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 227A (MUS
150)
Course Title
Mountain Electroacoustic Laptop Ensemble
Prerequisite
Consent of Instructor/MUSI 310
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
Program Chair Dr. Maxine Ramey, Director
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
MUST 227A is a new music workshop, in which student composers, guided by a faculty composer,
collaborate on new pieces for electroacoustic ensemble. Each student will compose structured
improvisations, scored with a combination of traditional and graphic notation, that the Mountain
Electroacoustic Laptop Ensemble (MELEe) will perform, with their electric or amplified instruments,
MIDI controllers, and laptop computers. Successful completion of MUST 310 is a prerequisite for
taking this class, unless otherwise exempted by the instructor. 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 electroacoustic
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
Students are expected to compose at least
one structured improvisation during the
semester, must be prepared for rehearsals,
and will perform the compositions at the end
of the semester. 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
School of Music, The University of Montana
MUST U 227/427, Mountain Electroacoustic Laptop Ensemble, 1 credit
Fall 2011
www.charlesnichols.com/227_427.html
Charles Nichols
charles.nichols@umontana.edu
(406) 243-5360
Schedule:
Class will be scheduled by consensus, during the first week.
Class will not meet Monday, September 5, for Labor Day, or Wednesday and Thursday,
November 23 & 24, for Thanksgiving.
Lab time will be available Sundays-Wednesdays from 6:00-11:00 pm, for weeks 2-14, in the
Lab.
Office hours are by appointment, in my office, room 203.
Description:
MUST 227/427 is a new music workshop, in which student composers, guided by a faculty
composer, collaborate on new pieces for electroacoustic ensemble. Each student will compose
structured improvisations, scored with a combination of traditional and graphic notation, that
the Mountain Electroacoustic Laptop Ensemble (MELEe) will perform, with their electric or
amplified instruments, MIDI controllers, and laptop computers. Successful completion of
MUST 310 is a prerequisite for taking this class, unless otherwise exempted by the instructor.
Students are expected to compose at least one structured improvisation during the semester,
must be prepared for rehearsals, and will perform the compositions at the end of the semester.
Grades:
All compositional work from the semester and participation in rehearsals and performances will
cumulatively count as 100% of the final grade, and will be graded on creative effort and
collaborative involvement.
Attendance is mandatory, and excessive absences will be reflected in your final grade. In
addition, each student will be required to attend the Composers’ Benefit Concert, Thursday
November 17 at 7:30 pm in the Music Recital Hall, free of charge.
Extra credit may be added, changes may be made to the requirements of the course, and classes
may be added, which will be optional, to benefit the students. Students with disabilities or
special needs should talk with the instructor about these needs.
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code:
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic
penalty by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students
need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/Index.cfm/page/1321.
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.