Approved by Faculty Senate March 30, 2009
Course Syllabus Introduction to Music Music 109
Dr. Suzanne Draayer 507-457-5255 E-mail:
Performing Arts Center 142 Office hours: Posted on the door
Text: LISTEN by Joseph Kerman, sixth brief edition, Worth publishers. Six compact discs.
Catalog Description:
Study of the elements of music, fundamental techniques, and formal patterns. Stylistic traits of Baroque, Classic, Romantic and Modern periods. Brief biographies of outstanding composers. Acquisition of familiarity with representative works through recordings.
Course Objectives:
This course is designed as a University Studies Course under the classification of Humanities.
USP Course Objectives (University Studies Criteria that promote students’ abilities to):
1: identify and understand specific elements and assumptions of music, such as:
a) the recognition of style periods of music history—the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionism, Modernism, Serialism, and Contemporary.
b) the knowledge of major composers of each style period (Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Mahler, Strauss, Wagner, Ives, Copland, Bernstein, Berg, Debussy, Stravinsky, etc.)
c) the understanding of the fundamentals of music (tempo, melody, rhythm, texture, tonality, dynamics, form, timbre, instrumentation, etc.)
d) the comprehension of various musical terms, including genres, art song, opera, musical, string quartet, symphony, piano music, solo instrumental works, choral, etc.
2. understand how historical context, gender roles and culture influenced perceptions and interpretations. Students will:
a) understand major historical events and relate them to the composers & music
b) understand the role of women in music, as composers and performers
c) understand socioeconomic trends & their influence on composers and concerts.
d) understand the rise of the middle class and its impact on the patronage system.
3. understand the role of critical analysis in the interpretation and evaluation of music in the human experience and will:
a) discuss and listen to live and recorded (audio and video) music.
b) analyze music according to form, texture, rhythm, tempo, genre, style, etc.
c) evaluate music and its response to developments in poetry, literature, art, politics, etc.
Grading - 600 points possible:
100 points each - 5 tests taken from the LISTEN text, class lectures, and listening examples.
25 points each - 4 critiques. Students must attend four classical concerts, and write a two-page paper on each concert. Discuss aspects of the concert, using terms and information learned in class. Your concert critique should convince me that you attended the entire concert and that you listened actively to the music.
1) Terms for the concerts will be given in class. Bold the terms in your paper, define them, and relate the terms to the concert.
2) The paper must be at least 2 pages! Points will be deducted if paper is short.
3) Use Times New Roman or Times Roman font, size 12, double-space and justify your pages. Do use the spell check feature on your computer.
4) Papers are due one week and one day following the concert at 10:00 a.m. or the last day of class (Friday, 10:00 a.m.), whichever comes first. See the attached list of approved on-campus concerts. Late papers will not be accepted. Do not give me papers outside of class. Cost per concert - $3.00 to $8.00, depending upon the concert. You must include the program with your paper. If you wish to attend a concert off-campus, please check with me first.
Critique 1 and 2 - attend two concerts prior to March 1 - critique due 1 week and 1 day after concert
Critiques 3 and 4 - attend 2 concerts prior to April 27 - critiques due 1 week and 1 day after concert or the final class day, whichever comes first.
Grading scale: A 90-100 (540-600 points) B 80-89 (540-480 pts.) C 70-79 (480-420 pts.) D 60-69 (420-360 pts.) E below 60 (below 360 pts.)
Attendance policy: I want you to do well in this class. Attendance will not be taken due to class size, but daily attendance will prepare you for the tests. Involve yourself with the material by listening, reading, taking notes, and by participating in class. Ask questions when you need help. Arrive on time to class. Late entrance to class is not permitted.
Tests: All tests will be taken on time. No make-up tests will be given. Any test missed will result in the grade of zero. Late arrival to a test will result in a grade of zero.
Course Outline:
Week 1 & 2 Chapters 1-4, pp. 3-55. The Basics of Music.
Week 3 - Chapters 7-8, pp. 95-131. The Early and Late Baroque Period.
Week 4 - TEST! Ch. 1-4, 7-8.
Week 5 - Chapters 9-10, pp 132-168. Baroque Instrumental and Vocal Music.
Week 6 - Chapters 11-12, pp. 169-201. The Enlightenment, Symphony.
Week 7 - TEST! Ch. 9-12.
Week 8 - Chapter 13, pp. 202-216. Other Classical Genres.
Week 9 - Chapters 14-15, pp. 225-253. Beethoven.
Week 10 - Chapters 16-17, pp. 254-292. Early Romantics and Romantic Opera.
Week 11 - TEST! Ch. 13-17
Week 12 - Women composers. Chapter 18, pp. 293-313. The Late Romantics.
Chapters 19-20, pp. 319-352. Music and Modernism.
Week 13- TEST! - Women Composers, Ch. 18-20
Chapter 21-22, pp. 353-390. Early 20th C. and Alternatives to Modernism
Week 14 - Chapter 23, pp. 391-414. Music in America.
Final Exam - Chapters 21-23.
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