuries | 3 |
| C&E SOC/HISTORY/POLI SCI/SOC 259 | Forward? The Wisconsin Idea, Past and Present | 1-3 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY 151 | The North American West to 1850 | 3-4 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY 152 | The United States West Since 1850 | 3-4 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY 153 | Latina/Latino/Latinx History | 3-4 |
| CHICLA 201 | Introduction to Chicanx/e and Latinx/e Studies | 3 |
| CHICLA/GEN&WS/HISTORY 245 | Chicana and Latina History | 3 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY/LACIS/POLI SCI 268 | The U.S. & Latin America from the Colonial Era to the Present: A Critical Survey | 3 |
| CHICLA 301 | Chicana/o and Latina/o History | 3 |
| CHICLA 315 | Racial Formation and Whiteness | 3 |
| CHICLA/GEN&WS 332 | Latinas: Self Identity and Social Change | 3 |
| CHICLA/SPANISH 364 | Survey of Latinx/e Popular Culture | 3 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY/POLI SCI 422 | Latino History and Politics | 3 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY 435 | Colony, Nation, and Minority: The Puerto Ricans' World | 3 |
| CLASSICS/HISTORY 110 | The Ancient Mediterranean | 4 |
| CLASSICS 206 | Classical Influences on Western Art and Science | 3 |
| CLASSICS/HISTORY/POLI SCI 362 | Athenian Democracy | 3 |
| CLASSICS/HISTORY/RELIG ST 517 | Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean | 3 |
| CURRIC/ED POL/HISTORY/JEWISH 515 | Holocaust: History, Memory and Education | 3 |
| ECON/HISTORY 466 | The American Economy Since 1865 | 3-4 |
| ED POL/HISTORY 107 | The History of the University in the West | 3 |
| ED POL/HISTORY 143 | History of Race and Inequality in Urban America | 3 |
| ED POL/HISTORY 412 | History of American Education | 3 |
| ED POL/HISTORY 478 | Comparative History of Childhood and Adolescence | 3 |
| ED POL/HISTORY 612 | History of Student Activism from the Popular Front to Black Lives Matter | 3 |
| ENGL/HISTORY/RELIG ST 360 | Early Medieval England | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/HIST SCI/HISTORY 125 | Green Screen: Environmental Perspectives through Film | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/GNS 210 | Cultures of Sustainability: Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/HISTORY 328 | Environmental History of Europe | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/GEOG/HISTORY 460 | American Environmental History | 4 |
| ENVIR ST/HISTORY/LEGAL ST 430 | Law and Environment: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives | 3 |
| FOLKLORE/GNS 200 | Folklore of Central, Eastern and Northern Europe | 3 |
| FOLKLORE 442 | Immigration and Indigeneity in the Upper Midwest | 3 |
| GEN&WS/HISTORY 353 | Women and Gender in the U.S. to 1870 | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/HISTORY 354 | Women and Gender in the U.S. Since 1870 | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/HISTORY 392 | Women and Gender in Modern Europe | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS/HIST SCI 537 | Childbirth in the United States | 3 |
| GEOG/HISTORY/POLI SCI/SLAVIC 253 | Russia: An Interdisciplinary Survey | 4 |
| GEOG/HISTORY/POLI SCI/SLAVIC 254 | Eastern Europe: An Interdisciplinary Survey | 4 |
| HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED HIST 132 | Bees, Trees, Germs, and Genes: A History of Biology | 3 |
| HIST SCI 150 | The Digital Age | 3 |
| HIST SCI 201 | The Origins of Scientific Thought | 3 |
| HIST SCI 218 | History of Twentieth Century American Medicine | 3 |
| HIST SCI/AFROAMER 275 | Science, Medicine, and Race: A History | 3-4 |
| HIST SCI/HISTORY 323 | The Scientific Revolution: From Copernicus to Newton | 3 |
| HIST SCI 404 | A History of Disease | 3-4 |
| HIST SCI/HISTORY/MED HIST 508 | Health, Disease and Healing II | 3-4 |
| HIST SCI/MED HIST 509 | The Development of Public Health in America | 3 |
| HIST SCI/GEN&WS/MED HIST 531 | Women and Health in American History | 3 |
| HIST SCI/GEN&WS/MED HIST 532 | The History of the (American) Body | 3 |
| HISTORY 101 | Amer Hist to the Civil War Era, the Origin & Growth of the U S | 4 |
| HISTORY 102 | American History, Civil War Era to the Present | 4 |
| HISTORY 109 | Introduction to U.S. History | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 115 | Medieval Europe 410-1500 | 4 |
| HISTORY 119 | Europe and the World, 1400-1815 | 4 |
| HISTORY 120 | Europe and the Modern World 1815 to the Present | 4 |
| HISTORY 124 | Britain since 1688 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 136 | Sport, Recreation, & Society in the United States | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 145 | America and China, 1776-Today | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 154 | Who is an American? | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 155 | The Long Black Freedom Struggle from the Civil War to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/JEWISH 156 | The American Jewish Experience: From Shtetl to Suburb | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 170 | East Meets West: Myth, Meaning, and Modernity | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 201 | The Historian's Craft (topic must be approved) | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 208 | Western Intellectual and Religious History to 1500 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 209 | Western Intellectual and Religious History since 1500 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 212 | The History of Western Christianity to 1750 | 4 |
