North Arkansas College
Course Syllabus for Music Appreciation
1.
Course Identification
Course Name: (MUS 1003) Music Appreciation
Instructor: Reece Conrad
Office Location: M162
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 – 9:15 (or by appointment)
Email: rconrad@northark.edu
2.
Catalog Course Description
This course surveys music history, with emphasis on listening to and evaluating music.
We will study cultural trends and major composers throughout history by studying
musical selections for voice and common orchestral instruments. We will also cover the
terminology needed to discuss musical works in an intelligent manner. I encourage
attendance at live concerts and selective Internet listening.
3.
Rationale for Course
Music is a part of everyday life for all human beings. Studying about the fundamentals
of music and tracing its development throughout history helps us understand and
appreciate the art of Music to a fuller extent. Music appreciation is one of the educational
core classes and is transferable to other colleges.
4.
Audience for Course
Music Appreciation is open to any Northark student.
5.
General Course Goals
Understand the fundamental properties of music
Become familiar with different musical instruments
Learn about major historical figures throughout the history of music
Identify some of the important works of music
Be able to identify and discuss the basic elements that make up a musical
composition
6.
Specific Course Outcomes/Objectives/Competencies
By the end of the semester students will be able to:
Identify different instruments and sections of the orchestra
Identify various compositions of music
Identify different styles of music
Identify various musical vocabulary terms
Understand the uniqueness and importance of various composers throughout
different periods of history
7.
Resources Needed for the Course (REQUIRED MATERIALS)
All materials are available in the Northark bookstore
Textbook: Kamien, Roger. Music: An Appreciation, 8th Brief Edition.
Copyright 2014. McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y.
5-CD set from 7th brief edition
8.
Resources Available for the Course
Computer access is available in the library. The library is open from 7:30 a.m. to
9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m - 5 p.m Fridays and 8am until 2pm on
Saturdays. There are also computer labs in rooms M101, M102, M103, M111D,
M150, A106, B206-209, N110, and N114. All south campus labs are open when
the building is open. North campus labs usually close at 5 p.m. You can doublecheck lab hours outside of room B202 (Mary Bausch’s office).
9.
Instructional/Teaching Methods
Classroom lectures and demonstrations from the instructor
Audial and Visual demonstrations of musical material
10.
Other Student Responsibilities
Students must attend regularly. (See attendance Policy)
Students are expected to keep notes from listening examples and class lectures.
Students are expected to contribute to classroom discussion.
11.
Course Evaluation (Grading) Procedures
FINAL GRADE BREAKDOWN
o Unit exams:
25%
o Listening tests:
25%
o In-class work:
25%
o Attendance:
25%
UNIT EXAMS
There will be 4 unit exams (multiple choice and short answer) during the semester. Exam
questions will be taken from lecture material and assigned readings. The average of
your 4 unit exams will account for 25% of your final grade.
LISTENING EXAMS
There will be 4 listening exams during the semester. Exam questions will be taken from
lecture material and listening assignments. The average of your 4 listening exams will
account for 25% of your final grade.
IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
There will be several in-class assignments throughout the semester. The average of
your in-class work will account for 25% of your final grade.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance on campus is extremely important. Therefore I will be taking attendance
each session. Your attendance grade will count at 25% of your final grade.
EXTRA CREDIT
You can earn limited extra credit in this course by attending an approved classical music
concert and completing a short written assignment. Please see me if you are interested in
earning extra credit.
The following grading scale will be used in this class:
A=100%-90%
B=89%-80%
C=79%-70%
D=69%-60%
F=59% and below
MAKE-UP TESTS
Make-up tests are only available for an excusable absence.
In order for your absence to count as “excusable”, you will need to provide me with
proof such as a doctor’s office note, email from a coach/sponsor, or obituary.
Please read the syllabus ahead of time and make sure that you can be present for all
scheduled tests. If you know you are going to be absent for an exam, you will need to
schedule a time to take the exam prior to the scheduled date.
12.
Attendance Policy
I will take roll online before each class. You can see your attendance record at any
time by logging into the Northark Portal page for you class. If you are tardy for class, you
must see me when class is over so that you are not marked absent. It is your responsibility
to make sure you are added to the role if you are tardy for class.
ABSENCES
Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Each absence will lower your
attendance grade.
TARDINESS
If you are late to class, you will be marked tardy in the attendance record. 3 tardies will
be considered an absence. Students who are tardy or miss a class will need to copy class
notes from another student for the portion he/she has missed.
13.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty, as defined in the Student Handbook, will not be tolerated. Any
form of academic dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, test tampering, and
facilitating academic dishonesty, will be reported and will result in disciplinary action.
Please consult the Student Handbook for information on how to resolve disciplinary
action.
14.
Provision for Changing the Syllabus
The syllabus is always subject to change. In the event of a change, I will hand out an
addendum to the syllabus in class.
15.
Inclement Weather Policy
This class will not meet if the College is closed.
16.
Safety Requirements
For safety reasons, please become familiar will the layout of the building, taking note of
the locations of the nearest exits and fire extinguishers.
17.
Student Responsibilities
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
Read the college catalog and all materials you receive during registration. These
materials tell you what the college expects from you.
Read the syllabus for each class. The syllabus tells you what the instructor expects from
you.
Attend all class meetings. Something important to learning happens during every class
period. If you must miss a class meeting, talk to the instructor in advance about what you
should do.
Be on time. If you come in after class has started, you disrupt the entire class.
Never interrupt another class to talk to the instructor or a student in that class.
Be prepared for class. Complete reading assignments and other homework before class
so that you can understand the lecture and participate in discussion. Always have
pen/pencil, paper, and other specific tools for class.
Learn to take good notes. Write down ideas rather than word-for-word statements by the
instructor.
Allow time to use all the resources available to you at the college. Visit your instructor
during office hours for help with material or assignments you do not understand; use the
library; use the free tutors, tapes, computers, and other resources in Learning Assistance
Center.
Treat others with respect. Part of the college experience is being exposed to people with
ideas, values, and backgrounds different from yours. Listen to others and evaluate
ideas on their own merit.
18.
Accommodations for Students with Special Needs:
North Arkansas College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you feel you may require
accommodations based on the impact of a disability, please meet with the instructor
privately to discuss needs. In addition, please contact a disabilities coordinator to
establish eligibility and coordinate reasonable accommodations. For more information,
contact Kim Brecklein, Room M184, 391-3338 (voice), 391-3111 (TDD);
kbrecklein@northark.edu