Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Course Title:
MUS 108
Fundamentals of Western Music
Number of credits:
Three (3)
Abbreviated Course Title:
NA
Date of Outline:
2. Course Description:
February 2004
Introduces basic concepts to enable students to
express themselves as budding composers,
performers, listeners, and teachers.
3. Contact Hours Per Week:
Three (3) Lecture, as needed
4. Prerequisites:
None
Corequisites:
None
Recommended Preparation:
MUS 121c or 121d or have other instrumental or
choral music experience.
5. General Course Objectives:
Students will develop skills in listening to,
analyzing, and writing about music. Students will
write down musical examples, clap rhythms, sing
melodies, learn about western harmony, study
the craft of musical composition, and compose
their own musical works.
Approved by _______________________________________Date__________________
2
6. Student Learner Outcomes
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Summarize, question, analyze, and evaluate ideas found in works of western music
literature
Shape and present information and ideas appropriate to purpose and audience,
using documentation when necessary
Interpret and discuss a composer’s inferential as well as literal meaning
Demonstrate awareness of ways that music enriches life
Demonstrate knowledge of how the composer develops themes
Understand and be able to discuss the basic elements of music
Illustrate knowledge of the development of western art music
Compose music
Read and write traditional western music notation
7. Recommended Course Content
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Elements of music
How to listen to music.
Music notation I (rhythm)
Music notation II (pitch)
The keyboard
Meter
Intervals
Scales and modes
Keys
Review. Midterm exam
Melody
Triads
Diatonic relationships
Diatonic relationships in practice
Instrumentation
3
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Compositional techniques
Compositional techniques
Review
8. Recommended Course Requirements
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the
course is being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to,
the following:
Attendance and participation
Writing assignments
In-class assignments
Homework assignments
Projects
Presentations
Aural drills
Concert attendance
Exams
9. Text and Materials
An appropriate text (or texts) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is to
be offered. Examples:
Text:
Fundamentals of Music 3rd ed. With CD.
Earl Henry. Prentice Hall.
Materials:
Music manuscript paper
Others:
Video tapes, CDs, DVDs, guest speakers, Internet sites
10. Evaluation and Grading
Factors for grading may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Aural drills
Concert Reports
Homework
Exams
Composition project
Attendance
15 %
10 %
15 %
30 %
20 %
10 %
4
11. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods vary with instructors; thus instructional methods will be at the
discretion of the instructor teaching the course. Techniques may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Class discussions
Guest lecturers
Instructor lectures
Audio, visual, or computer presentations
Student presentations and activities, individual or group
Other learning experiences, such as collaborative, service, and experiential