MUE 301 - 101
MUSIC LITERACY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Fall 2015: University of South Alabama
Mondays, 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Instructor: Dr. Jeannette Fresne
Email: jfresne@southalabama.edu
Office Hours
Mondays, 10:00 – 3:30
Fridays, 10:00 – 12:00
Phone: 251.460.6697
Office: LPAC 1121
Additional office hours
available by appointment
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
The fundamentals of music, music reading, and instruction for those working with children
and youth in group settings. Course format: Web-enhanced.
COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Develop the ability to read notation through the use of various classroom instruments
Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music
Demonstrate the ability to use music to develop teaching activities for use with basic
skill subject areas
Design activities that use music to teach a variety of content areas
Utilize knowledge of cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical development
in planning appropriate instructional goals for children
Demonstrate an understanding of effective instruction for students from diverse
cultural backgrounds
Demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to children with special learning
needs and identify ways of modifying educational activities for these students
Develop skills in evaluating the developmental appropriateness of curriculum
material, teacher-student interactions, and the educational environment
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of several different instructional models,
including direct instruction, cooperative learning, and discovery methods
REQUIRED TEXTS AND SUPPLIES
"
"
"
Email account
$50 to spend on children’s books and items for teaching
Other materials and references on Reserve in the Library
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities
will be afforded reasonable accommodation. 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 OSSS located at 320 Alumni Circle,
Faculty Court West. The Entrance, Suite 19, is on the west side of the building near the
parking area. OSSS phone is 251.460.7212.
1
COUNSELING AND TESTING SERVICES
Counseling and Testing Services provides a variety of free and confidential services for
students. I recommend that all students look into taking the MBTI and Strong’s Inventory for
intrapersonal skill development. For further information regarding these resources go to
www.southalabama.edu/counseling or call the office at 251.460.7051.
OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS
All cell phones, beepers, and electronic devices must remain off during class hours.
IMPORTANT DATES
Holidays: September 7; October 8-9; November 25 – 27
Música y Más: September 12 (10 a.m. – Noon) Must RSVP to attend
¡Literacy, Numeracy, Si!: October 12 (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) Must RSVP to attend
Last Day of Classes: December 4
Final exam: December 9, 3:30 to 5:30
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Most classes will require your active participation and discussion. Regular attendance is vital
to the success in this course. One absence is allowed, without penalty. However, the student is
solely responsible for everything covered in class including, but not limited to, new material
presented, deadlines, review sessions, assignment criteria, quizzes, and activities. Two
absences will result in a student course grade being LOWERED BY ONE LETTER GRADE. Three
absences will result in an overall course grade failure. There are NO exceptions. Students are
*tardy at 10 minutes* after the start of class and *absent at 20 minutes* after the start of class.
Three tardies = one absence.
STATEMENT REGARDING C HANGES IN COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Not all classes progress at the same rate thus course requirements might have to be modified
as circumstances dictate. Students will be given adequate notification in writing prior to any
changes in course requirements and/or expectations.
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 logon problems, technical questions and/or on-campus writing assistance, contact the USA
Writing Center at 251.460.6480.
GRADING POLICY
Students achieve the goals of the course through written and practical assignments designed to
reach children through active learning.
Most projects may be submitted 10 days prior to the due date. The instructor will grade and
return the project to the student with suggestions and comments for improvement. The grade
will not be recorded until the assignment is resubmitted on the official due date.
2
The EXAM may include multiple-choice questions and/or an essay portion. If an essay portion
is included, students will know the topic of the essay(s) prior to the exam. Make-up exams
will be provided when there is a serious emergency (usually only medical) preventing the
student from attending the exam.
LATE WORK will be penalized by a deduction of 10% each day, including weekends. Early
submission is encouraged. Students are encouraged to complete assignments before the dates
listed below.
