250-MUSIC APPRECIATION-
Text:
Instructor:
Music: The Art of Listening, Jean Ferris
Education Office:
Course Description: MUS 250 offers an overview of music and its history from the
Renaissance period to the present. Development and improvement of listening skills as well as the study of forms, styles, periods, and composers is achieved through text as well as recorded, live, and film media.
Class Procedures: Class will most often use a lecture and discussion format. Meetings will include review and discussion of text and listening assignments. Emphasis will be placed on music in Western culture.
Students are responsible for obtaining and bringing to class the 10 worksheets and inclass handouts that are listed on line in the course packet.
All assignments for the semester are listed in detail at this site.
Students are responsible for all information listed on this site.
Attendance Policy: Since discussion and listening will be primary in this class, attendance is essential. Attendance will not be rewarded, since it is required. Lack of attendance, however, will produce negative results. Absences will be neither “excused” nor “unexcused” and will be recognized as follows:
 Attendance will be taken each class period. Students arriving after this point will be considered absent.
Due Dates: Project and assignment due dates will be given with ample time. Papers and projects may be turned in as hard copies in class or emailed. Papers (does not include homework assignments) are due by 5:00 p.m. on the assigned day, even if a student is absent from class. Papers are lowered one letter grade for each day that they are late.
Evaluation: 10% Quizzes, In-Home Listening and Homework Worksheets
10% Classroom Participation and Critical Thinking Questions
20% Music in Our Lives and Amadeus papers
15% Concert Attendance and Review
15% Midterm Examination
20% Final Project and Presentation
10% Final Examination
The grading scale is standard 90%=A, 80%=B, etc.
SEMESTER OUTLINE
Week #
1-4
Activity
Introduction and overview/Listening/Pitch
Rhythm/Dynamics
Melody/Harmony

7
6
5
Timbre
Form
Quiz Chapters 1-5
Renaissance/Go for Baroque Chapters 8-14
Baroque continues
Amadeus Movie Review Paper
Classical Period Chapters 15-18
8
9
10
12
Can’t Get Enough of that Classical
Romantic Chapters 19-22
Programmatic Music
Musical Theatre/Opera /Operetta Chapter 23
Post Romanticism Chapter 25
Midterm Examination Covering Chapters 1-18
There’s No Business Like Show Business Chapter 29
Rock ‘n Roll Baby
13
14
15
Jazz/Symphonic Jazz Chapters 28 and 30
Concert Attendance Paper/Review Due
Backwards Masking
Final Project Presentations
Final Project Presentations
16 Final Examination covering material since the midterm.
Students with disabilities and special learning needs are asked to inform the instructor as early as possible so that every effort can be made to meet them.
We support students from diverse perspectives and background. If any course assignments or exams conflict with your religious holidays, please let me know as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be made.
Keep in mind, this is just an outline and will be followed as closely as possible.