Provisional University Bulletin (2026-2027)

Movement and activity are basic functions necessary for the human body to grow, develop, and maintain health. Realizing that good health is largely self-controlled, the Brandeis University Athletics curriculum focuses on fitness, dance, and lifetime sports to encourage lifestyle changes in its students. Courses focus on cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, body composition (percent of body fat), the maintenance of muscular strength, and endurance.

Most physical activity courses meet for eighty minutes per week for six weeks.

Lauren S. Haynie, Department Chair

Nick Athanasopoulos
Running

Adam Batista
Team sports – indoor soccer, Cardio

Carole-Ann Baer
Ballroom/Latin Dance

Derek Carlson
Fitness – Power walking, cardio

Nicole Carter
First aid, CPR, Aquatics, Swim for Fitness

Denise Dallamora
Fitness—yoga, stability ball

Stephen Flanagan
Team sports – indoor soccer

Scott Foulis
Team sports—basketball and volleyball

Emily Kraytenberg
Team sports, Weight training

Katherine Page
Fitness—Yoga, Certified Personal Training

Pauri Pandian
Fitness—total body workout, Racquet sports

Sam Rubinstein
Fitness—Power walking, cardio

Jennifer Salmon
Fencing

Christian Schultz
Racquet sports

Mary Shimko
Team sports – indoor soccer, Weight training

Jason Sliwoski
Fitness—Fit Camp

Jim True
Personal Safety/Self-Defense

Alesia Bennett
Fitness—Yoga, Certified Personal Training

James Zotz
Aquatics, Yoga, Pilates, Stress management

For students entering Brandeis beginning fall 2019, the health, wellness and life skills requirement replaces the physical education requirement. All first-year students will automatically be enrolled in the core navigating health and safety module in their first semester at Brandeis, and students will then choose one module from mind and body balance and one other module from any of the three groups. Courses that satisfy the requirement in a particular semester are designated "hwl1" (navigating health and safety), "hwl2" (mind and body balance), or "hwl3" (life skills) in the Schedule of Classes for that semester.

For students entering Brandeis prior to fall 2019, the requirement will be satisfied by completing two noncredit, six-week health, wellness, and life skills module courses for each semester-long physical education course that remains of their physical education requirement.

HWL 1-pre What Would Brandeis Do? Supporting Community Health and Safety
[ hwl1 ]

Satisfactory completion required prior to taking the core Navigating Health and Safety module.

Usually offered every semester.

HWL 1 Navigating Health and Safety
[ hwl1 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Navigating Health and Safety module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement. Enrollment limited to students in their first semester.

Designed to support the development of healthy habits and practices. Students will be introduced to healthy decision-making and intervention techniques, and learn how to leverage campus resources to address health and safety concerns. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 2 Beginning Swimming Level 1
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Designed to teach the nonswimmer the basic skills of floating, treading water, and the crawl stroke. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 3 Beginning Swimming Level 2
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Continuation of HWL 2. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 6 Fundamentals of Running
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Introduces the fundamentals of running, designed to improve students' fitness level. Each student will receive instruction about how to develop a running training program. The program is designed for the beginning runner who wants to build up to running a 5k. The program builds from run/walk to continuous running. Students will also receive instruction on basic stretching and core stability training for runners. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 7 Your Brain on Carbon
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.
 

Climate Change is already wreaking havoc around the globe. The magnitude of the problem scares many people into apathy or even despair. Yet, this course will instead empower you to tackle the problem and make a real difference. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 8 Fit Camp
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Designed around goal setting, self-improvement and teamwork, this course caters to all fitness levels. Classes will focus on a variety of exercises to build endurance, flexibility, core and overall strength. Individuals will be tested on the first day through a timed mile, the number of push-ups in 1:00 minute and the number of sit-ups in 1:00 minute. The individual will then work with the instructor to go over an obtainable goal to strive for at the end of the semester. At the end of the semester, the individual will retest. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 9 Volleyball
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

An introduction to the fundamentals of volleyball--scoring, rotation, rules, and the basic skills of passing, serving, hitting, and setting. Methodology includes lectures, demonstrations, drills, but mostly play. Course is intended to be fun through active participation. Usually offered every fall.

HWL 10 Basketball
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Structured to meet needs of students with an overview of offensive and defensive skills. Methods used are lecture, demonstrations, drills, and play. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 12 Money Management for Beginners
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Helps inform students on how to effectively manage their finances, create a budget and manage debt. Additional topics will include how to maintain a budget, set up a bank account, establish a savings account, apply for credit cards and manage student loan accounts. Classroom discussions will consist of effective financial decision-making techniques to appropriately identify available resources and tools for building financial literacy. Usually offered every year.

