Jackson College Department of Music
Understanding Music
MUS 131.02
Fall 2015
Course Overview
Number of Course Credits: 3
Meeting Times: T/R 3:00 p.m.-4:26 p.m.
Location: JW Hall; Rm 210
Instructor: Professor C.K. Valentine
Office Hours: By appointment
Telephone/Text: 517-403-0582
E-mail: ValentiCynthiaK@jccmi.edu
Course Description
Lecture and directed listening on the elements, forms, and historic chronology of Western music.
Prerequisite(s)
ENG 085
Course Goals
At the completion of this course the student should be able to listen to music with more comprehension of musical form, style, and
other basic musical concepts, including the development of music in Western Civilization.
Learning/Performance Objectives (Competencies)
Students will gain general knowledge of music through weekly readings from the required textbook, class discussion and listening
activities. A higher level of comprehension and appreciation will be achieved through class discussion, lecture/presentations,
readings of text, homework assignments, which include listening and research, diagnostic and listening quizzes and unit tests.
Students will explore and describe via textbook readings and in-class discussion:
 Music as an art form
 Music in culture
 The importance of the performing and visual arts in culture
 The effects of literature on the arts
The course goals and objectives incorporate specific Associate Degree Outcomes (ADOs) established by the Jackson College Board of
Trustees, administration, and faculty. These goals are in concert with four-year colleges, universities, and reflect input from the
professional communities we serve. ADOs guarantee students achieve goals necessary for graduation credit, transferability, and
professional skills needed in many certification programs. The ADOs and course objectives addressed in this class include the
following:
ADO 6
Meaning/Understanding
Analysis and
Interpretation
Engagement
Evaluation
Appreciation
Develops a musical understanding and vocabulary, capable of identifying and knowing musical
compositions, acquiring knowledge of basic historic data.
Understands how to recognize and understand musical periods. Uses discipline-specific language.
Engages in prompted discussions of the creative contexts within which composers work.
Identifies the aesthetic standards used to make critical judgments about music.
Approaches musical compositions with a combination of resistance and openness, disinterest and
interest expressed in discussion or writing.
ADO 10
Knowledge of and regard for groups with
which one identifies
Knowledge of and regard for individuals from
groups other than one’s own
Understanding of and regard for diversity
Interaction with individuals from groups other
than one’s own
Lists kinds of music with which one identifies (gender, race, creed, ethnicity,
class, sexual orientation, age, ability).
Articulates similarities to and differences from one’s own preferred music
Defines musical stereotypes.
Defines ethnocentrism, oppression and dominant group privilege through
investigation of jazz music
Learns from and about music from non-“American cultures
Textbook
The Enjoyment of Music, eleventh edition, shorter version by Kristine Forney & Joseph Machlis available in hard copy from the
Jackson College bookstore or Amazon. This copy can be a used textbook; just make sure you purchase the above listed version.
You will also need to purchase a Total Access code from https://digital.wwnorton.com/enjmusic12s for Study Space
Listening Activities.
Assessment and Measurement
Grading Procedure:
Exams (100 pts each); Homework Assignments/Quizzes (100 pts each); Classroom participation (162 pts possible); Extra Credit
Assignments (TBD). At the end of the semester after all scores have been assigned, your 2 lowest test/quiz grades will be dropped.
Grading Scale:
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
94-100
89-93
84-88
78-83
72-77
66-71
60-65
55-59
0-54
Classroom Behavior: Please be courteous and do not talk over other people, nor over the professor. Disruptive behavior will not be
tolerated. It will be reflected in your final grade, and may result in your dismissal from a class session. This will count as an absence
against your final grade. The seating arrangement may be changed if necessary.
All electronic devices MUST BE TURNED OFF and put away while class is in session. Use of electronic devices will result in a
deduction of points from your grade.
Academic Honesty Policy
Plagiarism or cheating will not be tolerated and an immediate “Failure” will be given for the class. The current JC academic policy can
be viewed here: http://www.jccmi.edu/policies/Academics/Policies/1004.pdf
Course Management
Term dates applicable to withdraw or audit can be found at: http://www.jccmi.edu/academics/academic_calendar.htm
The JC grading system, as well as, specifics regarding other grades such as incomplete, withdraw or audit can be found at:
http://www.jccmi.edu/studentservices/registration/grading_system.htm
Instructor Availability and Response Time
Instructor available for on-campus appointments T/R 11:00-12:30 pm (Main Campus). The instructor is available by email or text
before 7:00 pm. If no response via email within the day of sent correspondence, please send text. Response will occur within 24
hours.
Student Responsibilities
You will periodically receive correspondence from Jackson College or Instructor via your JC email address. You are expected to check
your JC email for notifications daily.
Read the chapter material in advance and be prepared to comment on textbook chapter and audio material. Do listening and
written online assignments as directed.