| HISTORY/JEWISH 213 | Jews and American Pop. Culture | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/JEWISH 220 | Introduction to Modern Jewish History | 4 |
| HISTORY 221 | Explorations in American History (H) | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 223 | Explorations in European History (H) | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 227 | Explorations in the History of Race and Ethnicity | 3 |
| HISTORY/ART HIST/ENVIR ST/GEOG/LAND ARC 239 | Making the American Landscape | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/LACIS 243 | Colonial Latin America: Invasion to Independence | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/LEGAL ST 261 | American Legal History to 1860 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/LEGAL ST 262 | American Legal History, 1860 to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 269 | War, Race, and Religion in Europe and the United States, from the Scramble for Africa to Today | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 270 | Eastern Europe since 1900 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 271 | Study Abroad in History: European History | 1-4 |
| HISTORY 272 | Study Abroad in History: United States History | 1-4 |
| HISTORY 302 | History of American Thought, 1859 to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 303 | A History of Greek Civilization | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 306 | The United States Since 1945 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 307 | A History of Rome | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/MEDIEVAL/RELIG ST 309 | The Crusades: Christianity and Islam | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/JEWISH 310 | The Holocaust | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 329 | History of American Capitalism | 4 |
| HISTORY/INTL ST 332 | East Asia & The U.S. Since 1899 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 344 | The Age of the American Revolution, 1763-1789 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 345 | Military History of the United States | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 348 | France from Napoleon to the Great War, 1799-1914 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 349 | Contemporary France, 1914 to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 350 | The First World War and the Shaping of Twentieth-Century Europe | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/CHICLA/LACIS/POLI SCI 355 | Labor in the Americas: US & Mexico in Comparative & Historical Perspective | 3 |
| HISTORY 357 | The Second World War | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 358 | French Revolution and Napoleon | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 359 | History of Europe Since 1945 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/INTL ST 366 | From Fascism to Today: Social Movements and Politics in Europe | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 401 | Public History Workshop | 3 |
| HISTORY 403 | Immigration and Assimilation in American History | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 409 | Christianity in the Atlantic World, 1500-1800 | 3 |
| HISTORY 410 | History of Germany, 1871 to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 411 | The Enlightenment and Its Critics | 3 |
| HISTORY 417 | History of Russia | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 418 | History of Russia | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 419 | History of Soviet Russia | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 420 | Russian Social and Intellectual History | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 424 | The Soviet Union and the World, 1917-1991 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/CHICLA/POLI SCI 422 | Latino History and Politics | 3 |
| HISTORY/LEGAL ST 426 | The History of Punishment | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 427 | The American Military Experience to 1902 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 428 | The American Military Experience Since 1899 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/SCAND ST 431 | History of Scandinavia to 1815 | 3 |
| HISTORY/SCAND ST 432 | History of Scandinavia Since 1815 | 3 |
| HISTORY 434 | American Foreign Relations, 1901 to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/SCAND ST 577 | Contemporary Scandinavia: Politics and History | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/LEGAL ST 459 | Rule of Law: Philosophical and Historical Models | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/LEGAL ST 476 | Medieval Law and Society | 3 |
| HISTORY/LEGAL ST 510 | Legal Pluralism | 3 |
| HISTORY 500 | Reading Seminar in History | 3 |
| HISTORY/JEWISH/SOC 518 | Antisemitism in European Culture | 3 |
| HISTORY/JOURN 560 | History of U.S. Media | 4 |
| HISTORY 607 | The American Impact Abroad: The Historical Dimension | 3 |
| ILS 201 | Western Culture: Science, Technology, Philosophy I | 3 |
| ILS 202 | Western Culture: Science, Technology, Philosophy II | 3 |
| MUSIC 202 | Delta Blues | 3 |
| MUSIC 203 | American Ethnicities and Popular Song | 3 |
| MUSIC 317 | Musical Women in Europe and America: Creativity, Performance, and Identity | 3 |
| SCAND ST 348 | The Second World War in Nordic Culture | 3 |
Global Perspectives Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| A A E/ENVIR ST 244 | The Environment and the Global Economy | 4 |
