College: Liberal Arts
Department: Performing Arts
Semester: Fall 2023
Course Information
• Course Prefix: MUS
• Number: 2523
• CRN: 24781
• Credits: 3
• Title: American Pop Music Appreciation
Instructor Name
• Instructor Email: demerrit@nsuok.edu
• Instructor Phone: 678-644-7077
• Office Location:N/A
• Office Hours: Appointment only
Course Delivery Method
Online
Workload/Credit Hour Statement
The federal definition of a credit hour requires one hour of instruction time and two hours of out-of class
student work per credit per week [34 CFR 600.2]. By multiplying the number of credit hours a course is
worth by three clock hours’ instruction / preparation time, you can determine the minimum average per
week for “time on task.” For example, in a 3-credit online course, you should plan on a minimum average
of 9 hours per week of “time on task.” In online or blended courses, the “traditional” credit hour contact
hours are defined by the number of hours of “time on task.” Time on task includes any time that students
spend interacting with course materials and participating in learning activities, including but not limited to
readings, projects, assignments, videos, student-student or student-professor interaction, and exams.
Class Days / Meeting Times
ONLINE
Course Prerequisites and/or Co-requisites (if any)
N/A
Approved by Academic Council – May 3, 1994
Updated – January 27, 2010; Approved by President’s Cabinet – February 23, 2010
Revised Fall 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020; Spring 2021, Fall 2021
Catalog Description:
The study of American Pop Music beginning in the 20th century and how it has shaped
American popular music for modern times.
Course Purpose / Goals
General Education Requirement/ Elective
Student Learning utcomes
By the end of the class, the student should show significant improvement in the following
areas:
1) Overall history of American Pop Music and its origins
2) A thorough knowledge of typical instruments used
3) Famous composers, bands, and musicians
4) Musical techniques that differentiate from other musical genres as well as knowledge of
famous recordings and artists.
5) Knowledge of how different styles of music were a mirror of American society at the time.
Instructional Methods / Strategies
Textbook assignments
Reading
Listening
Essays or reports
Learning Outcome Assessment Methods
In-class Assignments, Quizzes, Performance Evaluation, Tests
Instructional Materials
Textbook:
Starr/Waterman, American Popular Music 5e Student Resources
various youtube or spotify clips
Grading Policy / Scale
Grading Policy / Scale
Grading: Grades will be based on a percentage of points possible.
A 90.0 – 100.0
B 80.0 – 89.9
C 70.0 – 79.9
D 60.0 – 69.9
F 59.9 and below
All Assignments/ Discussions/ Quizzes: 75%
(Quiz points will vary)
Research Paper on pop music artist or local music report: 25%
Approved by Academic Council – May 3, 1994
Updated – January 27, 2010; Approved by President’s Cabinet – February 23, 2010
Revised Fall 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020; Spring 2021, Fall 2021
Class and Instructor Policies:
obtain the textbook
check in w/Blackboard 3x week for supplemental reading, additional reference materials,
and quiz prep.
Academic Policies / Required Information
(To save paper, please just include the text and links below.)
Please go to the following weblink: Academic Affairs Syllabus Information link for required information
pertaining to:
• Academic Misconduct
• Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
• Behavioral Intervention Team
• Inclement Weather/Disaster Policy
• Release of Confidential Information
• Student Handbook
• Teach Act
• Textbook Information
• Title IX
Student Support
Students enrolled in postsecondary education are required to self-identify if they would like to request services
on the basis of disability. Student Disability Services provides or arranges reasonable accommodations and
services to qualifying students. You can learn more here: Student Disability Services
Students who may need assistance accessing sufficient food to eat every day, lack a safe and stable place to
live, or who may be experiencing mental health challenges impacting their performance in the course are
urged to contact Student Affairs or HawkReach Counseling Services for support. Additional resources are
available through the Food Pantry (NSU-BA) and Rowdy's Resource Room (NSU-Tahlequah). An online
report may also be submitted through the Report Concern link.
Course Concerns or Complaints
Students who wish to express a concern about a course or academic issue are encouraged to follow this
process. Students who want to file a course grade appeal should consult the next section.
• First, conference with the faculty member. Most concerns can be handled through dialogue with the course
instructor.
• Second, if the instructor is unable to resolve the issue, the student may talk with the department chair. If the
student does not know who the department chair is, s/he can contact the registrar with the course prefix and
number, and that office can provide the information.
• Third, if the department chair is unable to resolve the issue, then the student is welcome to contact the
assistant or associate dean. If the student does not know who the assistant / associate dean is, s/he can ask
the department chair or contact the registrar.
Approved by Academic Council – May 3, 1994
Updated – January 27, 2010; Approved by President’s Cabinet – February 23, 2010
Revised Fall 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020; Spring 2021, Fall 2021
• Fourth, if the assistant / associate dean is unable to resolve the issue, the student may contact the
college dean.
It is important that the student initiate action (not parents, partners, or other relatives) and begin at the
faculty or department chair level as most issues can be resolved there.
Grade Appeal
A student may petition a course grade change by using the Grade Appeals Timeline and Policy if
satisfactory resolution cannot be achieved after informal grade review conferences with the instructor,
department chair, and/or Dean’s office. The Grade Appeals Process must be formally initiated with a written
appeal to the Dean within four months following awarding of the original course grade. Please contact the
dean of the college in which the grade was given for a copy of the grade appeals process and the conditions
which allow for the appeal of a course grade.
Class Calendar with Assignment Due Dates:
Week 1 (Aug 14- Aug 20)
Syllabus Review and Announcement Check In
email instructor that you have received and read the syllabus and purchased the book
Week 2 & 3 (Aug 21- Sept 2)
SECTION 1: Chapters 1-3
quiz Sep 5 over chapters 1, 2, and 3
Week 4 & 5 (Sept 5– Sep 15)
SECTION 2: Chapters 4-6
quiz Sep 18 over chapters 4, 5, and 6
Week 6 & 7 (Sep 18- Sep 30)
SECTION 3:Chapters 7-9
quiz Oct 2 over chapters 7, 8, and 9
Week 8 & 9 & 10 (Oct 4 – Oct 21) - including Fall Break
SECTION 4: Chapters 10-12
quiz Oct 23 over chapters 10, 11, and 12
Week 10 & 11 (Oct 23 – Nov 5 )
SECTION 5: Chapters 13-15
quiz Nov 6 over chapters 13, 14, and 15
Week 12 & 13 (Nov 6 – Dec 1)
5 page research paper or 5 page field/local concert report (w/video) due Dec 4
Approved by Academic Council – May 3, 1994
Updated – January 27, 2010; Approved by President’s Cabinet – February 23, 2010
Revised Fall 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020; Spring 2021, Fall 2021
Approved by Academic Council – May 3, 1994
Updated – January 27, 2010; Approved by President’s Cabinet – February 23, 2010
Revised Fall 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020; Spring 2021, Fall 2021