HWL 13 Introduction to Nutrition
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Food is an essential part of our lives, and this course covers the basic facts you need to understand why what you put into your body is so essential for your overall health and wellness.

HWL 14 Yoga
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Hatha yoga is physical in nature and is based on proper body alignment and is distinctive in its use of props such as belts, walls, and blankets. Classes start with gentle stretches and work toward more challenging poses. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 15 Work, Career, and Life
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Discover who you are, what you want, and how to get there. This module provides resources on how to navigate career interests, explore decision making, learn strategies for effective planning, and ways to communicate your own career story. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 17 Beginner's Fencing
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Covers basic mobility, offensive and defensive strategy, and tactics. Competitive bouting is done, with a class tournament scheduled for the end of the semester. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 18 Majors and Meaning: Designing Your Academic Path
[ hwl3 ]

Enrollment limited to first and second year undergraduates. Noncredit. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Your academic journey is about more than picking a major—it’s about creating a path that reflects who you are and what matters to you. This course invites you to explore Brandeis majors through guided exploration, self-reflection, and intentional planning. You’ll connect your values and strengths with academic options and examine how majors relate to, but don’t limit, career and life paths. By the end, you’ll leave with a flexible framework that supports curiosity, growth, and confidence in your academic choices. Usually offered every year.

HWL 19 Applying to Medical School and Dental School
[ hwl3 ]

Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Designed for students applying for medical school or dental school in the current academic year. The class will introduce you to the field of medical education and admissions assessment, reflective writing, and financial literacy. Usually offered every year.

HWL 20 Tennis
[ hwl2 ]

Students must provide their own racquet. Noncredit. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

An overview of grips, ground strokes, serve, return of serve, and net play. Basic singles and doubles strategy, rules, and scoring of the game are introduced. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 23 Introduction to Ice Skating
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Do you want to learn how to ice skate? Students will build confidence and learn the basics of ice skating in a fun, friendly environment. This class will be held outdoors. Special one-time offering spring 2021.

HWL 24 Eating, Moving, and Sleeping
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

In this course, you will learn how to eat, move, and sleep better while at the same time developing habits that will serve you well throughout your college career – and hopefully throughout life.  You will also learn how to discern between fact and fiction when it comes to nutrition, exercise, and restful sleep. Usually offered every year.

HWL 25 Exploring Careers in Health Care
[ hwl3 ]

Open sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

An interactive seminar that explores careers in healthcare including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and more. Course includes an overview of the healthcare workforce, various career paths, connections between self and society in healthcare work, and how networking can play a role in advancing your career. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 26 Ballroom/Latin Dance
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Fall semester will provide the basics in steps and technique in American style fox trot, mambo, swing, and cha-cha. Spring semester will provide the basics in steps and technique in American style waltz, swing, cha-cha and tango.

HWL 27 Keeping Stress in Check
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Designed to help students achieve wellness through exercise, nutrition, and health education. Students are taught to recognize components of their lifestyles that are detrimental to their health while developing a personal fitness program. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 28 Strategies for Academic Success
[ hwl3 ]

Intended for students in their second semester or above who have experienced academic challenges and/or a change in their academic standing.

What are the habits of a successful student? In this course, students will build and improve upon skills for success in and out of the classroom. Using reflection exercises, discussions and hands-on activities, we will explore strategies for effective studying, communication, time management, and self-efficacy. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 29 Cultivating Connections
[ hwl3 ]

Social connectedness is an important predictor of physical and mental health outcomes. This module explores the nuances of building and maintaining supportive relationships. Students will engage in social skill-building while meeting new people, and developing connections with their classmates. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 30 Financial Literacy
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Assists students with understanding the basics of personal finance along with knowing what tools are available. Each week will cover a different aspect of financial literacy: creating a budget, savings and retirement, taxation, debt and repayment, insurance, and credit scores. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 31 Body Liberation
[ hwl3 ]

Explore issues of body image through a social justice lens. Students will reexamine their personal body struggles through the lens of systems of oppression. By recognizing the larger context, we can heal our relationships with our bodies and each other. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 32 Entering Research
[ hwl3 ]

For students interested in pursuing future academic research, as well as students who are starting or have started research.

Prepares students for research with the support of a peer cohort. Usually offered every year.