| A A E 319 | The International Agricultural Economy | 3 |
| A A E/NUTR SCI 350 | World Hunger and Malnutrition | 3 |
| A A E/INTL ST 373 | Globalization, Poverty and Development | 3 |
| A A E/INTL ST 374 | The Growth and Development of Nations in the Global Economy | 3 |
| A A E/ECON 473 | Economic Growth and Development in Southeast Asia | 3 |
| AFRICAN/HISTORY 106 | Introduction to African History | 3-4 |
| AFRICAN/HISTORY 129 | Africa on the Global Stage | 3-4 |
| AFRICAN 201 | Introduction to African Literature | 3 |
| AFRICAN 202 | Introductory Topics in African Cultural Studies | 3 |
| AFRICAN 203 | Introductory Topics in African Literature | 3 |
| AFRICAN 204 | Introductory Topics in African Languages | 3 |
| AFRICAN/FOLKLORE 210 | The African Storyteller | 3 |
| AFRICAN 212 | Introduction to African Popular Culture | 3 |
| AFRICAN/FRENCH 216 | Modern and Contemporary Francophone Topics | 3 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER 220 | HipHop, Youth Culture, and Politics in Senegal | 3 |
| AFRICAN 230 | Introduction to Yoruba Life and Culture | 3 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER 233 | Global HipHop and Social Justice | 3 |
| AFRICAN 231 | Introduction to Arabic Literary Culture | 3 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER/ANTHRO/GEOG/HISTORY/POLI SCI/SOC 277 | Africa: An Introductory Survey | 4 |
| AFRICAN/AFROAMER/HISTORY/POLI SCI 297 | African and African-American Linkages: An Introduction | 4 |
| AFRICAN 300 | African Literature in Translation | 3 |
| AFRICAN/INTL ST 302 | Arabic Literature and Cinema | 3 |
| AFRICAN/ASIAN/RELIG ST 370 | Islam: Religion and Culture | 3-4 |
| AFRICAN 403 | Theories of African Cultural Studies | 3 |
| AFRICAN/RELIG ST 408 | Everyday Religion in Africa | 3 |
| AFRICAN/RELIG ST 414 | Islam in Africa and the Diaspora | 3 |
| AFRICAN/COM ARTS/L I S 444 | Technology and Development in Africa and Beyond | 3 |
| AFROAMER/ART HIST 241 | Introduction to African Art and Architecture | 3 |
| AFROAMER/ANTHRO/C&E SOC/GEOG/HISTORY/LACIS/POLI SCI/SOC/SPANISH 260 | Latin America: An Introduction | 3-4 |
| AFROAMER/DANCE/MUSIC 318 | Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas | 3 |
| AFROAMER/GEN&WS 367 | Art and Visual Culture: Women of the African Diaspora and Africa | 3 |
| AGROECOL 377 | Global Food Production and Health | 3 |
| ANTHRO 100 | General Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHRO 102 | Archaeology and the Prehistoric World | 3 |
| ANTHRO 104 | Cultural Anthropology and Human Diversity | 3 |
| ANTHRO 105 | Principles of Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTHRO/FOLKLORE/INTL ST/LINGUIS 211 | Global Language Issues | 3 |
| ANTHRO 237 | Cut 'n' Mix: Music, Race, and Culture in the Caribbean | 3 |
| ANTHRO 265 | Introduction to Culture and Health | 3 |
| ANTHRO 300 | Cultural Anthropology: Theory and Ethnography | 3 |
| ANTHRO/ASIAN 305 | Anthropology of South Asia | 3 |
| ANTHRO/AMER IND 314 | Indians of North America | 3 |
| ANTHRO 321 | The Emergence of Human Culture | 3 |
| ANTHRO 322 | The Origins of Civilization | 3 |
| ANTHRO 330 | Topics in Ethnology (topic must be approved) | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 333 | Prehistory of Africa | 3 |
| ANTHRO 339 | Archaeology of Warfare and Human Nature | 3 |
| ANTHRO 350 | Political Anthropology | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 357 | Introduction to the Anthropology of Japan | 3-4 |
| ANTHRO 365 | Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ART HIST/ASIAN 179 | Passage Through India: South Asia's Global Architectural Histories | 3 |
| ART HIST 205 | Global Arts | 3-4 |
| ART HIST 305 | History of Islamic Art and Architecture | 3 |
| ART HIST 307 | From Tomb to Temple: Ancient Chinese Art and Religion in Transition | 3 |
| ART HIST 308 | The Tastes of Scholars and Emperors: Chinese Art in the Later Periods | 3 |
| ART HIST 354 | Cross-Cultural Arts Around the Atlantic Rim: 1800 to the Present | 3-4 |
| ART HIST/ASIAN 379 | Cities of Asia | 3 |
| ART HIST 411 | Topics in Asian Art | 3-4 |
| ART HIST 412 | Topics in African and African Diaspora Art History | 3-4 |
| ART HIST 413 | Art and Architecture in the Age of the Caliphs | 3 |
| ART HIST/ASIAN 428 | Visual Cultures of India | 3 |
| ART HIST 440 | Art and Power in the Arab World | 3 |
| ART HIST 510 | Proseminar in Islamic Art and Architecture | 3 |
| ASIAN 100 | Gateway to Asia: Special Topics | 3-4 |
| ASIAN 205 | Animal Ethics in Asia | 3 |
| ASIAN/LITTRANS 212 | Classical South Asian Literatures | 3 |
| ASIAN 252 | Contemporary Indian Society | 3 |
| ASIAN 253 | Japanese Popular Culture | 3 |
| ASIAN 254 | Korean Popular Culture | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 274 | Religion in South Asia | 3 |
| ASIAN 277 | Kendo: Integration of Martial Arts and Liberal Arts | 2 |
| ASIAN 300 | Topics in Asian Studies | 3 |
| ASIAN 301 | Social Science Topics in Asian Studies | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 303 | Jainism: Religion and Culture of Nonviolence | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 306 | Hinduism | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 307 | A Survey of Tibetan Buddhism | 3 |
| ASIAN/HISTORY/RELIG ST 308 | Introduction to Buddhism | 3-4 |
| ASIAN 310 | Introduction to Comics and Graphic Novels: Theory, History, Method | 3 |
| ASIAN/SOC 334 | Gender, Work, and Family in East Asia | 3 |
| ASIAN/SOC 336 | Social Change in Contemporary South Korea | 3 |
