Syllabus - Spring 2016
MUSIC 121 - Music Appreciation
Thursday 4:00 - 6:45 -- Carson Campus
Cedar 116
Credits: 3Prerequisite: none
Instructor: Will Blankenship Office Hours: After class
Email: Phone: 265-2521 (please, no calls after 9:00 p.m.)
Text
Music An Appreciation, R. Kamien, 8th brief ed. (ISBN 978-0-07-783731-0). The text comes with a CD which includes all the song examples used in class. The CD is required (ISBN number for the CD is 978-1-259-20315-2).
Course Description
The study of music fundamentals, composers, their music, the influence of music on society, and musical styles beginning with the Middle Ages into the Twentieth Century.
Course Objective
MUS 121 meets the Fine Arts Requirement for all degrees at WNC. As a defined student learning outcome of a General Education course, MUS 121 provides the student an understanding of fine arts or performing arts. Having said that, my hope is that students by learning more about music will gain a broader appreciation for what they hear and listen to in their lives.
Topical Outline
Music Fundamentals: sound, pitch, dynamics, tone color
Performing Media: voices and instruments
Rhythm
Music Notation
Melody
Harmony
Key
Musical Texture
Musical Form
Musical Style
Music in the Middle Ages and Renaissance: related styles, selected composers, and representative musical pieces
The Baroque Period: related styles, selected composers, and representative musical pieces
The Classical Period: related styles, selected composers, and representative musical pieces
The Romantic Period: related styles, selected composers, and representative musical pieces
The Twentieth Century: related styles, selected composers, and representative musical pieces
Nonwestern Music
Method of Instruction
Lecture, discussion, reading of text, and listening to selected musical examples.
Additional assignments
There will also be assignments that require students to go on-line, watch a video(s) and answer questions. These links will be handed out later in the semester to be turned in before the last class. These assignments consist of three (3) videos. One video is approximately twenty minutes long and is worth fifty (50) points. The other assignment consists of two videos and is also worth fifty (50) points.
Tests/Exams
There will be a test given at the end of each era or eras. Tests will consist of both written and aural material. The aural portion of the tests will be listening assignments from each section studied. Students are allowed to make and use notes if they wish. Tests can ONLY be made up if the student is ill or has an instructor approved emergency. The instructor must be notified in ADVANCE in either case. The instructor will make the final decision.
Grading
Each test and video assignment will carry equal weight. Tests scores and video assignments will be totaled and averaged to determine your class grade.
Grades will be based on the percentage breakdown as follows:
94 – 100A
90 – 93A-
87 – 89B+
83 – 86B
80 – 82B-
77 – 79C+
73 – 76C
70 – 72C-
67 – 69D+
63 – 66D
60 – 62D-
Below 60F*
*Last day to drop full-semester course with a "W" is April 1. After that date, students will receive the grade they have earned in class. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the Admissions and Records Office if they wish to receive a “W” for a withdrawal.
Another important date: Last day to switch between credit and audit: March 18.
Academic Dishonesty
Acts of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, will not be tolerated and will result in an “F” grade for the course. Policies regarding student conduct can be found in the college’s catalog. This applies to all work related to the class, be it a written assignment outside of class or during a class test.
Attendance
Attend every session! What happens in class cannot/will not be duplicated. The instructor will record attendance. Information missed through student absence, will not be repeated by the instructor. If you do not attend class, contact another student who may be willing to share what material was covered.
Listening
Each section of the text will include listening assignments of selected examples covered in the text. Those examples will be included on the tests.
Extra Credit
Students may earn extra credit by attending concerts throughout the semester. (These concerts must be pre-approved by the instructor to be eligible for the extra credit option.) Five points will be awarded for each concert attended. Students may receive credit for these concerts by turning in a completed "Concert Report Form." (See instructor for copies.) A maximum of six (6) extra credit concerts may be applied for a total of thirty (30) points. These extra credit points will be applied to your test scores. Extra credit is also offered on each test.
Class Cancelations
Check the WNC web site and/or call 445-3309 (Carson City/Dayton/Reno area) or toll-free 1-800-532-5188 (other areas).
On-campus Escort Service
Security Escort Services can be provided between buildings and parking lots. An Officer will meet you and accompany you to your vehicle. Call the Public Safety Department at 3308 or 775-230-1952 from any campus telephone.
On-campus Security
For all emergencies or crisis situations occurring on campus, call 9-911 then Public Safety Department at 775-445-3308 or 775- 230-1952 or on-campus extension 3308.
Disability Information
Western Nevada College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak with Disability Support Services and the instructor as early in the semester as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. Please contact Disability Support Services, Carson campus, Cedar 209, 775-445-4459 or .
Midterm Report
Midterm reports will be issued during the semester. The exact date is not available at this time.
Class Schedule
The following is a tentative schedule of material to be covered. Dates are subject to change. Any changes made will be announced in class. It is the student’s responsibility to keep themselves informed of any changes made to the schedule.
January 28Elements
February 4Elements
February 11*Elements Test -- Middle Ages/Renaissance
February 18*Middle Ages/Renaissance Test -- Baroque
February 25Baroque
March 3*Baroque Test -- Classical
March 10Classical
March 17*Classical
March 24Spring Break
March 31Classical Test -- Romantic
April 7Romantic
April 14Romantic
April 21*Romantic Test -- 20th Century
April 2820th Century
May 520th Century
May 12Nonwestern Music
May 1920th Century/Non Western Test
*Class lecture will continue after tests are completed on the weeks when tests are administered.
Tips for Success
It would be my suggestion that students take the time to become familiar with the Academic Skills Center and make use of the services they offer if you are so inclined.
Turn off cell phones!
Be courteous to other students in class during lecture and music listening time. If you need to have a conversation, wait until after class or take the conversation outside.
Attend class!