HWL 34 Climate Concerns: Eco-Anxiety, Grief, and Resilience
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Stressed about climate change? You're not alone. In this course, we'll focus on the personal impact of climate activism/environmental study through exploring various eco-emotions (anxiety, grief, etc.), as well as interventions to manage chronic stress/despair and to create meaning, connectedness, and hope. Usually offered every year.

HWL 35 Power Walking
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Designed to help increase the fitness level of students through a high-intensity, low-impact workout. The workout consists of walking with hand-held weights. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 36 Preparing for Law School
[ hwl3 ]

Enrollment limited to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Noncredit. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Guides students who are planning to apply to law school and examines how that experience differs from college. Possible topics include: select components of the law school application and application process, understanding career development, classes/grading and skill development in a law school context, exploring reasons for pursuing a JD, hiring trends and salary expectations in the legal job market, and financing law school. 

This is an experiential seminar, requiring guided reflection, reflective writing, and conversations. Students will work individually and in groups, as well as hear from outside speakers. Students should expect to spend up to 30 minutes on out-of-class effort/assignments. Given the participatory nature of the class, absences are extremely challenging, and may result in failing the course. Usually offered every year.

HWL 38 Indoor Soccer
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

An introduction to the fundamentals of soccer. This course will cover the rules of the game and will include skill development and scrimmages to improve overall fitness. This course is designed for all levels and the structure will include a warm up, followed by drills, then 2v2, 3v3, 4v4 scrimmages. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 39 Taking Care of Yourself as a Student Activist
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Activism can be extremely rewarding--and extremely challenging. This course will introduce the personal impact of activism through emotional intelligence exploration and hands-on practices to manage the stress that might come with trying to keep up with activism and academics. Usually offered every year.

HWL 40 Personal Safety/Self-Defense
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Teaches students to assert themselves and deal with the natural excitement and fear that can cause a person to freeze up when faced with an aggressor. Students are led through simple but effective drills and scenarios designed to help them overcome the uncomfortable feelings and fear that can mark a person as an easy target for an attack. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 41 Yogalates: A Fusion of Yoga/Pilates
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Combines the common poses of an intermediate Yoga class along with the core-centric movements of a Mat-based Pilates class. Resulting in a low-impact workout that targets muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility, while boosting your immunity, helping you sleep better, reducing body fat, reducing distress and supporting mental well-being. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 42 Radical Resilience
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Are you prepared to fail? Explore the philosophy and practical applications of resilience, the art of bouncing back. Engage in self-reflection and personal exercises to strengthen your resiliency, grow from failure, and meet challenges with a positive mindset. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 43 Beyond Loop Road: Transitioning to the "Real World"
[ hwl3 ]

Enrollment limited to juniors and seniors. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness, and Life Skills requirement.

Tackles topics that students have identified as challenging after their Brandeis years, including: practicing financial responsibility, navigating workplace challenges, finding joy, comparing benefits, acquiring real estate, and building identity. Sessions will be taught by alumni guest speakers. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 44 Engaging Myth and Mindfulness
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness, and Life Skills requirement.

Unlock the power of storytelling by looking at ancient myths along with modern myths (like Star Wars, Marvel, etc.) and analyzing the stories you enjoy to better understand who you are. Through engagement with these myths, we will uncover the power that storytelling holds and how it can help to shape our understanding of self. 

HWL 46 Pickleball
[ hwl2 ]

Teaches students the fundamentals of pickleball, a fun accessible sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping pong. This class is for players of all skill levels and experience. Students will learn the rules of the game and skills, including serving, volleying, footwork, and strategy. The majority of class, though, will be playing the game doubles style against your other classmates. Usually offered every year.

HWL 47 Total Body Training
[ hwl2 ]

Open to all abilities. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Do you want to be a better athlete? Athleticism is a combination of strength, power, coordination, flexibility, balance, agility, and reaction. Includes dynamic stretching, plyometrics, core workout, and confidence-building exercises in a fast-paced hour. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 48 Cardio Workout
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Offers instruction of proper use of cardio equipment including elliptical machines, treadmills, rowers, and stationary bikes. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 49 Tennis and Squash
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Covers tennis over the first half of the semester and squash for the second half. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 51 Exploring Business Careers
[ hwl3 ]

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Explores careers in business in an active seminar, covering assessment of skills, career research, resources, networking, recruiting, and application materials specific to business. Areas of business covered include advertising, business operations, consulting, finance, marketing, rotational programs, sales, and supply chain logistics. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 52 Career Clarity Through Mental Health
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Helps you align your passions with your career and life choices, providing strategies to integrate your interests into your professional journey. You'll explore ways to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life both in and beyond your career. Usually offered every year.