Attendance / Participation:
Attendance at all class meetings is mandatory, and it is your responsibility to sign in each day. All students are expected to arrive on
time, stay until class dismisses and be fully engaged throughout the class. Students are expected to be present for and fully engaged
in class assignments and activities. Arriving late (by more than 2 minutes) or leaving during class for 10 minutes or more is
calculated as a ½ absence. All excuses for missing class are equally valid, but an absence is an absence. Missing class for any reason
will affect your grade. Two (2) consecutive absences with no contact will result in a Q on HVQ report.
Late Assignments, Tests and Quizzes:
If you know you are going to miss class, notify the instructor as soon as possible via email or text. Make-up tests are generally not
given; however, you may take one (1) make-up quiz when prior notice of absence is given. It is your responsibility to schedule the
make-up. Listening Tests cannot be made up.
All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late homework/assignments will only be accepted on the next day of class, and, at
the discretion of the instructor, with a possible reduction of 50%.
All syllabus assignments, test and quiz dates are subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.
Caveat
Classes are held in accordance to the term calendar found at: http://www.jccmi.edu/academics/academic_calendar.htm. Possible
cancellations may occur due to inclement weather or instructor illness. In the event of inclement weather, closing will be announced
on local television and radio stations (refer to: http://www.jccmi.edu/info/closings.htm).
In the event of an instructor absence, every effort will be made to contact students via their JC email and/or phone number
registered in e-Services. Please ensure that you are able to access your JC assigned email and validate that your correct contact
number is on file.
Learner Support
The Center for Student Success (CSS) is committed to providing all students the opportunity to achieve academic success by
providing a variety of support services free of charge to Jackson College students. This includes, but is not limited to, peer and
faculty tutoring, mental health referral, temporary assistance with transportation, various workshops/seminars, and the TRiO
program.
http://www.jccmi.edu/success/
Technical Requirements and Support
A computer connected to the Internet is required for accessing course material including, but not limited to:
 listening examples, activities and quizzes
 videos
 diagnostic quizzes
 unit tests
The JC Solution Center is committed to providing a knowledge-based support system to maintain client productivity. In fulfilling its
mission, the JC Solution Center will:



provide information to assist students with the completion of their work
identify knowledge needed to maintain student productivity
deliver knowledge-based support via web, email, or telephone
All technical work requests are requested through the JC Solution Center.
Email: jccsolutioncenter@jccmi.edu
Phone: (517) 796-8639
Walk-in: Atkinson Hall, Room 203
The Center for Student Success (CSS) is committed to providing all students the opportunity to achieve academic success by
providing a variety of support services free of charge to Jackson College students. This includes, but is not limited to, peer and
faculty tutoring, mental health referral, temporary assistance with transportation, various workshops/seminars, and the TRiO
program. http://www.jccmi.edu/success/
Accessibility
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Center for
Student Success as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.
http://www.jccmi.edu/Success/accommodations.htm
Center for Student Success Phone: 517.796.8415 Fax: 517.768.7008
Calendar
Fall Term Dates: Sept 8-Dec 21, 2015
Holiday: Nov 26
Day 1
Discussion/Explanation of Syllabus
Assignment: Read Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Meter Prelude 1 and Ch 1-3; Register with Study Space
Day 2
Discussion: Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Meter Prelude 1 and Ch 1-3
Assignment: Study Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Meter Prelude 1 and Ch 1-3; 7
Day 3
Discussion: Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Meter Prelude 1 and Ch 1-3
Quiz: Prelude 1 and Ch 1-3
Assignment: Read Organization, Texture, Form, Expression Ch 4-7
Day 4
Discuss: Ch 4-7
Day 5
Discussion: Organization, Texture, Form, Expression Ch 4-7
In-Class Activity Ch 4-7
Quiz: Discussion: Organization, Texture, Form, Expression Ch 4-7
Assignment: Study Organization, Texture, Form, Expression Ch 4-7; Read Instruments/Voices, Ensembles, Music in Society Ch 8-11
Day 6
Reading Check-up: Organization, Texture, Form, Expression Ch 4-7
