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2020-21 Bulletin
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Somatic Studies

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Somatic practices promote integrated personal development by training students in processes for mindful, embodied living; they complement disciplines of inquiry and knowledge related to the human body and mind. Although these disciplines are relatively new to Western thought, somatic practices are recognized in numerous ancient and contemporary cultures not only as beneficial to physical health but also as methods for the cultivation of the mind and the discovery of knowledge. Such experience may inform and complement knowledge in such areas as biology, neuroscience, physics, psychology, philosophy, anthropology and religious studies. Somatic practices also have applied value in professions such as education, performing arts, athletics, medicine and physical therapy.

The Certificate in Somatic Studies offers a diverse spectrum of established movement processes aimed at self-development, with courses taught by certified instructors in their respective disciplines. With the coordinator's approval, a maximum of 3 units of course work from other disciplines may be applied to the Certificate in Somatic Studies.

Contact:David Marchant
Phone:314-935-4476
Email:marchant@wustl.edu
Website:http://ucollege.wustl.edu/programs/certificates/somatic-studies

Certificate in Somatic Studies

The Certificate in Somatic Studies is composed of a minimum of 15 credit units of course work. This includes the required 2-unit course Dance 285 Introduction to Somatic Practices, which is an introductory survey of a variety of practices offered in the program that is complemented by lectures on related disciplines such as biology, philosophy and psychology. Students choose an additional 13 units from the courses noted below according to their individual interests and goals. With the coordinator's approval, a maximum of 3 units of course work from related disciplines may be applied toward the Certificate in Somatic Studies.

Although courses for the Certificate in Somatic Studies are listed in the Dance program at Washington University, somatic practices do not require dance training and are not aimed at imparting the public performance skills associated with such artistic disciplines or practices.

Note: Courses that apply to the Certificate in Somatic Studies must be taken for a letter grade. If a course is offered as pass/fail only, certificate candidates should inform the instructor and contact the registrar to verify that they are registered for graded credit.

Course List
Code Title Units
Dance 104Body Conditioning2
Dance 106Introduction to Dance as a Contemporary Art Form2
Dance 110Topics in Dance: The Alexander Technique2
Dance 115Beginning T'ai Chi Ch'uan2
Dance 116Beginning T'ai Chi Ch'uan II2
Dance 119Body-Mind Balance2
Dance 120Yoga and Relaxation Techniques2
Dance 157Dance Workshop1
Dance 176Intro to Authentic Movement & Body-Mind Integration2
Dance 177Languages of Movement Expression2
Dance 208Introduction to Pilates2
Dance 209Awareness Through Movement: The Feldenkrais Method3
Dance 212Contact Improvisation1
Dance 217The Experiential Body2
Dance 220Intermediate Yoga1
Dance 221Mind Body Movement: Yoga and Pilates1
Dance 285Introduction to Somatic Practices (Required)2
Dance 290Movement For Writers2
Dance 324Creative Dance Movement for Grades K-53
Dance 385Special Studies in Somaticsmax 3
Dance 386Ecological Perspectives Through Somatic Education2
Dance 423Topics in Dance: Dance Movement Therapy2
Dance 430Applied Anatomy for the Performing Artist2
Dance 433Somatic Awareness Approaches3
Dance 436Somatic Awareness Approaches II: Methodology3
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