University of South Alabama
Introduction to Music Syllabus
Course Information
Spring 2016
Introduction to Music
MUL101-105
(Web Enhanced)
MWF 10:10 – 11:00 am / LPAC 1127
Instructor Information
Sonya Atwood
251-327-7030
satwood@southalabama.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description
Music, what it is and how to listen to it; basic materials of music and the great style periods of
music literature in the Western World. Attendance at approved concerts is required.
Course Objective
The student will demonstrate a foundational knowledge of artistic and literary interpretations,
and the student will demonstrate proficiency in basic interpretive skills.
Course Materials
Text: The Enjoyment of Music, 12th edition, shorter by Forney/Dell'antonio/Machlis.
Published by W.W. Norton
3 options available: book with StudySpace access, book with DVD and StudySpace access, or
E-book with StudySpace access (you may choose any of the options available in the bookstore)
On-line StudySpace: http://wwnorton.com/college/music/enjoyment-of-music12s/
Class Attendance Policy
Class attendance and participation is vital to the educational process. There are lectures and
guided listening activities that are invaluable to your learning experience in this course.
Attendance will be taken daily. 3 tardies and/or early departures are equal to one absence. It is
the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor regarding any absence. 20 points will be
added to your final grade if every class is attended during the semester.
An F* will be reported to PAWS if you have never shown up to class or if you quit showing up to
class.
Please also review the ‘Attendance and Absences Policy’, in the Undergraduate Academic
Policies and Procedures section of the Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin for attendance
and absences policy.
Exams
Six exams (this includes the Final Exam) will be given on written, listening, and lecture materials.
Each exam will include listening components (except Exam 1) and will include a combination of
multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, short answer, and short essay questions. Study guides
and a list of required listening materials will be provided in class before each exam.
Make up exams will be scheduled at the instructor’s convenience and may be more difficult
than the regular exam. Missed make up exams will be graded as a zero.
Homework
Homework will consist of reading in the textbook, assigned listening, and taking online quizzes
Online quizzes can be accessed through the textbook website. Always choose the quiz with the
maximum number of questions.
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University of South Alabama
Introduction to Music Syllabus
Grading Procedure
Concert Reports
Online Quizzes
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exam 4
Exam 5
Final Exam
Attendance
180 pts (3 @ 60 pts each)
100 pts (total average of quizzes)
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
100 pts
200 pts
20 pts
Total Points
1000
(900+ = A)
(800+ = B)
(700+ = C)
(600+ = D)
(599 or below = F)
Live Performance Attendance & Concert Report Requirements
Attendance at three live performances is required during the semester. Each report will be worth
60 points each. In order to receive full credit you must do the following:
1) attend the entire program, 2) report on the program as if you were describing it to another
musician or informed listener, 3) comment about the music almost exclusively, and 4) staple the
original printed program from the event to the back of your report.
Use the Concert Report Guidelines sheet for tips on writing a report. A Grading Rubric is also
provided. You must use correct spelling and grammar. Reports must be done on a word
processor or typed and will be presented for credit in hard-copy form only. Font size should be
similar to 12 point Helvetica or Times. Each report should be about 2 pages long, doublespaced.
Report Format
A standard concert report should include separate paragraphs for the following: an
introduction, a paragraph to describe each piece of music (or groups of pieces) performed,
and a conclusion. Most reports will include a total of 5 - 10 complete paragraphs. See Concert
Report Guidelines.
Types of Concerts Accepted
The concerts must be considered “classical” in nature, and may include concerts by orchestras,
opera, concert bands, choirs, some church concerts, classic jazz programs and music
department recitals. It must be a live performance (no recorded backup or accompaniment)
and must be considered a “concert” as opposed to entertainment at a social function or bar. A
list of appropriate performances will be posted in the classroom, online, and throughout the
LPAC as soon as possible, but possible concerts are not limited to that list. If you have questions
about appropriate concerts not on the list, check with the instructor first.
Please check the website below for a list of recommended recital/concert credit opportunities:
http://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/recitallist.html
Concert Reports are due: Feb 17, Mar 28, Apr 278
Changes in Course Requirements
Not all classes progress at the same rate thus course requirements might have to be modified as
circumstances dictate. You will be given written notice if the course requirements need to be
changed.
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University of South Alabama
Introduction to Music Syllabus
Academic Disruption Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Academic Disruption is found in The
Lowdown, the student handbook. http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/
academicdisruption.shtml: Disruptive academic behavior is defined as individual or group
conduct that interrupts or interferes with any educational activity or environment, infringes upon
the rights and privileges of others, results in or threatens the destruction of property and/or is
otherwise prejudicial to the maintenance of order in an academic environment.
For this class, academic disruption will include but not be limited to: talking while we are listening
to music, texting during class, or leaving class early. Students are expected to be cordial,
courteous, and respectful of faculty members and fellow students.
Cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced during class and should not be
used for any purpose unless the instructor has been notified ahead of time that you have a
reasonable expectation of receiving an emergency call. Accessing your cell phone or other
electronic device for any purpose during a quiz, exam, or other graded assignment will result in
a failing grade on that assignment.
Student Academic Conduct Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Student Academic Conduct Policy is found
in The Lowdown http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicconductpolicy.shtml:
The University of South Alabama is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of
inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained.
The University is committed to supporting the exercise of any right guaranteed to individuals by
the Constitution and the Code of Alabama and to educating students relative to their
responsibilities.
Any dishonesty related to academic work or records constitutes academic misconduct
including, but not limited to, activities such as giving or receiving unauthorized aid in tests and
examinations, improperly obtaining a copy of an examination, plagiarism, misrepresentation of
information, altering transcripts or university records. Academic misconduct is incompatible with
the standards of the academic community. Such acts are viewed as moral and intellectual
offenses and are subject to investigation and disciplinary action through appropriate University
procedures. Penalties may range from the loss of credit for a particular assignment to dismissal
from the University.
Plagiarism software may be used in this course to ascertain academic honesty. Students may
learn about the meaning of plagiarism and how to avoid it at the following link: http://
www.southalabama.edu/univlib/instruction/plagiarismforstudents.html.
Students With Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities will be
afforded reasonable accommodations. The Office of Special Student Services (OSSS) will certify
a disability and advise faculty members of reasonable accommodations. If you have a specific
disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations, please notify the instructor/professor
and provide certification from the Office of Special Student Services. OSSS is located at 320
Alumni Circle, Faculty Court West. The entrance, Suite 19, is on the west side of the building, near
the parking area. We are building 40 on USA's campus map. (251-460-7212).
JAGSuccess
JagSuccess is a program intended to help students be successful in 100-200 level courses. If you
are not doing well, you will receive an email instructing you to see your professor, along with
instructions to access an online tutorial intended to help with common problems affecting
academic performance. Watch for this email during the eighth week of the semester.
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University of South Alabama
Introduction to Music Syllabus
Online Writing Support
The University of South Alabama provides online writing tutoring services through SMARTHINKING,
an online tutoring service. SMARTHINKING is available at http://services.smarthinking.com.
Students may enter the site by logging on with their Jag number and using the last four digits of
the social security number as the password. For log-on problems, technical questions and/or oncampus writing assistance, contact the USA Writing Center at 251-460-6480 or e-mail csaintpaul@usouthal.edu. Information about the University Writing Center and Online Writing Lab can be found online at
http://www.southalabama.edu/univlib/instruction/antiplagiarism/writinghelp.html.
Tentative Schedule
Due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, this schedule may be modified with
appropriate advance notice given during class. Regular attendance will ensure that you are
informed as to any changes made in the semester schedule.
Date
Topics
M
Jan 11
Introduction to the course/ Review Syllabus
W
Jan 13
Review Study Space & Review Music Basics Handout
F
Jan 15
Part 1: Materials of Music/ Melody, Rhythm, Harmony
M
Jan 18
Martin Luther King Holiday - No Class
W
Jan 20
Organization of Musical Sounds, Texture
F
Jan 22
Form, Tempo, & Dynamics
M
Jan 25
Music & Words/ Instruments & Ensembles
W
Jan 27
Instruments & Ensembles
F
Jan 29
Instruments & Ensembles, Style and Function
M
Feb 1
Labor Day Holiday - No class
W
Feb 3
Review
F
Feb 5
Exam 1 (No listening)
M
Feb 8
Part 2: The Middle Ages & Renaissance
W
Feb 10
Middle Ages
F
Feb 12
Middle Ages/Renaissance
M
Feb 15
Renaissance
W
Feb 17
Review/ Report #1 due
F
Feb 19
Exam 2 (Includes listening)
M
Feb 22
Part 3: The Baroque Era
W
Feb 24
Baroque: Vocal Music
F
Feb 26
Baroque: Baroque Instrumental
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University of South Alabama
Introduction to Music Syllabus
M
Feb 29
Review
W
Mar 2
Exam 3 (Includes listening)
F
Mar 4
Fall Break - No Class
M
Mar 7
Part 4: Eighteenth-Century Classicism
W
Mar 9
Classic: Chamber Music, Haydn
F
Mar 11
Classic: Symphony
M
Mar 14
Spring Break - No Class
W
Mar 16
Spring Break - No Class
F
Mar 18
Spring Break - No Class
M
Mar 21
Classic: Classic: Classical Forms
W
Mar 23
Classic: Concerto, Sonata & Vocal Forms
F
Mar 25
Review
M
Mar 28
Exam 4 (Includes listening)/ Report #2 due
W
Mar 30
Part 5: The Nineteenth Century Romanticism/ The Lied/ Parlor Song
F
Apr 1
Romantic: Piano Music, Music in America
M
Apr 4
Romantic: Program music
W
Apr 6
Romantic: Absolute Music
F
Apr 8
Romantic: Choral music, Opera
M
Apr 11
Romantic: Opera/ Ballet
W
Apr 13
Symbolism/ Spirituals/ Sousa
F
Apr 15
Review
M
Apr 18
Exam 5 (Includes listening)
W
Apr 20
Part 6: Twentieth-Century Modernism/ Expressionism/ Post Impressionism
F
Apr 22
20th Century: Twelve-Tone Method
M
Apr 25
20th Century: Roots of Jazz & Blues/ Harlem Renaissance/ Neo-Classicism
W
Apr 27
Review/ Report #3 due
F
Apr 29
Exam Preparation Day - No Class
M
May 2
Final Exam
Final Exam:
Monday, May 2, 2016 - 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Part 1: Exam 6 (Includes listening) Ch. P6-61
Part 2: Cumulative
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University of South Alabama
Introduction to Music Syllabus
Concert Report Guidelines
(Also refer to the Grading Rubric provided)
Header
Your Name
MUL101-105 – S. Atwood
Section – MWF 10:10 – 11:00
Report # (1-3)
Introduction
Introductory paragraph should include where the concert was, when it was, who was
performing, and any other important introduction information.
