Date Chapter Topics Aug 26-28 I. 1-2 Basic Elements of Musical Structure: Pitch, dynamics, tone color Sep 2 3, 5-6 Rhythm, melody, harmony, form Sep 4 8-11 Sep 11 Quiz
Sep 16 II. 1-5 Music In Its Historical Context: Middle Ages Sep 18 III. 1-4 Renaissance Sep 23 IV. 1-4 Baroque: Concerto Grosso, fugue Sep 25 5-7, 9-11 Opera, trio sonata, solo sonata, suite Sep 30 12-16 Bach, Handel Oct 2 Quiz
Oct 7 V. 1-2, 4-5 Classicism: T & V, Minuet Oct 9 8 Concerto Oct 14 3, 7, 11 Symphony Oct 16 11 Mozart Oct 21 9, 6, 12 Beethoven Oct 22 VI. 1-2 Romanticism Oct 23 3-5, 7-8 Vocal and piano music 9-12, 14 Orchestral music 17-19 Opera Oct 28 Quiz
Oct 30 VII. 1-4 20th Century music: Introduction and Impressionism Nov 4 6-7 Stravinsky Nov 6 8-11 2nd Viennese School Nov 13 12,14,15,17 Other styles Nov 18 More recent developments Nov 20 Quiz
Nov 25 VIII. Jazz Dec 2-4 World music Dec 9 Review Dec 11 Final
Gordon Rule Requirement: Students will fulfill a 4000-word writing requirement, as follows: 1) Each test will include a 125-word in class essay (500 words) 2) Attendance of a live musical program will be required (500-word paper) 3) There will be five 500-word essays (2500 words) 4) There will be a research paper (500 words) Fine Arts/Music General Education Learning Outcomes Apply critical thinking through problem solving Stimulate thinking concerning music history and the basic structural elements of music Gain knowledge of analytical concepts for music listening
Develop awareness of diverse ethical perspectives Develop pedagogical knowledge of musical concepts, and an awareness of diverse Historical perspectives in the understanding of Music History
Course Specific Learning Outcomes Gain knowledge of music from an historical perspective Participate in class activities Read assigned materials Complete all assignments Take notes during class Complete all exams
ESSAY #1: Is structure/organization an essential element in the arts? Are there examples of successful life forms with no form? Is it necessary for a clear structure to be obvious or even perceivable in a musical work? Should clarity of structure be a prerequisite for quality?
ESSAY #2: Is compositional success tied to advanced training? Should there be a specific blend of technique and inspiration? What is the source of artistic inspiration? Is it tied to a consistent work schedule? Is it important for a composer to have familiarity with many different musical styles or a sense of musical history?
ESSAY #3: Address the issue of music and its position in society. Is music a reflection of its cultural backdrop? Offer specific examples of musical styles and composers and the sociological background that influenced their compositional output. Is the position of music in any society, literate or undeveloped, essential to that societies well- being?
ESSAY #4: Should avant-garde composers have claim to musical quality? Where would you draw the line between creativity and chaos? Does it mean anything to the listener that a compositional process is well-organized on paper but may not be as obvious to the ear? Should this be a factor in quality?
ESSAY #5: Compare and contrast essay: Pick 2 selections from the list of Youtube examples and do a stylistic comparison utilizing the basic musical elements in your discussion.
1. It is permissible to use 1st person and personal pronouns (I, we, you). 2. Include factual information in addition to your own thoughts. 3. Document all sources from which you draw information. Format is your choice (although it seems APA is a favorite at IRCC--footnoting is unecessary--use citations [paranthetical reference is fine]). 4. Be sure to confirm validity of any Internet sources 5. Consult CPI Lab for assistance--they have lots of experience aiding Gordon Rule writers Pitfalls of the Past (Avoid problems in these areas) PROOFREAD (and spell-check your paper) Observe good sentence structure (avoid fragments and run-ons)--watch overuse of linking words (also, then, in addition, etc.) Avoid overly technical writing--if you dont understand it, dont write it Avoid lists (eras, dates, names, places, etc.): underline or italicize compositional titles Read aloud for sense Document your sources--include a bibliography (no matter how short) even if you make use of parenthetical reference Record word count (in all papers) Dont pad your writing with superfluous commentary--dont list the questions for wordcount--avoid I believe and I think Be organized (always a good idea to work from an outline) Underline or italicize titles/compositions
Grading: Exams=90%, Papers=10% Required text: Music: An Appreciation, Ninth Edition by Roger Kamien
Essays will be due in a timely fashion, spread out over the semester so that you can pace yourselveslet me help! In fact, I will insist upon helpingif you are late with essays you will be docked points for those essays. Why do that? Get the work in on time and help both of us!