Music Philosophy and Aesthetics

Syllabus

GMUS-1000-01

Music Philosophy and Aesthetics

Instructor: John Mortensen, DMA, Professor of Piano

Meeting Time: Monday 7-8:15 pm, DMC Recital Hall

Course Goals:

Students will be introduced to a Christian epistemology of the arts and a theology of creativity, and begin the formation of a personal philosophy of music.

Students will articulate a Biblical philosophy of the fine and performing arts which reveals an understanding of the integration of faith and learning.

Students will manifest attitudes necessary to guide others toward increased

understanding of the arts.

Attendance Policy:

The class meets only once a week. There are no “disposable” classes. A 5% reduction of the final grade will be assessed for each unexcused absence. Excused absences are granted for illness and emergency. Students should not expect to be granted an excused absence for social or extra-curricular activities. Students are expected to arrive on time, and stay until the conclusion of class.

Grading Policy:

The following are general guidelines to indicate the kind of work that will result in grades of A, B, or C.

Expectations for an A include:

1. No unexcused absences;
2. Active and intelligent particpation in class discussions;
3. A notebook of serious creativity and thoughtfulness;
4. Completion of all assigned readings;
5. A final paper, seven pages double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. The student must visit the Writing Center at least once while working on this paper.

Expectations for a B include:

1. No more than one unexcused absence;
2. Some participation in class discussions;
3. A notebook with useful notes and some creativity;
4. Completion of all assigned readings;
5. A final paper, four pages double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. The student must visit the Writing Center at least once while working on this paper.

Expectations for a C include:

1. No more than three unexcused absences;
2. Careful listening to class discussions;
3. A notebook with basic notes from the lectures;
4. Completion of all assigned readings;
5. A short take-home essay exam in place of the final paper.

Disabilities: If you have a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act for which academic accommodations might need to be provided in this course, please contact the office of the Coordinator of Disability Services, Mrs. Marilyn Meyer, Ext. 3843, , as soon as possible so reasonable and appropriate accommodations can be determined and arranged.

First Paper:

Your first paper must address this question:

What is your personal philosophy of music? What bearing do Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience have on your views?

The paper shall be two pages, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins . Use your best University-level writing style, and stick to the question.

Musician’s Journal:

Get a sketchbook with NO LINES in it. The bookstore has them just for you in the school supplies section. What’s it for? Doodling, class notes, caricatures of me, musical or artistic sketching, devotions, poetry, and philosophical musing. Make it creative, memorable, and personal. Use color. You will turn it in at the end of the course, and I will give it back to you.

Blog:

MPA has its own blog! Class announcements, supplemental food for thought, and general whateverishness can be found at:

Dress Code:

Students are strictly prohibited from appearing in class in uncomfortable or boring clothes. Since we will sit on the stage floor, bring a pillow and make yourself at home.

Readings:

Most lectures will have accompanying readings. These are to be completed before the lecture they accompany. Students shall be prepared to answer detailed questions about the readings. You will be informed of readings by email.

Reading Quizzes:

After each reading you will take a comprehension quiz online. The quizzes are located here:

Log in and choose MPA from the list of classes. Each quiz has a limited time of availability, and a time limit for taking the quiz. Please note that it is not possible to earn a passing grade in MPA without doing reasonably well on these quizzes. If you skip them you will fail the course.