THEA 103_01: Somatics, Body and Theatre
Spring 2025 Course Syllabus
Class Days / Times: T/Th 1:45pm-3:20pm
Faculty: Cindy Hartigan, MFA Email: clhartigan@noctrl.edu
Office Hours by appointment only
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Somatics is a field within bodywork and movement studies that emphasizes internal physical perception and
experience. This course is designed to introduce, explore, and educate students on somatic movement
practices. This course will combine movement exploration, meditation, and journaling to further explore and
engage in a variety of somatic practices. Students will also identify affinities and aversions in order to develop
their own somatic practice for use beyond this course.
Materials provided by Instructor and will be pulled from various sources, including (but not limited to):
● Writing and the Body in Motion: Awakening Voice through Somatic Practice by Cheryl Pallant
● Freeing Emotions and Energy Through Myofascial Release by Noah Karrasch
● The Body of Life; Creating New Pathways for Sensory Awareness and Fluid Movement by Thomas Hanna
COURSE OBJECTIVES
• To gain knowledge of somatic practices
• To enhance your individual internal physical perception and experience
• To experience various approaches to somatic practice
• To execute exercises at a proficient level with clarity and confidence
• To begin to develop autonomy that allows students to develop their own somatic practice
EVALUATION
Attendance 20% (100 points) and Participation 20% of Grade (100 points)
Attending class on time and on a regular basis. Participation in class through movement and discussion.
Attending class does not guarantee participation points for the day. Participation is based not only on
attendance, but also on involvement and effort in class.
Journal 20% of Grade (100 points)
Journal entries will be made daily in class with some entries required outside of class. Entries will be
reflections of exercises done in class and responses to the handouts and materials provided for this course.
Research Paper 20% of Grade (100 points)
Select a topic or methodology in somatic practice that you are interested in exploring further. Through
in-class and personal experience as well as outside research, complete a research paper on the topic or
methodology. General Criteria:
● 1200 word MAX
● Double-spaced, APA formatting
● Complete fulfillment of topic, clarity, and cohesion of content
● Sense of autonomy that reflects internal physical perception and experience.
● Accurate spelling, grammar, and format along with proper references and citations (at least 3 sources)
Somatic Presentation (Final) 20% of Grade (100 points)
Design your own somatic practice based on your coursework, research and experience. Open Outline. You
will present and lead the class through your exercise. At least 20 minutes in length (not to exceed 30 min)