Certificate in Somatic Studies
“Somatics,” a term first coined by the philosopher Thomas Hanna in 1976, is derived from the Greek word for the living body, soma. Somatic, or embodied practices investigate movement as a mode of thinking and researching.
Somatic practices emphasize the unity of mind and body as experienced from within, and complement disciplines of inquiry that primarily study knowledge about the human body and mind. Though 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 cultivation of mind and discovery of knowledge. Such experience may inform 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 courses for the Certificate in Somatic Studies are listed in the Dance Program at Washington University.
The Certificate in Somatic Studies offers a diverse spectrum of movement experiences and techniques aimed at self-awareness and self-knowledge, rather than artistic public performance. 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.
Requirements for the Certificate in Somatic Studies
The Certificate in Somatic Studies is composed of a minimum of 17 credit units of course work, including the required 2-unit course, U31 285 “Introduction to Somatic Practices,” an introductory survey of a variety of practices offered in the program, complemented by lectures on related disciplines such as biology, philosophy, and psychology. Students choose an additional 15 units from the courses noted below according to individual interests and goals. As noted above, with the coordinator’s approval a maximum of 3 units of other course work, including courses from other disciplines, may be applied to the Certificate in Somatic Studies.
U31 285 Introduction to Somatic Practices--Required
U31 104 Body Conditioning
U31 110 Topics in Dance: Alexander Technique
U31 115 Beginning T’ai Chi Ch’uan I
U31 116 Beginning T’ai Chi Ch’uan II
U31 119 Body-Mind Balance
U31 120 Yoga and Relaxation Techniques
U31 220 Intermediate Yoga
U21 157 Dance Workshop
U31 176 Authentic Movement & Body-Mind Integration
U31 423 Topics in Dance: Dance/Movement Therapy
U31 106 Intro to Dance as a Contemporary Art Form
U31 212 Contact Improvisation
U31 430 Applied Anatomy for the Performing Artist
U31 411 Teaching Creative Movement to Children
Note: This certificate is recognition of a general emphasis of educational study and does not entitle its bearer the authority to teach specific methods that have their own established certification standards or regulatory policies concerning such practice.
Admission Requirements and Procedures
In order to be eligible for admission to the Certificate in Somatic Studies program you must have already completed at least one of the certificate courses, either at Washington University or at another accredited post-secondary institution with a grade of B or higher, and you must have movement training or experience beyond a rudimentary level.
To apply for admission to the Certificate in Somatic Studies Program, the following items must be submitted with your Application for Admission:
1. Certificate in Somatic Studies Admission Application Supplement.
2. Updated resume, to include movement training or experience.
3. Statement of Academic and Professional Objectives: a 300-word statement and writing sample summarizing how your professional and educational goals are consistent with the objectives of the Certificate in Somatic Studies.
Additional Policies and Procedures
1. All courses must be completed with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
2. All courses applied to the program must be taken at Washington University. Courses used as criteria for admission to the program may not be applied to the program.
3. With the coordinator’s approval, a maximum of 3 units of course work in disciplines other than Dance may be applied to the Certificate in Somatic Studies.
4. Courses taken toward a University College undergraduate certificate program, with University College authorization, may be applied to a University College Bachelor of Science degree, as distribution, general elective, or major elective courses. A maximum of 6 units of course work from a University College undergraduate certificate, with University College authorization, may be used as core major courses in a University College Bachelor of Science degree.
