California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

SYLLABUS: MU 101 – Music Appreciation
 (MU 101, Sec. 01 – 4 units)
Winter 2003, M-W-F 9:15-10:20 a.m. • Music Building (#24) Room 101

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION

Developing skills in listening to music using musics from various world music cultures. 4 units, lecture/discussion.

Instructor:                               Dr. Dave Kopplin
Contacting me:                       Office is in Music Building (#24), Room 137
                                              Phone 909-869-3311; email through WebCT

Office Hours:                        Mon & Wed, 10:30-12:00, Tues. & Thurs., 1:30-2:30,  and by appointment.

Required Materials:       

                                           Musical Encounters, by David C. Nichols (includes CD set)
                                           Music, the Brain, and Ecstasy, by Robert Jourdain

 

Grading:                                         Exams (2).............................................    50%
                                                      Written Projects...................................     35%
                                                       Class/WebCT Participation.................     15%

 

All assignments graded according to the following schedule:

A+ =   97-100                                  B+ = 87-89                      C+ = 77-79                              D+ = 67-69
A   = 94-96                                      B   = 84-86                      C   = 74-76                              D   = 64-66
A- =    90-93                                    B-  = 80-83                      C-  = 70-73                              D-  = 60-63
F = 59 and under

 

Course LEARNING Objectives:

• listen to music perceptively, by being informed regarding constructive principles of music organization and by being informed about the ways in which music elements are varied to create different styles.
• demonstrate skills in constructively responding to  musics of different cultures by working with culturally different approaches to aesthetics of music and discussing musics of different music cultures represented by members of the class.
• become familiar with the instruments and ensembles regularly encountered at concerts, in nightclubs, in recordings, and on television and film.
• gain a basic understanding of the historical developments in music.
• learn to be aware of cultural, scientific, and social forces that influence music making, music education, music production, and give music meaning.

ASSIGNMENTS/GRADING

TWO EXAMS (25+25 = 50%): Both exams cover materials from the reading, lectures, and listening. Both exams include listening components from required CDs.

Written Projects (10+10+15 = 35%): You will be required to submit three 500-word written reports on live musical events you have attended. The first report must be written about a performance of music you like, and should focus on why you like the music (10%, due January 31). The second report must be music you have never heard and you should write this report as an observer, including how the experience makes you feel (10%, February 19). The last report should be a “serious” review, written in a journalistic style, on a “classical” music concert (15%, due March 14). All events must be live performances that you personally have attended; proof of attendance is required for credit (ticket stubs, entrance receipts, etc.).

CLASS Participation/WebCT (15%) Class participation in discussions and participation in WebCT discussion boards/postings/“chat-casts” will be evaluated and figured into final grade.

Week One : What is Music?

Syllabus and course objectives

       Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 1-29

                           Nichols, Chpt. 1-2

Week Two: Listening to Music

      Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 30-90

                           Nichols, Chpt. 3

Week Three: Listening, con’t

    Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 91-154

                           Nichols, Chpt. 4

Week Four: Styles and Composition

     Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 155-195

                           Nichols, Chpt. 5

     First Report Due

Week Five: Styles (Baroque and Classical)

    Review and Midterm

    Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 196-235 

                           Nichols. Chpt. 6

Week Six: The Romantic Era/the Birth of the Popular Song

     Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 236-268

                           Nichols, Chpt. 7-8

Week Seven The 20^th Century and Beyond

              Reading:       Nichols, Chpt. 9-10

            Second Report Due

Week Eight Music and Meaning

           Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 269-299

                           Nichols, Chpt. 11-12

Week Nine: Love….

            Reading:       Jourdain, pp. 299-333

                           Nichols, Chpt. 13

Week Ten: …and War

Review for Final

             Reading:       Nichols, Chpt. 14

Last Report Due on Last Day of Class

FINAL EXAM TIME:

Monday, March 17, 9:10-11:10 am.

POLICY MATTERS

NOTE: Assignments turned in late will, with no valid excuse, drop one letter grade for every day late. NO EXCEPTIONS! No make-up exams will be given without a valid and compelling explanation. If you have any doubt about what constitutes a valid or compelling explanation, please discuss this with me in advance.

ATTENDANCE/LATENESS: Attendance is important: unexcused absences will have an effect on your grade. Obviously, absences incurred on behalf of the university will be excused, provided proper notice is given. Conflicts with other classes, or going to basketball games (even the Lakers!) do not fall in this category. Unexcused absences and habitual lateness will count negatively in your grade.

CHEATING AND COLLUSION: Cheating will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If you are caught you receive a grade of F for the course. Also, don’t copy your friend’s term paper, have your friend who is a musician do your project, buy an arrangement from the Internet, etc.

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YOUR NAME________________________________________

ARE YOU GRADUATING THIS SPRING?_____________

MAJOR______________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS_____________________________________

LOCAL PHONE NUMBER______________________________

FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC_______________________________

LEAST FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC________________________

REASONS FOR TAKING CLASS___________________________

MUSICAL EXPERIENCE (i.e., piano lessons, sang in choir, play guitar in a band, etc.; if so, how long?)____________________________________________________

Please sign below and turn this form in during class.

Yes, I have read the syllabus.__________________________________________

No way, dude, I blew it off!____________________________________________