University Studies Component Form: Aesthetic, Interpretive, and Literary Perspectives
I. Rationale
Please provide a rationale for the course which explains how the course being proposed fits into this
component based on the component's description. For your convenience, the overall description and rationale
for this component are included below.
Overall Description and Rationale for Aesthetic, Interpretive, and Literary Perspectives
This component of the University Studies program includes courses that focus on artistic and creative
expression as a means of experiencing and understanding our world. These disciplines include music, dance,
theater, the visual arts, art history, creative writing, film studies, literature and the philosophy of aesthetics.
The category’s fundamental purpose is to provide students with intellectual and experiential engagement
with literature and the arts, thereby fostering an understanding and appreciation of the cultural significance of
imaginative thinking, creative composition and performance. Courses in the Aesthetic, Interpretive, and
Literary Perspectives component will foster creativity, self-expression, analytical thinking, communication
skills and an intimate, humanistic view of the linkages between art and social culture throughout history. In
addition, such knowledge cultivates the imaginative empathy required to appreciate and value diverse
cultural traditions.
Brief Statement of Rationale for Course's Inclusion in Aesthetic, Interpretive, and Literary Perspectives
MUS 106 Exploring Music provides an introduction to the creative process of making
music while developing an understanding of basic musical terms and concepts. This
course is designed for students with no musical background who wish to increase their
understanding of music. Activities encourage critical and creative thinking while
listening to music, playing classroom instruments, group singing, improvising, and
reading and writing music notation. These and other assignments provide
opportunities for students to engage with music intellectually and experientially.
Beyond music itself, students explore cultural ahd historical connections through
music using a variety of multimedia tools. Outside the classroom, students also attend
live musical performances as a way to enhance their understanding and appreciation
of artistic and creative expression through music.
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II. Common Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Each course must address all of the Common Student Learning Outcomes for the component, and list these
Common SLOs along with course-specific SLOs in the model course syllabus (to be attached). For each
Common SLO, list the course SLOs that address the common SLO, describe the opportunities which will be
provided for students to learn the outcome (readings, class discussion and/or activities, applied projects), and
list the means of assessment (exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.) that will be used to determine the level of
student understanding.
AIL 1. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze, appreciate, and make cogent subjective
judgments regarding artistic and literary works, using the appropriate conventions and language of
the discipline.
Course SLO(s) to Address AIL1
• Students will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze, appreciate, and make
cogent subjective judgments about the role of music in history and the medium of
music as a means of interpretation and self-expression.
• Students will develop a familiarity with music history and musical terminology
through assigned readings and lectures.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Music listening assignments will be accompanied by assigned readings with relevant
musical terms and concepts. In-class presentations guide the students through these
and other music listening experiences. Following the music listening, students will
engage in a discussion about the music and the required readings related to the
musical example. Students are also required to attend three concerts on campus and
write a critical report using musical terminology from the assigned readings and
lectures. Student analyze the performances in reflective writing as part of the same
reports.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Graded tests, the final exam, and periodic assigments will address musical
terminology, music in its historical context, and other related content from the assigned
readings.
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AIL 2. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the significance of major literary and
artistic work and movements within their larger socio/historical contexts.
Course SLO(s) to Address AIL2
• Students will understand the larger socio-historical contexts of the musical examples
through assigned readings and lectures.
• Students will recognize the value and richness that cultural, social, and ethnic
diversity bring to music and related fine arts.
• Students will develop their creative, critical, and analytical thinking skills through
analysis and evaluation of music and consideration of the distinctions between
"classical" vs. popular music.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Several musical examples will represent diverse cultural traditions. Students will listen
to and discuss this music representing global diversity. This music will be presented
within a historical context, and also within the larger context of diversity and musical
expression. Through these musical experiences, studnets will explore various
perspectives regarding cultural diversity and historical relevance in music. Assigned
readings specifically chosen to explore these issues will be used.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Graded tests, the final exam, and periodic assignments will address musical content,
historical context, and assigned readings. Graded class participation regarding
assigned readings and musical activities will also address students' understanding of
artistic work.
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AIL 3. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the importance of artistic expression to free and open-minded
inquiry in human society.
Course SLO(s) to Address AIL3
• Students will express themselves creatively through written assignments in response
to musical experiences containing creative components.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze, appreciate, and make
cogent subjective judgments about the role of the music in history and the medium of
music as a means of interpretation and self-expression.
Opportunities for Student Learning
(reading, researching, discussing, listening, viewing, etc.)
Throughout the semester, students will listen to music, make music, read articles, write
reflectively, and engage in course discussions that will examine the critical role of
music as a means of artistic and self expression. Group and individual assignments
will encourage students to investigate how to combine musical concepts with their own
perspectives and artistic choices, leading them to a better understanding of and
appreciation for the power of music as a communicative and artistic medium.
Means of Assessing Course SLO(s)
(exams, papers, projects, quizzes, etc.)
Graded class participation, class discussions, and written assignments will address
students' critical and creative engagement with music.
Submission instructions:
Please submit cover form, all component forms, a model syllabus, and College/School’s course
action form (if needed) to your department chair. Department chairs should then submit these
forms, syllabus, and course action form (if needed) in one email message to
universitystudies@uncw.edu from their UNCW email address.
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