Discussion: Instruments/Voices, Ensembles, Music in Society Chapters 8–11
Assignment: Prepare for Listening Test 1 and Study Instruments/Voices, Ensembles, Music in Society Ch 8-11
Day 7
Discussion: Instruments/Voices, Ensembles, Music in Society Ch 8-11
Reading Check-up: Instruments/Voices, Ensembles, Music in Society Ch 8-11 and Listening Test 1
Assignment: Read Medieval into Renaissance—Sacred vs Secular Prelude 2 and Ch 12-15
Day 8
Discussion: Medieval into Renaissance—Sacred vs Secular Prelude 2 and Ch 12-15
In-Class Activity: Medieval into Renaissance—Sacred vs Secular Prelude 2
Assignment: Study Medieval into Renaissance—Sacred vs Secular Ch 12-15
Day 9
Discussion: Medieval into Renaissance—Sacred vs Secular Ch 12-15
Reading Check-up: Medieval into Renaissance—Sacred vs Secular Ch 12-15
Assignment: Read The Baroque Era Prelude 3 and Ch 16-17; prepare for Listening Test 2
Day 10
Listening Test 2
Discussion: The Baroque Era Prelude 3 and Ch 16-17
Assignment: Study The Baroque Era Prelude 3 and Ch 16-17; Read Instrumental Compositions—The Art of Orchestration Ch 18-20
Day 11
Discussion: The Baroque Era Prelude 3 and Ch 16-17
Reading Check-up: The Baroque Era Prelude 3 and Ch 16-17
Discussion: Instrumental Compositions—The Art of Orchestration Ch 18-20
Day 12
Discussion: Instrumental Compositions—The Art of Orchestration Ch 18-20
Reading Check-up: Instrumental Compositions—The Art of Orchestration Ch 18-20
Assignment: Study for Listening Test 3; Read Classical Era—Society, Char. & Comp Prelude 4 and Ch 21-23
Day 13
*Listening Test 3 date TBD
Discussion: Classical Era—Society, Characteristics & Compositions Prelude 4, Ch 21-23
Assignment: Study Classical Era—Society, Characteristics & Comp Prelude 4, Read Forms, Chamber Music, Symphony Ch 21-23
Day 14
Discussion: Classical Era—Society, Characteristics & Compositions Prelude 4
Reading Check-up: Classical Era—Society, Characteristics & Compositions Prelude 4
Discussion: Classical Forms, Chamber Music, Symphony Ch 21-23
Assignment: Study Classical Forms, Chamber Music, Symphony Ch 21-23
Day 15
Discussion: Classical Forms, Chamber Music, Symphony Ch 21-23
Reading Check-up: Classical Forms, Chamber Music, Symphony Ch 21-23
Assignment: Read Classical Concerto, Sonata, Choral Music & Opera Ch 24-26
Day 16
Discussion: Classical Concerto, Sonata, Choral Music & Opera Ch 24-26
Assignment: Study Classical Concerto, Sonata, Choral Music & Opera Ch 24-26 and prepare for Listening Test 3
Day 17
Discussion: Classical Concerto, Sonata, Choral Music & Opera Ch 24-26
Reading Check-up: Classical Concerto, Sonata, Choral Music & Opera Ch 24-26
Assignment: Read Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Prelude 5 and Ch 27-29
Day 18
Discussion: Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Prelude 5 and Ch 27-29
Reading Check-up: Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Part 1 Prelude 5 (if time allows)
Assignment: Study Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Prelude 5 and Ch 27-29
Day 19
Reading Check-up: Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Part 1 Prelude 5 (if not already completed)
Discussion: Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Ch 27-29
Assignment: Study Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Ch 27-29, Read Romantic Era Program &
Absolute Music Ch 30-31
Day 20
Reading Check-up: Romantic Piano Music, Romantic Song, & 19th Century America Part 2 Ch 27-29
Discussion: Romantic Era Program & Absolute Music Ch 30-31
Quiz: Romantic Era Program & Absolute Music Ch 30-31
Assignment: Read Romantic Opera & Music Drama Ch 32-33
Day 21
Listening Test 4
Quiz: Ch 30-31 (if not yet completed)
Assignment: Read/Re-read Romantic Opera & Music Drama Ch 32-33
Day 22
Discussion: Romantic Opera & Music Drama Ch 32-33
Group Activity Romantic Opera & Music Drama Ch 32-33
Assignment: Read Late & Post-Romantic Eras Prelude 6 and Ch 34-37
Day 23
Discussion: Late & Post-Romantic Eras Prelude 6 and Ch 34-37
Assignment: Read American Modernism Ch 38-39 and American Popular Music—Ragtime, Blues & Jazz Prelude 7
Day 24
Discussion: American Modernism Ch 38-39 and American Popular Music—Ragtime, Blues & Jazz Prelude 7
Assignment: Read/Re-read American Popular Music—Ragtime, Blues & Jazz Ch 40
Day 25
Discussion: American Popular Music—Ragtime, Blues & Jazz Ch 40
Project: American Popular Music—Ragtime, Blues & Jazz Prelude 7 and Ch 40
Day 26
Discussion: American Popular Music—Ragtime, Blues & Jazz Ch 40
Quiz: Prelude 7, Ch 40
Assignment: Read Music for Theater and Films Ch 41-42
Day 27
Discussion: Music for Theater and Films Ch 41-42
In-Class Activity: Ch 41
Assignment: Prepare questions for Review and Prepare for Listening Test 5
Day 28
Review for Final
Listening Test 5
Day 29
FINAL EXAM
Assignment: Relax, be with your family and friends, and have a Merry Christmas!!