Hawaii Pacific University
MUS 1000 Introduction to Western Classical Music Section ____
Semester and year, meeting times
Instructor: Name, contact information and other relevant information about the instructor.
Course description: An introductory exploration of the evolution of Western classical music (WCM) from
the Middle Ages to the present in relation to the background of life and art. Major historical movements
in WCM are covered as well as the basics of reading western music notation. In addition, the impact and
influence of non-western music on WCM will be examined. Field trips will be made to local performing
groups.
Course prerequisite: None
General Education Requirement: This course is classified under the World Cultures Theme and meets
the requirement for a course in World Cultures C: Other World Cultures Courses. The course also
satisfies the Art, Aesthetics and Creativity requirement.
General Education Student Learning Outcomes and the Five Themes: HPU’s general education
curriculum is focused around five themes. This course emphasizes the World Cultures Theme and
provides students with opportunities to achieve the following related general education student
learning outcomes.
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Students will describe the significance of important movements or themes which have
shaped the world’s diverse cultures. Students will study classical music of different
cultures from an historical perspective.
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Students will engage with and interpret the various manifestations of cultures including verbal
and visual texts, institutions, behavior, and performance. By studying the history and evolution
of classical music, students will gain an understanding of how one style of music grew into
another over the course of time, and how these stylistic changes affected performance/practice
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Students will analyze cultural forces that have influenced customs and choices in contemporary
lifestyles and world views. They will do so by studying classical music of different cultures from
an historical perspective, followed by self-examination of personal values and preferences
surrounding music and the creative process.

Students will develop an appreciation for aesthetic expression and achievement through the
study, performance, and production of the arts. This outcome is addressed through Listening
Assignments, Readings, Writing Assignments, Discussions, Field Trips and Videos on the music of
Greece, Rome, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, America, Africa, Asia, South America etc.; from
Middle Ages to the Present.
Note: Purple text shows places where specific course information must be filled in. Red text provides
explanatory notes to the instructor which should be deleted before using the syllabus. Blue explanations
above should be rephrased by the individual instructor to reflect the specific approach in that section of
the course. Course specific outcomes below are an example and may also be rephrased or modified by
the instructor.
Course-Specific Student Learning Outcomes for MUS 1000 Introduction to Western Classical Music
MUS 1000 is designed so that students will:
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Deepen an understanding and appreciation for WCM through live performance
Deepen an understanding and appreciation for WCM through the use of recordings, CD-Rom,
videos, and/or the Internet
Explore WCM from a historical and cultural context
Explore non-western music and its impact and influence on WCM of today
Approach the study of WCM from a global perspective
For the rest of these required syllabus items see the details in the faculty handbook. Delete this note
once the syllabus is complete. For online courses there are some additional requirements given at this
link.
Texts List textbooks with ISBN’s and include this language as well
All textbook information (pricing, ISBN #, and e-books) for this course can be found on the HPU
Bookstore website: hpu.edu/bookstore.
If you have any questions regarding textbooks, please contact the HPU Bookstore at:
Phone:
808-544-9347
Or e-mail:
jyokota@hpu.edu
mmiyahira@hpu.edu
Assignments and mode of evaluation
Summary of important dates and deadlines (if the schedule is a separate document and due dates are
not given with the description of the assignments).
Class rules and policies (including regarding attendance, late work and academic dishonesty)
Schedule of events (may be attached separately)