Approved by Faculty Senate January 26, 2004.
University Studies Course Approval:
Department or program: Music Department
Course number: 478
Number of credits: 2
Course title: Piano Literature II
Catalog description:
Piano literature of the Romantic, Impressionistic and Contemporary periods (including brief look
at Nationalism). Continued developments in instrumental design of piano discussed. Permission
of instructor required. Offered alternate years.
A2C2 approved course? Yes
Requested approval: Oral communications flag
Department contact for this course:
Dr. Deanne Mohr — PAC 243
dmohr@winona.edu
457-5252
This course is designed as a University Studies Course with an Oral Communication Flag. The
course objectives and requirements demonstrate that students present extemporaneous oral
comments, present a lecture/demonstration on a selected topic, research composers and their
style characteristics, and exhibit the conventions of evidence, format, usage and documentation
in the field of piano literature.
Description of the requirements and learning activities that promote students’ abilities to:
a. earn significant course credit through extemporaneous oral presentations:
Students will be required to prepare two major oral presentations on a composer, musical work
or stylistic development, approved by the professor, which will determine 30% of their final
grade. An additional 10% of the final grade will be determined by participation in informal class
discussion of assigned readings or listening assignments.
b. Understand the features and types of speaking in their disciplines:
Course materials will include oral presentations in concert settings (e.g., pre-concert talks or
lecture recitals given by performers), student forums, and other types of speaking relevant to the
music profession.
c. Adapt their speaking abilities to field-specific audiences:
Students will learn and be able to fluently use musical terminology, concepts of style, form and
techniques applicable to the piano repertoire within their oral presentation.
d. Receive appropriate feedback form teachers and peers, including suggestions for
improvement:
Both students and professor will prepare written feedback for oral presentations, and in-class
discussion will facilitate verbal feedback.
e. Make use of the technologies used for research and speaking in their fields; and learn the
conventions of evidence, format, usage and documentation in their fields:
Students will make extensive use of web information, periodicals, books, recordings and other
appropriate materials to validate their research, conclusions, and opinions. Evidence of their
researching skills will be reflected in their oral presentation. Students will be encouraged to use
technologies available (recordings, power point presentations, etc.) in presenting their research
effectively.
MUS 478 — Piano Literature II
Course Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Deanne Mohr
PAC 243
dmohr@winona.edu
Credits: 2
This is an Oral Communications Flag course in the University Studies program. As such, it
includes requirements and learning activities that promote the students’ abilities to:
a) earn significant course credit through extemporaneous oral presentations;
b) understand the features and types of speaking in their disciplines;
c) adapt their speaking to field-specific audiences;
d) receive appropriate feedback from teachers and peers, including suggestions for improvement;
e) make use of the technologies used for research and speaking in their fields; and learn the
conventions of evidence, format, usage, and documentation in their fields;
f) learn the conventions of evidence, format, usage, and documentation in their fields. Students
will show evidence of their skills in conventions of evidence, format, usage, and documentation
in their oral and written presentations.
A. Catalog description
Piano literature of the Romantic, Impressionistic and Contemporary periods (including brief look
at Nationalism). Continued developments in instrumental design of piano discussed. Permission
of instructor required. Offered alternate years.
B. Statement of the major focus and objectives of the course
Provide an introduction to piano literature of the early nineteenth through the twentieth centuries,
examining representative styles, forms and performance practices of the Romantic,
Impressionistic and Contemporary periods. Significant composers of the period will be
discussed, including a historical overview of their musical output, compositional characteristics
and detailed examination of selected major works. Developments in piano design will also be
discussed.
C. Basic instructional plan and methods utilized
Lecture
Group discussion
Audio compact discs
Experiential activities (e.g., oral presentations of required reading and individualized topics)
D. Course requirements and means of evaluation
I. Two written exams, each of which is worth 20% of the final grade
II. Two oral presentations, worth 30% of final grade (breakdown: 10% and 20%)
III. Written and listening assignment worth 20% of final grade
IV. Participation in class discussion and attendance, worth 10% of final grade
E. Textbook
Kirby, F.E. Music for Piano: a Short History. Amadeus Press, 1995.
F. Outline of topics
I. Introduction to the Romantic period
a. Style and esthetics
b. Genres and forms
II. Major composers of the Romantic period
a. Early nineteenth century
i. Schumann
ii. Chopin
b. Mid-nineteenth century
i. Liszt
ii. Brahms
III. Developments in piano design: development of the solo recital
IV. Late nineteenth century
a. France
i. Saint-Saens
ii. Franck
b. National schools
i. Russia
ii Scandanavia
iii. United States
iv. Latin America
V. The Twentieth century:
a. Impressionism
i. Debussy
ii. Ravel
b. The twelve tone school
VI. Twentieth century nationalism
a. Hungary
i.Bartok
b. Russia
i.Rachmaninoff
ii. Scriabin
iii. Stravinsky
iv. Prokofiev
c. United States
i.Ives
ii.Copland
iii.Barber
VII. Mid- to late twentieth century
a. Messiaen
b. Ligeti
G. Grading Scale
90-100% = A
80- 89% = B
70-79% = C
60-69% = D
Below 60% = F