This course offers the basis for understanding and appreciating dance as an art form. It provides an overview of dance as artistic expression in 20th and 21st century America, with attention given to the artistic and cultural influences that have shaped American concert dance. Students will examine the work of major figures in American concert dance including Isadora Duncan, Doris Humphrey, Martha Graham, José Limón, Katherine Dunham, George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, Yvonne Rainer, Steve Paxton, and Bill T. Jones. In this course, students will view, discuss, and analyze significant choreographic works in class. The class will view a professional dance performance and write about their experiences.