Course Catalogue

Teaching is delivered through lectures, practical classes, individual study, tutorials, preparation for live performance.  

Teaching includes: 

Sharing knowledge, conceptual frameworks and discussion

Providing instruction in dance/performing to improve and enhance technique level

Explaining how to research, structure an academic argument and frame findings.

Developing skills in critical thinking

Guiding a creative process, providing feedback during and after the event  

Visiting lecturers contribute by offering other perspectives and simulate learning in a professional context. 

A summary description of the teaching and learning activities:

L4 Embed key skills and promote self-learning and academic skills. Take classes in classical, contemporary and associated  techniques; Improvisation; voice; choreography and movement research; dance history; physical & mental wellbeing, business studies; production practice. L4 modules focus on providing a solid foundation across techniques and to prepare students for L5.

 L5 Extend knowledge, skills and ability to create work to ensure confident levels of performance . Take classes in classical, contemporary and associated, techniques; Improvisation; voice; choreography; contextual/research studies; teaching pedagogy and event management; performance experience. L5 modules focus on providing advanced training and prepare students for L6.

L6  Translating abilities into strategies for securing employment in the arts industry. Take classical and contemporary techniques; self direct a research project, focus on professional preparation; perform in two productions with industry guests. L6 modules consolidate all previous training, paving the way for a professional career in the industry.

Independent study is essential at each level. The journey from being a guided learner to an autonomous one is integral to the learning partnership between the institution and each student.

Assessment

Assessment is geared specifically to learning and serves the purposes of

Helping students learn by highlighting strengths and weaknesses and working to develop their abilities to achieve the learning outcomes (LOs)

Mapping students’ skills, knowledge and ability against the LOs of their modules

Ensuring that the module or programme of study is delivering the required learning activities

As is appropriate in a vocational Dance programme, there are a high number of practical assessments. To enhance the academic underpinning of the programme traditional types of assessment will also be used such as research, analysis and critical appreciation activities and writing tasks. 

Types of assessment: essays & critical evaluations; practical tasks; live performance; portfolio presentation; group presentations and project management tasks.

Formative and Summative Assessments are used. Formative develops knowledge/skills in preparation for the mark-bearing Summative Assessment. Summative marks are reported to the LJMU Board of Examiners and ratified marks then appear on the students’ individual Progress transcript at the end of the academic year. Unratified marks are returned to the students within 15 working days of the assessment and accompanied by feedback from the marker. The specifics of each assessment are detailed in Module Guides.

The IAB is committed to equality of opportunity and, where reasonable and appropriate, adjusts the assessment tasks where a student has shown a specific need. The LOs are not adjusted, and the level is maintained; the student is instead provided with the opportunity to demonstrate them in an alternative manner. Modifications to an assessment may include but not be limited to: Additional time allowance and Alternative Assessment tasks.

The programme is vocationally specific and designed to include work-related learning. Industry standard facilities, hardware and software are used throughout the programme. The practical assessment tasks wherever possible are positioned against industry standards and processes to replicate ‘real world’ situations. Students are also given access to a range of opportunities to undertake voluntary, extra-curricular work in the industry. At Level 5 the seven modules are designed to develop understanding and competence with professional working practices and context and students participate in the creation and presentation of performances in front of audiences. Students have the opportunity to work with dance, theatre and commercial entertainment industry professionals. At Level 6 the students are expected to work as a professional artist and engage with other professionals in the appropriate manner. Five modules offer specific work relating learning opportunities by engaging external professionals (directors, choreographers, artists) working with the students to deepen technique and entrepreneurial skills and to create performance projects.