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 and recordings from the accompanying CDs; lectures, discussions and demonstrations; three exams (including final) and two analytical listening assignments. Optional analytical listening assignments will be given through the semester.
GRADING:
Average of first two exams, 1/3 final mark
Two Listening Assignments, 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:
January: 19, 24, 26, 31
February: 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 22*, 23, 28
March: 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 28, 30
April: 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25
* No class on February 21, President's Day. Class will meet Tuesday, February 22
Spring Recess: March 21 to March 27
TEST DATES: February 16, March 16 and the Final (either May 2 or 4)