Request for Designation as a Global Perspectives (GP) Course in Explorations
Name___David J. Smith_________________________________________________
Course number and title____MU 121 Introduction to Music____________________
Departmental endorsement___Endorsed as of May 19, 2011___________________
Has this course been submitted for any other Explorations designation? __No_______
If so, which one? ______________
Please list which of your course assignments or activities addresses each of the guidelines, state
briefly how this is accomplished, and attach a syllabus or a preliminary redesign plan for the
course.
The criterion for a global perspectives course is a primary focus on the viewing of subject
matter within a global framework (culturally, politically, socially, economically,
historically, linguistically, or aesthetically).
MU 121 introduces the non-music major to a wide variety of music by function (e.g Music for
the Stage, Music for Dancing, Music for Mourning, etc.), historical period, style, and country of
origin. Music of Western European or American origin includes historical, social, political, and
economic factors that had a part in the creation of the music of a particular style and time.
Examples of world music are drawn from a wide variety of non-western cultures. The students
are encouraged to listen with "open ears" and "open minds." Class discussion includes using the
elements of music (rhythm, melody, texture, etc.) as touchstones between western and world
music. Students are then more able to understand and appreciate the aesthetic values of music
that differs, sometimes radically from that which they are used to hearing. The course aims to
give them the tools to hear and evaluate differences between music they know and music that is
culturally different. They can then begin to understand the music of other ages, styles, and
cultures in an open minded way.
Assignment Example:
You are to write a paper of at least 1500 words comparing a genre of Western music (e.g. music
of religious experience, music for mourning, etc.) to music of the same genre from two nonWestern cultures mentioned in the text. Your starting points for comparison will be the elements
of music (melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, form, timbre). Finding differences will be obvious.
Look for features in common as well. You are to use the textbook and at least two other sources
(Wikipedia doesn’t count). Consider the following questions: Why do you think the music of
each culture is appropriate for the genre? What cultural aspects determine the nature of the three
examples of music you choose to discuss? What must one understand about the culture in order
to appreciate the music?
Return this form as one electronic file with a syllabus appended to shagen@bsc.edu by 30 May
2011.
Syllabus, Spring Term, 2011
MU 121, Introduction to Music
T, Th Hill 117, 9:30-10:50
Dr. David J. Smith
Hill 119
X 4961
dsmith@bsc.edu
Text: The Musical Experience, 2nd Edition by John Chiego
Course Objectives
This course will introduce you to some specific listening skills. These skills will help you better
understand and appreciate music that differs from what you are used to hearing. Learning to
use these skills is the primary objective of this course. You will also be expected to learn about
the background and purpose of the different kinds of music covered in the text. This course
offers you the tools to hear and understand a wide variety of music in vastly different styles.
Honor Code
You will be asked to sign an Honor Code statement at the beginning of the course that will cover
all appropriate aspects of the course, especially cheating on exams and plagiarism (see
handout on Plagiarism). This statement will remain in force through the final exam. Any student
who violates the Honor Code will fail the assignment in question and risks failure of the course.
Course Procedures
We will meet at the appointed class times to discuss the reading and listening examples
covered in the text as outlined on the syllabus. It is expected that you will have done the reading
and listening outside of class as part of your preparation. The instructor reserves the right to
quiz the class at any time on the reading assignments.
This course has a heavy internet component. Please be sure you have a new copy of the 2nd
edition of the text. The new copies will have a code that you will use to 1) Register on The
Musical Experience website and 2) initiate your four-month subscription to Rhapsody.com.
Codes in old copies will not work. The Musical Experience website has a variety of information
and study aids that will help you to do well in this course. They include practice exams, Power
Point presentations for each chapter, Listening Guides, etc. The content and listening exams
are Internet based. You will be given a general time-frame within which you may take the test.
You can take the test any time you wish within that time-frame. Each test will have a time limit
so be careful to allow yourself enough time within the time-frame to be able to finish the test.