| ASIAN 351 | Survey of Classical Chinese Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN 352 | Survey of Modern Chinese Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN 353 | Lovers, Warriors and Monks: Survey of Japanese Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN 355 | Modern Japanese Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN 361 | Love and Politics: The Tale of Genji | 3 |
| ASIAN 371 | Topics in Chinese Literature | 2-3 |
| ASIAN 374 | Korean Cinema | 3 |
| ASIAN 378 | Anime | 3 |
| ASIAN 403 | Southeast Asian Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 405 | Gods and Goddesses of South Asia | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 444 | Introduction to Sufism (Islamic Mysticism) | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 466 | Buddhist Thought | 3 |
| ASIAN/RELIG ST 505 | The Perfectible Body in Religions, Medicines, and Politics | 3 |
| ASIAN 533 | Readings in Early Modern Japanese Literature | 3 |
| ASIAN 642 | History of Chinese Literature II | 3 |
| ATM OCN/ENVIR ST/GEOG 322 | Polar Regions and Their Importance in the Global Environment | 3 |
| C&E SOC/SOC 140 | Introduction to Community and Environmental Sociology | 4 |
| C&E SOC/SOC 222 | Food, Culture, and Society | 3 |
| C&E SOC/F&W ECOL/SOC 248 | Environment, Natural Resources, and Society | 3 |
| C&E SOC/POP HLTH 370 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| CHICLA/SPANISH 215 | Border and Migration Studies of Latinx America | 3 |
| CHICLA/POLI SCI 231 | Politics in Multi-Cultural Societies | 3-4 |
| CHICLA/HISTORY/LACIS/POLI SCI 268 | The U.S. & Latin America from the Colonial Era to the Present: A Critical Survey | 3 |
| CHICLA/GEN&WS 334 | Feminist Social Movements Across the Americas | 3 |
| CHICLA/ED POL/LACIS 342 | Education across the Americas: Empire, Capitalism, and Resistance | 3 |
| CLASSICS 321 | The Egyptians: History, Society, and Literature | 3 |
| DANCE 118 | African Dance | 1 |
| DANCE 165 | Introduction to the Histories of Dance | 3 |
| ENTOM/NUTR SCI 203 | Introduction to Global Health | 3 |
| ENTOM/ENVIR ST 205 | Our Planet, Our Health | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/GEOG 139 | Global Environmental Issues | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/HIST SCI 213 | Global Environmental Health: An Interdisciplinary Introduction | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/GEOG 309 | People, Land and Food: Comparative Study of Agriculture Systems | 3 |
| ENVIR ST/GEOG 339 | Conservation and Climate Change - Local to International Strategies | 4 |
| ENVIR ST/HISTORY 465 | Global Environmental History | 3-4 |
| FOLKLORE 100 | Introduction to Folklore | 3 |
| FOLKLORE/MUSIC 103 | Introduction to Music Cultures of the World | 3 |
| FOLKLORE/RELIG ST 352 | Shamanism | 3 |
| GEN&WS 102 | Gender, Women, and Society in Global Perspective | 3 |
| GEN&WS 104 | Gender, Sexuality, and Global Health | 3 |
| GEN&WS/HISTORY 134 | Women and Gender in World History | 3-4 |
| GEN&WS 423 | The Female Body in the World: Gender and Contemporary Body Politics in Cross Cultural Perspective | 3 |
| GEN&WS/POLI SCI 435 | Politics of Gender and Women's Rights in the Middle East | 3 |
| GEN&WS 444 | From Past Feminisms to Postfeminism: Feminisms for the 21st Century | 3 |
| GEN&WS/PORTUG 450 | Brazillian Women Writers | 3 |
| GEOG 101 | Human Geography: Space, Place, Society, and Politics | 4 |
| GEOG/ASIAN/HISTORY/POLI SCI/SOC 244 | Introduction to Southeast Asia: Vietnam to the Philippines | 4 |
| GEOG/INTL ST 311 | The Global Game: Soccer, Politics, and Identity | 3-4 |
| GEOG 307 | International Migration, Health, and Human Rights | 3 |
| GEOG/INTL ST 315 | Universal Basic Income: The Politics Behind a Global Movement | 3 |
| GEOG 340 | World Regions in Global Context | 3 |
| GEOG 355 | Africa, South of the Sahara | 3 |
| GEOG 358 | Human Geography of Southeast Asia (German, Nordic, and Slavic) | 3 |
| GEOG/GEN&WS 504 | Feminist Geography: Theoretical Approaches | 3 |
| GEOG 507 | Waste Geographies: Politics, People, and Infrastructures | 3 |
| GNS 460 | Readings in Turkish: Contemporary Turkey through Literature and Media | 4 |
| GNS/HISTORY 265 | An Introduction to Central Asia: From the Silk Route to Afghanistan | 3 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 103 | Introduction to East Asian History: China | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 104 | Introduction to East Asian History: Japan | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 108 | Introduction to East Asian History - Korea | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/CLASSICS 110 | The Ancient Mediterranean | 4 |
| HISTORY 130 | An Introduction to World History | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 133 | Global Military History (5000 BCE - Present) | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 137 | The History of War in Film | 3 |
| HISTORY 139 | Introduction to the Modern Middle East | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 142 | History of South Asia to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 145 | America and China, 1776-Today | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/INTL ST 146 | A Global History of Now | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 170 | East Meets West: Myth, Meaning, and Modernity | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 179 | Afro-Atlantic Histories and Peoples, 1791-Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 201 | The Historian's Craft (Latin American Topics) | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 205 | The Making of the Islamic World: The Middle East, 500-1500 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 225 | Explorations in Third World History (H) | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 229 | Explorations in Transnational/Comparative History (Humanities) (topic must be approved) | 3 |