HWL 53 Swimming for Fitness
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

designed for people with a basic knowledge of freestyle and other swimming strokes. The focus will be increasing efficiency through stroke development and workouts designed to build endurance. Great for triathletes and individuals that want to improve their cardiovascular fitness through swimming. Participants must be able to swim basic freestyle for at least 50 yards. Usually offered every year.

HWL 54 Water Aerobics
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

A fun, low-impact workout held in the pool. Students will perform a variety of aerobic exercises—like jogging in place, jumping jacks, and strength movements—using the resistance of the water to build endurance, improve flexibility, and increase overall fitness. Because the water supports the body, this class is gentle on the joints while still giving a great cardio workout. It’s a great option for all fitness levels and a refreshing way to stay active. Usually offered every year.

HWL 55 Body Mapping: Freedom from Pain, Movement with Ease! For All Who Move!
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

We move the way we think we are constructed. Learn how bodies are designed. Through training Senses, Attention and Movement, you will find freedom of expression and relief from stress. Through an accurate and adequate understanding of how the body is actually designed, students will learn to allow movement to happen in the most efficient way. By training the senses, students will experience increased awareness and attention. This way of learning will help reduce stress in all aspects of daily life. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 56 Tai Chi
[ hwl2 ]

Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for self-defense, health, and wellness. This course introduces students to stretching exercises, energy building sequences, and self-defense applications from the Yang style short form. Usually offered every year.

HWL 57 Mindfulness for Self-Care and Stress Reduction
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Mindfulness is a response to the great need each of us has in these busy, often overwhelming times. Mindfulness enables us to find physical, mental and emotional calm, as it promotes non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. We learn how to be kinder -- to ourselves, as well as others; -- to be more confident, more focused, less stressed, less judgmental. This Mindfulness Module is based on the Tree of Contemplative Practices, a framework for exploring a variety of avenues to developing ones own Mindfulness practice. In this class, students will explore the scientific, emotional, physical, mental and spiritual foundations and benefits of mindfulness, and will construct their individual practices on the basis of what they have learned and experienced. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 58 Foundations for Academic Success
[ hwl3 ]

Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to first year undergraduates.

What are the habits of a successful college student? In this course, intended for students in their first year, students will develop skills for academic success. Using reflection exercises, discussions, and hands-on activities, we will build connections, learn about campus support resources, and explore strategies for effective studying, communication, time management, and self-efficacy. Usually offered every year.

HWL 59 Climate Wayfinding: Make Climate Your Career
[ hwl3 ]

Open to all undergraduate students.

The most impactful way for university students to help solve climate change is to make climate their career. Through guided self-reflection, students will explore ways to apply their personal skills and talents towards climate work. Usually offered every year.

HWL 60 Just Google It!
[ hwl3 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills one Life Skills module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

"Ok Google, are you Skynet?" and other questions will be answered in this deep dive into Google's data practices. Topics include personal data collection (and how you can delete it!), privacy and security, search algorithms, and surveillance capitalism. Usually offered every semester.

HWL 67 RISE: Resilience, Information, Skills and Experiences
[ hwl2 ]

Noncredit. Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfills two Mind and Body Balance modules for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement.

Focuses on skills for coping with and bouncing back from stress, and strategies for preventing stress by using effective study, test taking, time management and goal setting techniques, through discussions and hands on opportunities to practice skills. Usually offered every year.

THA 23a Movement for the Stage I
[ ca hwl2 pe-1 ]

The actor's job is to create action out of meaning and meaning out of action. Stories can be told with a simple physical gesture, a position or shape of the body in space. The dynamic physical action or quality in which a body moves can convey a rich and fascinating narrative. Developing a keen awareness of one's movement and physical expressiveness is essential for presenting and performing on the stage or in a public forum. The course will involve exercises designed to unleash the individual's imagination in order to bring courage and responsiveness into the body. The course will offer an in-depth approach designed to develop physical skills and tools for theater performance. Usually offered every year.

THA 27a Wellness and Sustainability in the Theatrical Process
[ hwl2 pe-1 ]

Prerequisite: THA 2a or THA 10a.