Exams, Essays, Grading
There will be five content tests and five listening tests during the term. Most content tests will
be worth 50 points and listening tests 20 points. The final exam will be worth 180 points, the
final listening exam 25 points. You will be required to attend three concerts during the term and
submit a written response to each concert of at least 500 words. These will be worth 20 points
each. You will be given access to suggestions and guidelines in writing these responses. At
the end of the term you will write a paper comparing a genre of western European music and
the music of at least two non-Western cultures. You will use the elements of music (melody,
harmony, rhythm, form, texture, timbre) as the means of comparison. This paper will be at least
1500 words.
Concert Attendance (see the Birmingham Performances handout)
Attendance at three concerts is required during the term. These concerts should be of a
professional caliber. Examples are offerings by the Alabama Symphony Birmingham Chamber
Music Society, UAB Piano Series, Opera Birmingham, etc. Only concerts that are usually
considered “classical music” concerts are acceptable for this requirement. It is assumed that
most students are already familiar with most popular styles of music. Since broadening the
student’s exposure to a variety of music is one of the goals of this class, only attendance at
classical music concerts will be acceptable. Concert attendance must be verified by submitting a
ticket stub and program for each concert attended. These will be attached to the concert
response paper. Absence of these items will cost one half letter grade for the paper.
Attendance Policy
Attendance at class is required. Absences for legitimate reasons will be excused with
appropriate documentation. For every two unexcused absences the final grade will be reduced
by one half grade. For example, if the earned grade for the term is an A and the student has
two unexcused absences, the final grade will be an A-.
Class Deportment
At the beginning of class please turn off all smart phones, PDAs, or any other devices used to
communicate with the outside world. Texting during class is not allowed and the offending
device will be confiscated for the remainder of the class. Notebook computers may not be used
during class.
It is inappropriate for a student to leave the classroom during class. There will be a break
during the class to take care of personal business. If you think you have a compelling reason to
leave during the class period please see the instructor before class begins.
Schedule of Classes
February
1 - First day of class instructions
3 - Introduction and Historical Overview
8 - Introduction and Historical Overview
10 - Music of the Western European Religious Experience,
15 - Music of the World Religious Experience (Bali, Tibet, Islamic, Tuvan)
17 - Music of the Contemporary American Religious Experience
Music for the Stage, Western European Opera
22 - Music for the Stage, American Musical
24 - Music for the Stage, World Genres (Japanese Kabuki, Chinese Opera)
Music for Dancing, Western European (Waltz, Ballet)
1st Concert Response Paper Due
25 - 1st content and listening tests (Ch. 1-2)
March
1 - Music for Dancing, American Ballet
3 - Music for Dancing, World Folk Dance (Bali, Tibet, West Africa, Italy, Ireland)
Songs, World Folk Songs (English, African American, Bulgarian)
8 - Songs, Western European Art Songs
2nd content and listening tests (Ch. 3-4)
10 - Songs, American Popular Songs (Blues, Jazz, R & R, Pop, Other Styles)
Spring Break
22 - Music for Mourning, Western European/American (Requiem, Funeral March, Pop)
24 - Music for Mourning, World Music (African, Native American)
Music for Celebration, Inspiration and Commemoration, World Music (Israeli, Klezmer,
Mexican, National Anthems)
29 - Music for Celebration, Inspiration and Commemoration, Western European
31 - Music for the Concert Hall, Western European
3rd content and listening tests (Ch. 5-6)
April
5 - Music for the Concert Hall, Western European
7 - Music for the Concert Hall, Western European
12 - Music for the Concert Hall, Western European
2nd Concert Response Paper Due
14 - Music for the Movies, American
19 - Music for the Movies, American
4th content and listening tests (Ch. 7-8)
21 - Music for the Movies, American
26 - Improvisation, Western European Art Music and Jazz
28 - Honors Day
May
3 - Improvisation, R & R, World Music (Arabic, Indian)
5th content and listening tests (Ch. 9)
3rd Concert Response Paper Due
10 - Final Exam
This syllabus is subject to change.
Page 2 of this document (paragraphs 1-3) is adapted from John Chiego’s syllabus. Those
paragraphs are used with his permission.
djs