Courses

The listing of a course description here does not guarantee a course’s being offered in a particular semester. Please refer to the published schedule of classes on the Student Link for confirmation a class is actually being taught and for specific course meeting dates and times.

• PDP DA 180: Jazz, beginning
  A class for first time students of jazz or for students returning after several years without practice. Each semester, the pace of the class is determined by the level of the individuals in the class. Technique class in jazz dance emphasizing mastery of fundamental jazz principles, understanding proper alignment, development of lyrical jazz styles, and learning combinations to traditional jazz and contemporary music. Classes include a warm-up, skills moving across the floor, and work on basic contemporary-jazz choreography.
• PDP DA 200: Pilates, Intermediate
  Students will continue their matwork training, progressing from fundamental Pilates exercises to an intermediate level. Exercises will remain focused on developing strength, core stability, proper alignment and flexibility while challenging the students' coordination and endurance.
• PDP DA 229: Ballet, Low Intermediate
  For those either returning to class after a hiatus, or for the student who has taken a Beginner Ballet class, either at BU or in another dance program or studio. The class requires a familiarity with basic ballet concepts such as the positions of the feet, port de bras, ballet terminology, and ballet steps. The class follows the traditional classical ballet class model, beginning with barre exercises designed to increase strength and flexibility, and progressing to center work, including, but not limited to, adagio, pirouettes and other turns, petit and grand allegro, and beats. Particular attention will be placed on aligning the body safely within each student's individual anatomical ability. Live music.
• PDP DA 230: Ballet, Intermediate
  For students at the intermediate level who have studied ballet and have completed PDP DA 229 or the equivalent at a different program or studio. Barre and center work will focus on musicality, dynamic alignment, and expression. Classical ballet combinations will guide students to become more fluid and confident in the ballet technique while developing strength, endurance, flexibility, control, coordination, and breath. Live music.
• PDP DA 240: Modern/Contemporary Dance, Low Intermediate
  This intermediate class is fast paced and for those with several semesters of PDP DA 140 or equivalent, and have recent training. Technique and alignment is continuously practiced and challenged through Ballet, Release Technique, Capoeira, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Kinetic Awareness, and strength training designed specifically for dancers. Strong focus on floor-work training and learning choreography; students will develop their artistry by exploring musicality, timing, performance skills, improvisation and concepts of stage presence drawn specifically from the study of Listening Strategies (Pauline Oliveros) and One Thousand Voices (Paula Josa-Jones).
• PDP DA 270: Tap Dance, Intermediate
  For students who have completed PDP DA 170 or the equivalent. This class builds on beginning material not just by learning more complicated steps, but by working with more challenging rhythms and musically sophisticated phrases, as well as improvisational skills. Students will develop strong feet and musical ears relevant to both jazz tap and musical theater tap styles, and ultimately be able to perform choreography and improvise with clarity, timing, style, joy, and confidence. Tap shoes required.
• PDP DA 280: Jazz, Low Intermediate
  For students who have completed PDP DA 180 or the equivalent dance training and understand the basics of jazz and ballet. Technique and alignment is continuously challenged through the practice of ballet exercises and strength-training designed specifically for dancers. Focus is on deepening the understanding of fundamental jazz vocabulary; exploring concepts of initiation, nuance, and dynamics within traditional and contemporary jazz styles; and mastering phrase work and choreography.
• PDP DA 329: Ballet, High Intermediate
  As our highest-level ballet class, students are expected to be fluid in the ballet vocabulary and to have extensive ballet background, either PDP 230 or the equivalent from other programs or studios. Students will continue to refine their classical ballet technique and performance skills with barre and center work focusing on musicality, dynamic alignment, and expression. Combinations within the classical form will develop strength, endurance, flexibility, control, coordination, spatial awareness and breath. Students who are advanced may, with permission, take the class en pointe. Live music.
• PDP DA 330: Pointe, Intermediate Ballet
  For intermediate and high intermediate level students. Introduction or reintroduction to basics of pointe work through Ballet barre and center work with variations taught in last half hour. Students can increase time on pointe based on ability. Meets with PDP DA 329, Ballet, High Intermediate.
