New interdisciplinary course explores connections through observation

Christi Camper Moore, assistant professor of dance in Ohio University’s School of Dance and head of the Arts Administration program, received a University Professor award in spring 2022. Faculty honored with this award then have the freedom to develop and teach a course of their creation, with Camper Moore's course focusing on connections through observations.

“I love teaching and feel really humbled to have received an award that is student nominated and decided,” Camper Moore said.

Her course, titled, “Eyeing the Everyday,” will explore the connections between observation, emotion, communication and action through theory and creative-based practices. The course will also examine the relationships between the environment, technology and how everyday experiences inform learning and creativity across various disciplines.

"This course will be filled with discussion, collaboration, making, doing, and being together,” she said. “Students will be invited to examine their everyday practices and experiences, as a means to deepen their understanding of the world around them. I hope students gain a deeper perspective of what they see, how to observe and connect for deeper understanding, and a versatility for how to expand and apply their varied coursework or art-making practices to their career goals.”

The course’s benefits include opportunities to connect with undergraduates studying a variety of majors, a focus on experiential learning, and a unique curricular offering that explores observation, action, and decision making across fields of study. Camper Moore said the course will include everything from ethnographic observation to improvisational writing, and movement-based inquiry.  

The University Professor award recognizes outstanding undergraduate teaching. University Professors demonstrate both excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to student learning and embody Ohio University’s commitment to the intellectual and personal development of its students.

“So many of my colleagues do meaningful and impactful work every day,” Camper Moore said. “For me, this award serves as a reminder of how significant it is to continue to foster relationships that are built on collaboration, care, and communication and recognize that learning meets each student where they are and extends well beyond the classroom and for the limited amount of time a student is in a course.”

“Eyeing the Everyday” will be offered beginning Spring 2023 under course number UP4901U and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

For more information, students should contact Christi Camper Moore Ph.D. at campermo@ohio.edu.