| HISTORY/INTL ST/LACIS 242 | Modern Latin America | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/LACIS 243 | Colonial Latin America: Invasion to Independence | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/CHICLA/GEN&WS 245 | Chicana and Latina History | 3 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN/ASIAN AM 246 | Southeast Asian Refugees of the "Cold" War | 4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN/POLI SCI 255 | Introduction to East Asian Civilizations | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 273 | Study Abroad in History: Non-Western History | 1-4 |
| HISTORY 278 | Africans in the Americas, 1492-1808 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/MEDIEVAL/RELIG ST 309 | The Crusades: Christianity and Islam | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 319 | The Vietnam Wars | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/INTL ST 332 | East Asia & The U.S. Since 1899 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 335 | The Koreas: Korean War to the 21st Century | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 336 | Chinese Economic and Business History: From Silk to iPhones | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 337 | Social and Intellectual History of China, 589 AD-1919 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY 340 | Cultural History of Korea | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 341 | History of Modern China, 1800-1949 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 342 | History of the Peoples Republic of China, 1949 to the Present | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/AFROAMER 347 | The Caribbean and its Diasporas | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 363 | China and World War II in Asia | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/INTL ST 375 | The Cold War - From World War II to End of Soviet Empire | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/RELIG ST 409 | Christianity in the Atlantic World, 1500-1800 | 3 |
| HISTORY/CHICLA/POLI SCI 422 | Latino History and Politics | 3 |
| HISTORY/CHICLA 435 | Colony, Nation, and Minority: The Puerto Ricans' World | 3 |
| HISTORY 450 | Making of Modern South Asia | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 454 | Samurai: History and Image | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 456 | Pearl Harbor & Hiroshima: Japan, the US & The Crisis in Asia | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/ASIAN 458 | History of Southeast Asia Since 1800 | 3-4 |
| HISTORY/HIST SCI/MED HIST 564 | Disease, Medicine and Public Health in the History of Latin America and the Caribbean | 3 |
| INTL BUS 200 | International Business | 3 |
| INTL ST 101 | Introduction to International Studies | 3-4 |
| INTL ST 266 | Introduction to the Middle East | 3 |
| INTL ST 310 | International Learning Community Seminar (topic must be approved) | 1-3 |
| INTL ST/ED POL 335 | Globalization and Education | 3 |
| JOURN 567 | Mass Media and Global Communication | 4 |
| LITTRANS 226 | Introduction to Luso-Afro-Brazilian Literature | 3 |
| LITTRANS 231 | Manga | 3 |
| LITTRANS 261 | Survey of Chinese Literature in Translation | 3 |
| LITTRANS 263 | Survey of Japanese Literature in Translation | 3 |
| LITTRANS 264 | Survey of Japanese Literature in Translation | 3 |
| LITTRANS 373 | Topics in Japanese Literature | 3 |
| MUSIC 260 | Global Hand Drumming Ensemble: Survey of Selected Global Hand Drumming Traditions | 1 |
| POLI SCI 120 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 4 |
| POLI SCI 182 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (Honors) | 3 |
| POLI SCI 320 | Governments and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 324 | Chinese Politics | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI/INTL ST 325 | Social Movements and Revolutions in Latin America | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 328 | Politics of East and Southeast Asia | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 329 | African Politics | 3-4 |
| POLI SCI 336 | Democracy (and Its Uncertain Future) | 4 |
| POLI SCI 349 | Global Access to Justice | 3 |
| POLI SCI/CHICLA/HISTORY/LACIS 355 | Labor in the Americas: US & Mexico in Comparative & Historical Perspective | 3 |
| POLI SCI 370 | Islam and Politics | 3-4 |
| RELIG ST/ASIAN 206 | The Qur'an: Religious Scripture & Literature | 3 |
| RELIG ST 400 | Topics in Religious Studies - Humanities (topic must be approved) | 3-4 |
| RELIG ST 401 | Topics in Religious Studies - Social Studies (topic must be approved) | 3-4 |
| RELIG ST 407 | Buddhism and Anti-Racism | 3 |
| SOC 170 | Population Problems | 3-4 |
| SPANISH 223 | Introduction to Hispanic Cultures | 3 |
| THEATRE 526 | The Theatres of China and Japan | 3 |
Liberal Studies Electives
| Liberal Studies Electives | Complete additional liberal studies coursework as needed to reach the required 40 Liberal Studies credits. |
Program Structure
The BFA degree in Dance has four components:
- Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
- Discipline-related coursework provides an interdisciplinary foundation contributing to the performance and understanding of this art form.
