Fall, 2011 Basic Concepts in Music Education MPAME-GE.2139
Dr. David Elliott
Email: david.elliott@nyu.edu
AIMS:
1. To develop your understanding of key philosophical and psychological concepts in contemporary music, education, and music education.
2. To develop your CRITICAL THINKING abilities regarding basic concepts in the philosophy, psychology, and practice of music education.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS :
1. Active, Weekly participation in class discussions……….30%
This means participating in class discussions on a regular basis, being prepared to ask and answer questions on readings each week, and being ready for any pop quizzes I may give at any time.
2. Weekly “think papers” as assigned: …………….35%
3. Final Paper: …………..35%. Due Dec. 16, by email.
Length: At least 5000 words, with at least 10 references. YOU MUST CLEAR AND
CONFIRM YOUR TOPIC WITH ME BY NOV. 29 TH , AND YOU CANNOT
CHANGE YOUR TOPIC AFTER YOUR CONFIRM IT WITH ME.
REQUIRED TEXTS
1. Elliott, David J. (1995). Music Matters: A New Philosophy of Music Education . New
York: Oxford University Press.
2. Ravitch, D. (2010). The Life and Death of the Great American School System: How
Testing and Choice are Undermining Education . New York: Basic Books.
3. Additional Readings will be posted on Blackboard.
TOPIC OUTLINE: Topics Will be Selected from this list, and as issues arise in class discussions. Feel free to suggest topics/readings for discussion.
1. Education is . . . Teaching is . . .?
2. Educational Psychology is . . .?
3. Philosophy (vs. advocacy)
4. Music is . . .?
5. Musical Understanding is…?
6. The Values of Music Education are . . .?
7. What is there to listen for in a piece of music?
8. What does “musical experience” mean?
9. Can we teach musical creativity? What is “creativity.”
10. What does “curriculum” mean and involve?
12. What’s the difference between measurement, evaluation, and assessment in music education? How can we “assess” musicality, musical achievement, musical growth, etc?