Focuses on the experiential research and applied practice of wellness models for theater-makers. Students gain theoretical and practical knowledge around various roles, responsibilities, boundaries, and priorities within a rehearsal and production process. The course conceptualizes theater as both an art form and a wellness/healing practice within communities, cultures, and in therapeutic/milieu settings, while simultaneously investigating the ways in which the wellness conceptualization applies for theater-makers in practice. Why do theater-makers engage in this work? What brings us into the profession, and what keeps us there? How does identity and empowerment show up in these spaces? How might new professional roles centered around wellness, equity, diversity, inclusion, and safety (such as intimacy direction) move the field forward into a more sustainable wellness model? The course engages with artistic tensions such as: process and product; self-care and community care; teamwork and boundaries; aesthetics, time, and success. Students gain foundational skills in group process, communication, collaboration, boundary-setting, conflict resolution, and in generating one’s own professional and personal artistic goals. Students will imagine ways in which they can implement these models in their artistic communities. Usually offered every year.

AAPI/THA 116a Asian American Performance
[ ca deis-us hwl2 ]

Introduces contemporary Asian American and Pacific Islander choreographers, playwrights, artists, writers, and performance makers. We will then draw from these works and ideas to develop performances. The course focuses on both performance practices as well as critical engagement with conceptual, cultural, and aesthetic contexts. Students will delve into making by combining lectures, reading, discussion, collaboration, and performance skills. Performance techniques will be developed through guided exercises in embodied practice, improvisation, ensemble work, and devising prompts. The course is open to all levels of knowledge and experience in theater and AAPI studies. Usually offered every year.

THA 110a Moving Women/Women Moving
[ ca hwl2 pe-1 ]

Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement.

Among the influential women leaders in America are choreographers who shaped the history of modern dance in the twentieth century. This course will focus on the work and lives of these women. Students will learn dance techniques and investigate the twists and turns in the lives of these extraordinary artists. Usually offered every third year.

THA 110b Contemporary Dance and Movement
[ ca hwl2 pe-1 ]

Offers a variety of fundamental dance/movement methods, while focusing primarily on the basic forms and movement vocabulary of Contemporary Dance. Students will learn to appreciate contemporary dance as a valuable art form and engage in collaborative creative projects, history, research, and a variety of choreographic styles such as floor work, development movement, and release technique. Students will develop physical and mental strength and flexibility by participating in warm-ups, traveling phrases across the floor, combinations, and structured improvisations. Usually offered every year.

THA 111b Stage Combat
[ ca hwl2 pe-1 ]

Prerequisite: Instructor permission required.

The course's purpose is to teach the basic skills necessary for the creation of effective and safe stage combat. At the completion of the semester, student competency will be tested by means of a choreographed "fight" utilizing compulsory moves and safety techniques. Usually offered every year.

THA 120a Dance in Time
[ ca hwl2 pe-1 ]

Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement.

Focuses on how life cycles, nature and the elements, rhythm and structure in traditional dance forms and rituals, poetry, social events, and human behavior, for example, can all contribute to the understanding of dance and its place in the history of the world. Students are given the opportunity to explore these ideas as well as learn about and practice the creative process by using a variety of sources that inspire and inform the human being who participates in dance of all kinds. Usually offered every second year.

THA 120b Movement and Dance Theater Composition
[ ca ]

Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement.

A studio course designed to teach the art of making dances and movement theater. Students will learn from the story of this artform and how it involves exploring the use of space, theme, rhythm, repetition, and music. The online course offers an introduction to the process of creating original dance and movement theatrical work for the stage and presents exercises and tools for creating dance movement using inspiration from autobiographical material, visual and oral content, poetry, literature, forms of all kinds in a variety of disciplines. Usually offered every year.

THA 122b Butoh: Japanese Dance Theater
[ ca djw hwl2 pe-1 ]

Butoh began in 1960s Japan as a new dance-theater form created by collaborations between Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno and has since become a global phenomenon. This course draws from Butoh training through guided imagery, movement, and structured improvisation. The exercises pull from nature, the mythical, and the unconscious as sources of inspiration. As well as studying the practice of Butoh, students will also learn about the art form's cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects. The course will be a mixture of movement and performance exercises as well as weekly readings and discussions. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the Butoh through both an academic and embodied approach. Usually offered every year.

THA 130a Suzuki
[ ca hwl2 pe-1 ]

Counts as one activity course toward the physical education requirement.

Developed by the Japanese theater artist Tadashi Suzuki, the Suzuki method of acting training develops physical strength, stamina, and agility while engaging the imagination and will of the actor. Through a series of walks, statues, and marches, students are taught to breathe and move from the core of their bodies. This training allows students to act from physical impulse, resulting in a deep and personal experience of language and the world of play. Usually offered every second year.