- Major requirements offer an in-depth study of dance.
- Elective credits allow students to pursue areas of interest and complete the minimum number of credits required for the degree.
Discipline-Related Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 200 | Writing the Moving Body | 3 |
| Complete one of the following: | 2 | |
| Functional Anatomy for Movement Practices | ||
| Introduction to Clinical Anatomy of Human Movement | ||
| Human Anatomy Laboratory | ||
Major Requirements
Complete a minimum of 85 credits. At least 15 upper-level major Dance credits (numbered 300 and above) must be taken in residence on the UW–Madison campus.
New first-year Dance–BS and BFA students should expect to register for three 100-level foundational major courses: DANCE 111 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I, DANCE 115 Hip-Hop Dance Technique and Theory 1, DANCE 125 Ballet Technique I, and DANCE 162 First Year Workshop for a total of 8 credits. These courses are taken by all dance majors in their first year, regardless of previous dance training and experience. The classes prepare students for advanced study in dance and movement technique. Dance majors are assured enrollment in these courses. DANCE 165 Introduction to the Histories of Dance is also strongly recommended for the first semester; this course will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.
Dance Technique and Theory
Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory
Select a minimum of 18 credits from the following; 9 credits must be numbered DANCE 311 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory V or higher:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I | ||
| Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory II | ||
| Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory III | ||
| Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory IV | ||
| Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory V | ||
| Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory VI | ||
| Contemporary Dance Forms |
Ballet Technique
Select a minimum of 14 credits from the following; 10 credits must be numbered DANCE 225 Ballet Technique II or higher:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ballet Technique I | ||
| Ballet Technique I-B | ||
| Ballet Technique II | ||
| Ballet Technique II-B | ||
| Ballet Technique III | ||
| Ballet Technique III-B |
Additional Techniques
Select a minimum of 6 credits of the following. Students may also select from Additional Techniques workshops listed under DANCE 110 Workshop in Dance Activity or DANCE 560 Current Topics in Dance: Workshop. Jazz and Ballroom courses do not count toward this requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 101 | Social Dance I | 1 |
| DANCE 102 | Social Dance II | 1 |
| DANCE 103 | Modern Jazz Dance | 1 |
| DANCE 110 | Workshop in Dance Activity (Sections numbered 010 and above) | 1-2 |
| DANCE 110 | Workshop in Dance Activity (Hip Hop) | 1-2 |
| DANCE 110 | Workshop in Dance Activity (Tai Ji) | 1-2 |
| DANCE 115 | Hip-Hop Dance Technique and Theory 1 | 1-2 |
| DANCE 118 | African Dance | 1 |
| DANCE/ASIAN AM 121 | Asian American Movement | 3 |
| DANCE/AFROAMER/MUSIC 318 | Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas | 3 |
| DANCE/AFROAMER/ASIAN AM/FOLKLORE 319 | Afro Asian Improv: From Hip Hop to Martial Arts Fusion | 3 |
Body Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 131 | Somatic Theory and Practices | 2 |
| Select 4 credits of the following: | 4 | |
| Workshop in Dance Activity (Yoga) | ||
| Workshop in Body Studies and Practices | ||
| Pilates Mat I | ||
| Pilates Mat II | ||
| Pilates Equipment I | ||
| Pilates Equipment II | ||
| New Movement Techniques | ||
Critical and Creative Investigations
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 140 | Dance Production | 2 |
| MUSIC 151 | Basic Concepts of Music Theory | 3 |
| DANCE 156 | Movement as Material Through Improvisation | 2 |
| DANCE 157 | Introduction to Movement Analysis | 2 |
| DANCE 162 | First Year Workshop | 1 |
| DANCE 241 | Music Fundamentals for Dancers | 3 |
| DANCE 255 | Movement Composition for the Performing and Visual Arts | 2 |
| DANCE 265 | Dance History I: Dance in the Modern Era | 3 |
| Design - Complete one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Sound Design for the Performing and Visual Arts | ||
| Screendance Production | ||
| Introduction to Video, Performance & Installation Art | ||
| Artist's Video | ||
| Screen Performance | ||
| DANCE 355 | Dance Composition II | 3 |
| DANCE 365 | Dance History II: Directions and Issues of Contemporary Dance | 3 |
| DANCE 374 | Teaching Dance | 3 |
| Dance Repertory Theater - Complete 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Dance Repertory Theater | ||
| Dance Repertory Theater | ||
| Dance Repertory Theater | ||
| DANCE 455 | Dance Composition III | 2 |
| DANCE 462 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
Public Presentations
BFA students must create one solo and one group piece (trio or larger) after the completion of DANCE 255 Movement Composition for the Performing and Visual Arts. These works must be submitted for faculty approval and publicly presented in concert. Senior projects must be presented in an approved public forum.