My Grade times %
equals
August 24th
DUE: Leading a Song (5%)
x
.05 =
August 31st
DUE: Singing a Storybook (5%)
x
.05 =
September 7th
Holiday
September 14th
Demonstration Teaching and Discussion
September 21st
DUE: Teaching a Song (10%)
x
.10 =
September 28th
DUE: Composition in Class (10%)
x
.10 =
October 5th
Quiz 1 (10%)
x
.10 =
October 12th
Demonstration Teaching and Discussion
October 19th
DUE: Choral Reading (10%)
x
.10 =
October 26th
DUE: Play an instrument (10%)
x
.10 =
November 2nd
Demonstration Teaching and Discussion
November 9th
DUE: Composition (10%)
x
.10 =
November 16th
DUE: Play an instrument (10%)
x
.10 =
November 23rd
Quiz 2 (10%)
x
.10 =
November 30th
Review for Final Exam
May 9th at 3:30p.m. Final Exam or attend an Early Childhood Inservice
September 12 or October 12
x
.10 =
Must RSVP and receive a confirmed seat to attend
*Dates are tentative
Grading Scale
90 – 100
80 – 89.9
70 – 79.9
A
B
C
60 – 69.9
Below 60
D
F
3
4
MUSIC TOPICS THROUGH WHICH COURSE CONTENT IS DELIVERED
*Length of class time devoted to each topic will be determined as the semester progresses.
Philosophy/Reasons for the Course
Research
Important skills learned by children and youth studying music:
Comprehending
Solving problems
Reasoning logically; making value judgments
Using symbols
Conceptualizing
Communicating
Self-motivation
Working productively and cooperatively with others (ensembles)
Musical Elements
Timbre
Texture
Articulation
Rhythm
Melody
Harmony
Form
Style
Dynamics/expression
Time and Place
Learning the Elements of Music through:
Performing, instrumental/vocal
Describing, notation/movement/verbal
Creating, composing/arranging
Teaching Songs by Rote
Hierarchy of Singing Skills
Finding the Singing Voice
Individual Singing
Ostinati
Rounds
Partner Songs
Descants and Countermelodies
Part Singing
Music Literacy vs. Reading Literacy
What is literacy? How is it related? What is the approach by age?
Birth to Kindergarten
Kindergarten through Grade 3
Grades 4 – 6
Grades 7 – 8
Grades 9 – 12
5
ACADE MIC DISRUPTIONS POLICY
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Academic Disruption is found in The
Lowdown, 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.
The University of South Alabama respects the right of instructors to teach and students to
learn. Maintenance of these rights requires an academic environment that does not impede
their exercise. Faculty and staff have the responsibility:
-to establish and implement academic standards;
-to establish and enforce reasonable behavior standards in each academic setting;
-to document and report incidents of academic disruption;
-to refer for disciplinary action those students whose behavior may be judged to be
disruptive under the Code of Student Conduct.
Disruption refers to behavior a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly
interfering with the conduct of an activity.
I expect students to be cordial, courteous and respectful of faculty members and fellow
students. The policy regarding Academic Disruption is published annually in The Lowdown,
the student handbook. This is excerpted from The Lowdown.
STU DENT ACADEMIC CONDUCT POLICY
As a community of students and scholars, the University strives to maintain the highest
standards of academic integrity. All members of the community are expected to exhibit
honesty and competence in academic work. This responsibility can be met only through
earnest and continuing effort on the part of all students and faculty.
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. Degree revocation may be
warranted in cases involving academic misconduct by former students while they were
students at USA. Note that dismissal from any University of South Alabama college or school
for reasons of academic misconduct will also result in permanent dismissal from the
University. Faculty, students, and staff are responsible for acquainting themselves with,
adhering to, and promoting policies governing academic conduct. Students enrolled in online
courses are expected to adhere to the Academic Conduct Policy. In particular, students are
expected to complete their own coursework and not provide unauthorized information or
materials to another student.
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. The University
of South Alabama’s policy regarding Academic Conduct is published annually in The
6
Lowdown, the student handbook. This is excerpted from The Lowdown.
7