Description of Pieces
A minimum of one paragraph for each piece performed. You MUST report on the entire concert.
Name the title and composer of each piece of music.
Describe the music of each piece – elements of music: melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo,
dynamics, form, texture, sound, instrumentation, text, musical style, historical background (if
given in the program), what did you like or didn’t like about the piece and why did it make you
feel that way.
Conclusion
Summarize your experience. What did you learn about the performance? Did you like or dislike
the overall performance?
Example: Orchestra Performance of 3 pieces – the report will have 5 paragraphs (Introduction,
Piece #1, Piece #2, Piece #3, and Conclusion
* If you attend an opera or musical theater be sure to describe the music and not just the story.
* Most classical concerts provide a program with program notes. Use these notes to help you,
but do not plagiarize!
* Each report must be typed two pages long, double-spaced, and font size should be similar to
12 point Helvetica or Times. Be sure to staple the program to your report.
The website below includes a list of concerts and recitals held at South:
http://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/music/recitallist.html
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University of South Alabama
Introduction to Music Syllabus
MUL 101 - Concert Etiquette FAQs
A live concert is a fabulous event — a “once in a lifetime” occasion for both performers and
members of the audience. The following information may assist you in getting maximum
enjoyment from your experience.
1. What do I wear?
A wide range of attire is acceptable as long as it is not distracting to other members of the
audience or performers. Generally, people tend to wear business attire to indoor evening
concerts. Outdoor concerts are more casual. Hats are inappropriate, as is clothing or jewelry
that makes any noise. 2. What do I bring?
Be prepared with money for a ticket if admission will be charged at the event. If you need to jot
down a few notes during the event in order to assist in writing your concert report, you may use
3x5 index cards (as shown in class) discreetly between selections, which can easily be brought in
a purse or pocket. Please avoid bringing book bags or briefcases, as there will not be enough
room for them around your seat. Remember to turn off any cell phones, pagers, or beeping
watches! 3. May I bring children?
It is certainly desirable to expose children to good music, but the subject of bringing children to
concerts is somewhat sensitive, because children of all ages differ in their abilities to sit quietly
during a concert. If you are not sure of a child’s ability to sit COMPLETELY quietly for up to 2 hours,
don't bring them. They will be happier at home with a sitter, especially babies, toddlers and
children up to the 3rd grade (age 9). Generally, it is OK to bring children of all ages to outdoor
concerts, or concerts specifically designated as “family” events.
4. When do I arrive?
Plan to arrive with time enough to park, walk into the venue, buy your ticket, and be seated
10-15 minutes before the posted starting time. If you are late, you cannot be seated until the
end of a selection or appropriate break. Ushers at the event will let you know when it is OK to
enter the hall.
5. How can I become a good audience member?
Good audience members are courteous and respectful of both the performers and the other
members of the audience. Since a concert is “all about sound”, they avoid making extraneous
noises, which will detract from the musical experience. Please try to avoid talking, whispering,
rattling candy wrappers, loose change or keys, and turn off any electronic devices. Remember,
hearing a live classical concert is different than going to a popular music concert or watching a
video in your living room. Also, food and drink are inappropriate, and the seating is designed
not to put your feet up, but to enable you to enjoy the performance.
6. When do I applaud?
It is appropriate to applaud when the performers (or conductor) enter the stage and at the end
of each selection. In a multi-movement work, it is customary to wait until the end of the
complete piece. When in doubt, wait until others begin clapping. This topic will be discussed
more in your class.
7. What if I have to leave during the concert?
We hope you will not have to do this, however, if an emergency arises, try to wait for breaks
between pieces of music or in-between movements. Most concerts longer than one hour have
an intermission.
We look forward to having you, your friends and family attend our concerts, both this semester
and in the future. Please help us make this experience successful for everyone!
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