Elective Credits
Complete additional coursework, if necessary, to reach the minimum of 125 credits. DANCE 165 Introduction to the Histories of Dance is recommended and will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.
GPA and Other Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Requirements are based on UW–Madison coursework.
- 2.75 minimum cumulative grade point average. This may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- 2.75 cumulative grade point average in all major coursework
- 2.50 cumulative grade point average in all upper-level major coursework. Dance courses numbered 300 and above are considered to be upper-level courses.
- Major Residency. Students must complete a minimum of 15 upper-level major credits on the UW–Madison campus.
- Senior Residency. Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UW–Madison campus, excluding retroactive credits and credits granted by examination.
- A minimum of 125 credits are required for graduation.
Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS)
UW–Madison uses “DARS” to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree, including any additional majors and certificates. A DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet. A report can offer suggestions about courses that may be taken to meet specific requirements and can assist in the academic planning and enrollment process. Students can access a DARS report in the Course Search & Enroll app or Student Center via My UW.
DARS also has a "what-if" function. This feature makes it possible to request a DARS report as if pursuing another program, major, or certificate. It is an excellent tool if considering a new or additional area of study. School of Education students in a pre-professional classification such as Pre-Elementary (PRE) or Pre-Kinesiology should request a "what if" DARS report of their professional program of interest. For example, Pre-Elementary Education (PRE) students will request Elementary Education K-9; Pre-Kinesiology (PKN) students will request the Kinesiology report. Minors have their own DARS programs and are run separately from the main degree audit.
More information (including tutorials) on how to request and read regular and what-if DARS reports is available under the Resources tab on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
DARS is not intended to replace student contact with academic advisors. It creates more time in an advising appointment to discuss course options, research opportunities, graduate school, or issues of personal interest or concern to students.
DARS is used as the document of record for degree program, major, and certificate completion in the School of Education.
Learning Outcomes
- (Body Studies and Dance Technique) Demonstration of proficiency in the physical practice of dance.
- (Writing and Critical Thinking) Examination of global approaches in dance, in historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts.
- (Making and Sharing Dances) Utilization of tools of craft to engage in critical and creative investigations and assessment.
Four-Year Plan
Dance: Bachelor of Fine Arts – Sample Four Year Plan
This sample four-year graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Your actual course of study will be influenced by factors such as when you are eligible to enroll in 200 and 300-level technique classes, casting decisions, and summer course selections. Use this plan along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a sequence of classes that also reflect your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. Consult with an academic advisor to develop this personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests.
New first-year Dance–BS and BFA students should expect to register for three 100-level foundational major courses: DANCE 111 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I, DANCE 115 Hip-Hop Dance Technique and Theory 1, DANCE 125 Ballet Technique I, and DANCE 162 First Year Workshop for a total of 8 credits. These courses are taken by all dance majors in their first year, regardless of previous dance training and experience. The classes prepare students for advanced study in dance and movement technique. Dance majors are assured enrollment in these courses. DANCE 165 Introduction to the Histories of Dance is also strongly recommended for the first semester; this course will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.
This degree requires a minimum of 125 credits, although additional contemporary dance technique and theory courses are strongly recommended. BFA Dance students must create one Solo and one Group piece (trio or larger) after completion of 255. These works must be faculty approved for public presentation.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| DANCE 111 | 3 | Communication A | 3 |
| DANCE 115 | 2 | DANCE 112 | 3 |
| DANCE 125 | 2 | DANCE 126 | 2 |
| DANCE 156 | 2 | DANCE 255 | 2 |
| DANCE 162 | 1 | MUSIC 151 | 3 |
| DANCE 165 (also meets Liberal Studies Global Perspectives requirement) | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work (U.S. or European History recommended) | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| DANCE 211 | 2 | DANCE 212 | 1 |
| DANCE 225 | 2 | DANCE 226 | 2 |
| DANCE 157 | 2 | DANCE 131 | 2 |
| DANCE 200 (also meets Liberal Studies and Communication B) | 3 | DANCE 140 | 2 |
| DANCE 265 | 3 | DANCE 135 | 1 |
| Ethnic Studies (not from Dance) or other Liberal Studies course work1 | 4 | DANCE 355 | 3 |
| DANCE 365 | 3 | ||
| DANCE 451 | 1 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| DANCE 311 | 2 | DANCE 312 | 2 |
| DANCE 325 | 2 | DANCE 326 | 2 |
| DANCE 235 | 1 | DANCE 345 | 3 |
| DANCE 241 | 3 | DANCE 213 | 1 |
| ANAT&PHY 338 (also counts toward Liberal Studies Science requirement) | 2 | DANCE 374 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 6 | DANCE 452 | 1 |
| Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| DANCE 410 | 2 | DANCE 410 | 3 |
| DANCE 325 | 1 | DANCE/AFROAMER/MUSIC 318 | 3 |
| DANCE 110 | 1 | DANCE 326 | 1 |
| DANCE 132 | 1 | DANCE 455 | 2 |
| DANCE 451 | 2 | DANCE 452 | 2 |
| DANCE 462 | 3 | Liberal Studies course work | 4 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 6 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 125 | |||
- 1
Some Dance department courses meet both the ethnic studies and additional techniques requirements. If this option is selected, a three-credit liberal studies course must be completed this semester.
