Dance Minor

The Dance Minor provides a broad but deep foundation in dance. It includes a critical study of the history and culture of dance, while also weaving in courses in choreography, performance and dance technique. The minor is 20 units.

The minor is open to all undergraduates in good academic standing. No previous dance experience or audition is required. Complete information about courses of instruction is available through the USC Catalogue.

Required Lower Division Course (4 units)

  • DANC 280g Introduction to Dance as an Art Form (GE-A) – 4 units

Required Upper Division Course (4 units)

  • DANC 342gp International and Historical Perspectives in Dance (GE-B & GE-H) – 4 units
or
  • DANC 312gw African American Dance (GE-A & GE-G) – 4 units

Elective Courses (12 units)

  • DANC 180-189c Technique Courses -2 units each (see below)
  • DANC 103 Conditioning for Dancers – 2 units
  • DANC 105 Dance Science: Analysis of Movement – 4 units
  • DANC 107 World Perspective on Dance Performance – 2 units
  • DANC 140 Dance and Health – 1 to 2 units
  • DANC 143 Mindfulness for Dancers – 1 unit
  • DANC 150 Dance and New Media – 1 to 4 units
  • DANC 155 Iconic Dance Films – 2 units
  • DANC 170 Choreography and Performance – 2 units
  • DANC 171 Commercial Dance: Professional Dance Preparation – 1 to 2 units
  • DANC 175 Choreography for the Screen – 2 units
  • DANC 190 Gaga: People – 1 to 2 units
  • DANC 191 Gaga: Dancers – 1 to 2 units
  • DANC 212g Dance in Popular Culture (GE-A) – 4 units
  • DANC 285 Elements of Dance Production – 4 units
  • DANC 302g Hip-Hop Don’t Stop: Exploring Black Vernacular Dance (GE-A) – 4 units
  • DANC 312gw African American Dance (GE-A & GE-G) – 4 units
  • DANC 333gw Origins of Jazz Dance (GE-A & GE-G) – 4 units
  • DANC 355 Performance Lab (select courses)- 1 to 4 units
  • DANC 362 Pilates Mat Training – 2 units
  • DANC 363g Dancing on the Screen (GE-A) – 4 units
  • DANC 370 Dance in Los Angeles – 1 to 2 units
  • DANC 399 Maymester: Dance Capitals of the World – 1 to 4 units
  • DANC 432 Creativity, Culture, Commerce and Community – 4 units
  • DANC 442 International and Historical Perspectives on Dance II – 4 units
  • DANC 452 Dancing with Words – 4 units
  • DANC 483 Dance Performance – 2 units
  • DANC 490 Directed Research – 1 to 12 units
  • DANC 495 Dance Internship – 1 to 36 units
  • DANC 499 Special Topics (select courses) – 1 to 4 units
  • ARTL 310 Music and Dance in Paris Salon Culture – 2 units

Technique Courses

Technique courses are offered in multiple levels, as denoted by the lettering “a, b, c, d.” Students with previous dance experience may place into intermediate (b-level), intermediate/advanced (c-level) and advanced (d-level) technique courses. Please contact uscdance@usc.edu for a Pre-Requisite Waiver.

  • DANC 180 African Dance – 2 units
  • DANC 181abc  Contemporary Dance – 2 units
  • DANC 183abcd Ballet – 2 units
  • DANC 184abcd Jazz Dance – 2 units
  • DANC 185ab Hip-Hop Dance – 2 units
  • DANC 186 Afro-Cuban Dance – 2 units
  • DANC 187 Bollywood Dance – 2 units
  • DANC 188ab International Style Ballroom Dance – 2 units
  • DANC 189abc Tap Dance – 2 units