Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a study and discussion of music and its aesthetic and creative applications in a multicultural civilization.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: To give the student a better understanding of music though the study of its basic elements and the development of a method of analytical listening.

COURSE CONTENT: Course content can be divided into four main areas: 1) an introduction to music fundamentals including notation, style and style recognition, form, melody, rhythm, texture, harmony and timbre; 2) development and application of a method of analytical listening that leads to more musical awareness; 3) an introduction to Western Art music from Medieval to the present and an overview of the popular music of the past fifty years; 4) discussion of music's role in society with emphasis on contemporary popular culture (e.g. "Why people listen to music", "Why are people attracted to a certain style of music")

REQUIRED TEXT: The Enjoyment of Music, 9th ed., Shorter Version. Joseph Machlis & Kristine Forney. W. W. Norton, New York. 2003

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Selected readings from the textbook; lectures, discussions and demonstrations; three exams (including final) and an analytical listening assignment. Optional analytical listening assignments will be given through the semester.

GRADING:
Average of first two exams, 1/3 final mark
Assigned paper, 1/3 final mark
Final exam, 1/3 final mark

ATTENDANCE: Will be taken every class and lab and will follow P.A.S. Program rules

SCHEDULED CLASSES:
September: 8, 13, 20, 22, 27, 29
October: 4, 6, 11*, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
November: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 29
December: 1, 6, 8, 13
No class: September 15, November 24
* October 11 - Wednesday schedule

TEST DATES: October 13 (was October 6), November 10 and the Final (either December 15 or 20)

Instructor: John Meschi
Office: Room 204, Fine Arts Center
(516) 299-2105 (Office)
(516) 299-2474 Department
E-mail: jmeschi@liu.edu
Office hours by appointment