I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 1/27/11)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change existing
gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
III. Language
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
III Exception: Symbolic Systems * VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms X IV: Expressive Arts
IX: American & European
if requesting
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program School of Music
Course #
MUSI 267A (MUS
150A)
Course Title
Composers’ Workshop
Prerequisite
Credits
1
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Date
Instructor
Dr. Charles Nichols
Phone / Email X5360 Charles.nichols@umontana.edu
Program Chair Dr. Maxine Ramey
Dean
Dr. Stephen Kalm
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Renew X
Change
Remove
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Description of change
IV. Description and purpose of new general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
This course was part of the large number of chamber ensembles listed under MUS 150, now
MUSI 162. MUSI 162 are chamber ensembles with a specific instrumentation and follow
identical purposes in the School of Music, the University of Montana and meet the same
General Education criteria. When common course numbering was imposed on our curriculum,
we were obligated to change some chamber ensemble course numbers to match other Montana
Universities and Colleges for ease of transfer. The Composers’ Showcase is a course for
composers and performers in which students present a series of concerts showcasing original
compositions by students at The University of Montana. Works for choir, wind ensemble,
orchestra, chamber ensembles, and vocal and instrumental soloists are premiered in a series of
concerts, and are critiqued by a visiting guest composer. Composers are expected to bring new
musical ideas, sketches, and eventually finished pieces to the workshop, while performers are
expected to read, critique, practice, and finally perform the new works.
This foundational course provides the student the opportunity to acquire introductory skills in a group
setting and to engage in the creative process. This “learning by doing” course offering involves the
student by way of interpretive performance and critical assessment of their own work and assists in the
cultivation of an appreciation of the humanities and history of different global cultures. The thrust of
the course is active involvement of the student in the creation or performance of a work of art.
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Fundamental issues dealing with basic
techniques as related to the composition
medium and interpretation are studied and
explored for a perspective of aural, visual
and kinesthetic involvement. The student is
asked to engage in the creative process by
way of performance during the course and
within the context of discussions with the
instructor. In addition, they are asked to
engage in critical assessment of their own
work during practice and after class
performances.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Goals: Students are asked to express
themselves at each practice
sessions/rehearsal; to perform the selection
or technique to be learned or explored.
Material presented for study represents
styles and genres from a global perspective.
Western and non-western composers and
styles are presented as well as music from a
wide varied of historical time periods. In
addition, students are asked to apply a
fundamental knowledge of music theory and
history to their performances, the structures
and forms of the artistic language to convey
meaning. Students present the product of
their work at several class performances
throughout the academic year. Critiques
and reviews are done after each
performance.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
1-2 credit hour courses in music conform to commonly accepted practices in higher education in
Schools of Music for applied learning and include skills courses , laboratory ensembles and studio work.
This mode includes activities where students receive hands-on learning experience continually
supervised by the instructor. Work is normally completed in the learning environment, but may include
out-of-class assignments. The contact hours are be devoted primarily to practice, mastery, clarification,
and application of material, rather than presentation of new or theoretical material.
VIII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
MUSI U 267 / UG 467, Composers’ Workshop / Pierrot Ensemble, 1 credit
Spring 2012
Charles Nichols
charles.nichols@umontana.edu
Schedule:
Class meets Fridays, from 12:00-2:00 pm, in room 205.
Class will not meet Friday, April 6, for Spring Break.
Description:
MUSI 267/467 is a composition workshop and new music ensemble, in which student
composers and performers collaborate, guided by a faculty composer, to develop new pieces.
Composers are expected to bring new musical ideas, sketches, and eventually finished pieces to
the workshop, while performers are expected to read, critique, practice, and finally perform the
new works.
The ensemble will include flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, the “Pierrot” ensemble.
Compositions should be between 7-10 minutes in duration, and will be performed during the
Composers’ Showcase concert, Tuesday April 10, in the Music Recital Hall.
Grades:
Composers will be graded on creative effort and meeting deadlines. Performers will be graded
on active participation and preparing for rehearsals and performances.
Attendance is mandatory, and absences will be reflected in your grade.
Calendar:
April 10, 7:30 pm
Composers’ Showcase performance
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.