» Recommended Classes for First-Year Dance Majors

Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Dance major at Chapman.

For your first semester, we recommend taking 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). You must be enrolled in 12 credits to be considered a full-time status student. The recommended courses below will put you at 15 credits per semester (fall and spring).

Introductory Math Requirement

As an incoming first-year student, you must take a math assessment. If you place into Math 100 (Learning and Studying Mathematics for Understanding), then you must enroll in this course in your first year (fall or spring semester). For more information, visit our Math Assessment webpage.

General Education Classes

You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:

GE Language Study (strongly recommended)
GE Quantitative Inquiry

Note: Some GE courses may “double count” with your major or minor. Students can share up to 9 credits between major and GE requirements and can share up to 6 credits between minor and GE requirements. Visit the General Education Program site to review the GE policies and see a list of approved courses for each GE area.You may be able to fulfill some of your GE requirements with classes from your major and/or minor.

You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.

Fall Semester

Dance Majors are part of the Block Scheduling program for first-year students in the Fall 2023 semester. You will be pre-registered by the department in your major courses in May/June. You can then build the rest of your schedule around these required major courses.

Note: Dance Majors should try to avoid taking courses that begin at or after 5:30PM if possible. These evening course meeting times can conflict with rehearsals, technical crew assignments, and performances. Only take evening courses if this is the only alternative you have for your GE, minor, or second major if you have one.

If you have additional questions regarding your major, please feel free to contact Professor Robin Kish, First Year Advisor, at kish@chapman.edu, or Professor Julianne O'Brien, Department Chair, at jobrien@chapman.edu. You can also contact the Dance Department by phone at (714) 744-7040.

DANC 141 - Introduction to Dance Studies (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 3

DANC 172 - Modern Dance (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 1

DANC 174 - Jazz (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 1

DANC 176 - Ballet (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 1

DANC 229 - Experimental Course (Block Scheduled)
Credits: 0.5-3

FFC 100 - You Choose!
Credits: 3

All first-year students at Chapman have to take First Year Foundations. The class will introduce you to college and there is a different topic for every major.

Certain major programs require that their students take a specific FFC course, or give you a choice from a list of FFC courses specific to the major. If you are in a major that doesn't require you to take a specific FFC course, then you will be directed to choose from a listing of all FFC course options for Fall 2023. See the First-Year Focus GE page for your major’s list of FFC options.

GE Class
Credits: 3

Spring Semester

DANC 280 - Dance Improvisation
Credits: 2

DANC 172 - Modern Dance
Credits: 1

DANC 174 - Jazz
Credits: 1

DANC 176 - Ballet
Credits: 1

Any GE class/minor exploration
Credits: 3