Advising and Careers
Dance Department Advising
All Dance degree students receive targeted advising through the department's undergraduate advisor, Karen McShane-Hellenbrand, kamcshan@wisc.edu. Dance Department advising is designed to assist students in choosing classes and evaluating their degree path. This is particularly critical for students pursuing a dance degree and an additional degree program or major.
Students may also meet with advisors in the School of Education Student Services office regarding other course requirements and concerns, see below. Current students can schedule an appointment with a School of Education advisor online through the Starfish app in MyUW.
School of Education Advising
Academic Advising in the School of Education
Dedicated to supporting and promoting student success, academic advisors are here to assist students with the adjustment to college, understanding their degree and career goals, and connecting them to resources. Advisors support prospective and current School of Education students in all programs through:
- Course selection
- Mentoring and advocacy for underrepresented and international students
- Understanding degree requirements and progression
- Interpreting academic policies
- Helping students recognize their strengths and suggesting ways to expand their skills
- Expanding learning through activities such as study abroad, volunteering/work/internship, and by assuming leadership roles
Advising appointments are available in person, virtually, or over the phone. Current students schedule appointments through the Starfish app in MyUW. Appointments can also be made by calling 608-262-1651, or in person in Room 139 Education Building.
Academic Dean Support staff are also here for you when facing academic or personal challenges. We provide undergraduate School of Education students support, problem-solving, advocacy, resources, and approve exceptions to policies.
Career Advising in the School of Education
Through individual appointments, events, courses, and online resources, the Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development.
Career and Internship Advisors are prepared to help students with:
- Exploration of career and academic pathways
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Job/Internship search
- Interview preparation
- Mock interviews
- Graduate school search, applications and decisions
- Negotiating job or internship offers
- Professional networking
- Connecting with employers
Students are encouraged to meet with their Career and Internship Advisor early in their college experience to take full advantage of the resources and support available.
To make an appointment: log into Starfish from the MyUW dashboard.
For more information, visit the School of Education Career Center website or reach out at career-center@education.wisc.edu.
Information about common career pathways, ways to get involved and gain experience, and transferrable skills developed through this major can be found on the School of Education Career Center's Dance Pathways webpage.
Wisconsin Experience
UW–Madison’s vision for the total student experience, the Wisconsin Experience, combines learning in and out of the classroom. Tied to the Wisconsin Idea and steeped in long-standing institutional values — the commitment to the truth, shared participation in decision-making, and service to local and global communities — the Wisconsin Experience describes how students develop and integrate these core values across their educational experience.
UW–Madison encourages students to mindfully engage in four core concepts throughout their time on campus: Empathy & Humility, Relentless Curiosity, Intellectual Confidence, and Purposeful Action.
Since its inception, the School of Education has embraced the concepts of the Wisconsin Experience, providing opportunities for students to learn in venues beyond the traditional classroom. Our students also independently seek out related activities and experiences, thus creating their own unique Wisconsin Experience.
Dance and the Wisconsin Experience
The UW–Madison Department of Dance provides students with a wide range of opportunities to perform, work with and learn from national/international guest artists, create and show their own work, conduct their own research, study abroad, volunteer, and connect with the local education community.
Guest Artists
The dance department brings in guest artists-in-residence each year to work directly with students. These professionals are national or international artists who teach master classes, hold auditions, and set works on students for performance in our annual faculty concert. The department also brings in several guest artist teachers throughout the academic year to teach master classes to our students.
Student Performance Opportunities
Dance students have many opportunities to perform in student and faculty choreographed concerts throughout the academic year. Technique and theory courses prepare students with the technical, compositional, and artistic skills for performance in our in-house theater, the H'Doubler Performance Space, in historic Lathrop Hall.
Peer Mentorship
Several volunteer roles are available to students through the department's peer mentor program. Dance Peer Mentors support and encourage new first-year dance degree students in their adjustment to UW–Madison and the Dance department, provide support during incoming student audition days, and serve as role models and advocates for success in the dance degree program.
Study Abroad
The dance department offers a three-credit study abroad program to Greece, as well as summer awards for students to travel and train at the American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Perry Mansfield, The Ailey School, Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation, NYU | Tisch, and the Dance Education Laboratory, among others.
Student Research
In their final year of the degree program, students design and complete their own research projects. Some of the projects include funding to do creative research which culminates in a full-length concert.
Work with the Local Community
The dance department offers courses in dance education and dance movement therapy which include practicum experiences with students in local schools. Students have opportunities to engage preschool and school-aged students in dance for social-emotional, kinesthetic motor, and cognitive development using trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and student-centered practices.
Resources and Scholarships
Information related to scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student well-being, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the School's Resources page.
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Dance
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of School of Dance (NASD). Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2025-2026.