Music Appreciation
Fall 2014 M- W
Mus 21 CRN #1546
(2:00-3:25) 3 Credit Hours
Pasadena City College CA210
Professor: Dr. Brandon Bernstein
Email: bjbernstein@pasadena.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Music Appreciation is intended to enhance the student’s listening skills and knowledge as
they relate to music, within the context of North America and throughout world. Through
a variety of interactive mediums, such as, readings, recordings, videos, and discussions
we will broaden our awareness of various elements, origins, and developments in music,
and learn how music has impacted society. The course will begin with music of the
ancient period and work it’s way to the 21st century. Music of all styles will be covered in
the class. In addition to the basic musical principles on which Western European art
music is founded, the course will also discuss and investigate the extra-musical
relationship between music and society (i.e., socio-cultural, economic, and political
factors). Students will learn to better engage in music, gain better listening skills, and
become improved critical thinkers.
Instructional Objectives (Use measurable objectives only)
Upon completion of this
course, the student will be able to:
By participating in class discussion, assignments and projects, the student will:
discuss a chronological view of styles of music from the history of Europe and the
United States.
show familiarity with the terminology necessary in analysis and appreciation.
identify major composers and place them within an historical context.
identify and distinguish between major forms of music.
identify and distinguish between style characteristics of various musical periods.
discuss important movements and trends that reflect social, political and artistic
influences on music.
Course Website
www.professorbernstein.com
(Or go to www.brandon-bernstein.com and click “college course links” and select your
class)
Required textbook: Listen
Seventh Edition ©2012
Bedford Martins Publishing
By Joseph Kerman; Gary Tomlinson
Suggested: Buy a record player…listen to vinyl when possible
Grading
Grades with be computed using the following scale
Lab, Class Participation, and Attendance 15%
Midterm
20%
Essay
10%
Quizzes and Homework
20%
Final Project
10%
Final
25%
Lab Hours: It is required that each student accumulates 18 hours of Lab hours over the
course of the semester. (The lab is in the basement of the CA building; you have to clock
in with your id card). In addition to attending class and completing homework
assignments
Weekly Quizzes: Most weeks there will be a quiz. The quiz will be on material covered
in class, assigned readings, and listening.
Midterm and Final
There will be one midterm and final for this course. Each of these exams will be
compromised of two parts: one written and one part performance based. The instructor
will give the dates.
Group Project
Students will be divided in groups decided by the instructor and present a 15-20 minute
presentation.
You and your group have the choice of doing one of the following:
1. Puppet Show: You will put on a puppet show for the class to last between 1520 minutes. You must create the puppets and the set. The puppet show is to reflect
a topic we have learned in class or one learned in the book. It must be related to
the Classical era or the Romantic era. You have complete creative freedom in how
you decide to orchestrate the puppet show but it must be based on facts regarding
various topics we have learned. Final approval by the instructor will be required.
2. Illustrated Comic Book or Children’s Book: The group will collectively put
together an illustrated book on a topic we have learned in class or one learned in
the book. You have complete creative freedom in how you create the book. It
must be based on facts regarding various topics we have learned. Final approval
by the instructor will be required.
RESEARCH PAPER (Final Project)
Students must submit 3-5 pages, stapled, typed and double-spaced research paper on a
topic approved by the instructor. Suitable subject matter may be: (1) an in-depth analysis
of a particular composition by a noted composer; (2) the connection between a specific
period of Western classical music and any extra-musical influences of society at that
time; or (3) the use of a particular instrument during one specific period of Western
classical music. As a research paper, each work must include a bibliography of at
least five sources consulted. Websites are not acceptable scholarly sources. Please
use MLA citation style format. Alternative topics may be assumed with instructor
approval. More information on the research paper will be given out at a later date.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Listening Journal: Students will be given weekly listening assignments in which
they will be required to listen and respond. Students will be expected to use
vocabulary and terminology that they have developed in class to help aid in their
critical responses to the music. Journals will be collected on the last day of class.
2. Papers/Project: Each student will be required to participate in the two main
projects. A detailed description. The final paper will be due on the last day of
class.
3. Weekly Quizzes: Each Tuesday there will be an “in class” open book quiz. The
quiz will be on material covered in class, assigned readings, and listening.
4. Exams: There will be two exams. The mid-term and the final exam.
GRADING PLAN:
Grading Policy:
100%-90% A
89%-80% B
79%-70% C
69%-60% D
59% F
GRADING PROCEDURES:
Mid-term Exam: 20%
Final Exam: 25%
Project 1 and 2 Average: 25%
Weekly Quizzes: 15%
Listening Journal: 15%
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Due to the fact that most of the material in this class is active music listening,
Attendance is of utmost importance. Both quizzes and exams will include material that
can only be known from attending the class. If a student needs to be absent, he/she must
inform the instructor before class by email. Students are expected to attend class regularly
and be on time. If a class is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to get the
notes and other missed information. If you miss three or more classes you will be
dropped.
***THERE WILL BE NO INSTRUCTOR DROPS. IT IS THE STUDENT’S
RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER AND DE-REGISTER.IF YOU NEED
ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMPLETE A TEST OR IF YOU REQUIRE ANY
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE INSTRUCTOR IN
A TIMELY MANNER. OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO ADHERE
TO THE INFORMATION INCLUDED ON THIS COURSE SYLLABUS