• PDP DA 340: Modern/Contemporary Dance, High Intermediate
  Prereq: PDP DA 240 or previous experience. The course draws from contemporary and modern dance techniques to enhance the experienced dancer's kinesthetic awareness and performance capabilities.
• PDP DA 380: Jazz, High Intermediate
  The highest level jazz class, students are expected to have completed DA 280 or the equivalent, and have a solid understanding of proper alignment, as well as ballet and jazz vocabulary. The focus of this class is on learning different styles of choreography, developing the students' full range of artistry, exploring musicality, timing, performance skills, and concepts of stage presence.
• PDP DA 400: Repertory and Performance
  Prereq: Previous dance training and the instructor's consent. Students are part of the choreographic process as pieces are created or reworked under the supervision of the dance faculty. Weekly rehearsals and timed showings are required. Dances are performed in a Dance Theatre Group concert.
• PDP ER 101: CPR and Basic First Aid
  Students will learn how to perform the lifesaving skills used in respiratory and cardiac emergencies as well as basic treatments for a variety of injuries and illnesses. Topics include bandaging, splinting, wound care, and CPR/AED use for infants, children and adults. Topics will be covered in lecture and reinforced through practical skills. Those who pass will be certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED for two years. Class fee includes required textbook.
• PDP ER 180: Pet CPR and First Aid
  This course is designed to train individuals in the skills necessary to recognize and provide basic medical care in pet emergencies. CPR and First Aid skills for dogs and cats are emphasized through lectures, readings, and videos, and then reinforced through hands-on practice on manikins. Topics include but are not limited to choking, medical emergencies, and care for injuries. Upon completion of this course students will be certified in Pet First Aid/CPR for a period of two years. Class fee includes required textbook.
• PDP ER 250: Healthcare Provider CPR
  In this course students learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children, and infants using a resuscitation mask, bag-valve mask, and automatic external defibrillator as well as more advanced techniques for special rescue situations. Those who pass a written and practical exam become certified in Healthcare Provider CPR for a period of two years. Class fee includes required textbook.
• PDP ER 350: CPR and First Aid Instructor
  Prereq.: Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid Certification. This class certifies individuals to teach Adult, Child, and Infant CPR with AED, Healthcare Provider CPR as well as Basic First Aid. Class fee includes required textbooks and materials.
• PDP ER 400: Emergency Medical Technician
  This course is designed to prepare students to take the written and practical EMT exams issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services and the National Registry of EMTs. Students learn the essentials of pre-hospital emergency care. The course includes lecture, lab, and ambulance and hospital observation time. There are no prerequisites but 100% attendance is mandatory. Those who pass the class written and practical exams will be eligible to test for their EMT certification. This class meets on select Saturdays and Sundays. Class fee includes required textbooks, materials, and lab and certification fee for CPR training.
• PDP ER 401: Online Emergency Medical Technician
  This course consists of lectures given online by an instructor teaching in real time. Labs are held on select weekend days in person at Boston University. Ambulance and hospital observations are arranged with local companies and hospitals. Students must have a computer with working webcam, speakers and microphone and reliable access to internet. This course prepares students to take the written and practical EMT exams issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services and the National Registry of EMTs. Class fee includes required textbooks, materials, and lab and certification fee for CPR training.
• PDP ER 406: National Core Competency Requirement
  This program meets the National Core Competency Requirements for recertification at the National Registry EMT and MA EMT-Basic level. It is a 20-hour course. The course covers topics including, but not limited to, airway management, respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies, trauma assessment and skills, medical assessment and skills, and EMS operations.
• PDP FT 112: Basic Weight Training Principles
  A course in the principles and methods of strength training using machine and free-weight exercises. Improve muscle strength, tone, endurance and body composition with sensible safe weight training.

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