GORDON COLLEGE
DIVISION OF HUMANITIES
COURSE SYLLABUS
SPRING 2011
DEPARTMENT:
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
INSTRUCTOR:
LOCATION:
OFFICE HOURS:
TELEPHONE:
E-MAIL:
TEXTBOOK:
I.
MUSIC
MUSIC APPRECIATION
1100 A
DR. JAMES A. WALLACE
FINE ARTS 217
MWF 9:00-9:30 A.M.
2:00-4:00 P.M.
R 3:00-3:30 P.M.
FINE ARTS BUILDING 221
678-359-5293
jwallace@gdn.edu
MUSIC: AN APPRECIATION, 7th Brief Ed.
SET OF 5 CDS.
KAMIEN, ROGER.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Music Appreciation 1100 presents an introduction to music history and music literature. The
course will survey the development of Western Art Music from the Middle Ages (Medieval) to
the present time and music of Non-Western cultures. The focus of this course is on the
evolution of art music from an historical, philosophical, and sociological perspective. This
course is intended to broaden the students’ understanding of music as an essential component
of cultures. It is designed as an introduction to the fine art of listening to music created at
various times and places, yet very much alive in musical performances throughout the United
States and the world today. In addition to learning specifics about several “masterpieces” of
music, students will gradually acquire new listening skills and a general sense of how musical
styles differ. Learning to listen critically is a cumulative skill, improving with experience and
repetition. For this reason, and to meet the course objectives, the greatest amount of time
should be devoted to focused listening, discovering each of the style elements as discussed in
class and in the textbook.
Course work is divided into three areas: study of the elements and fundamentals of music,
study of music history and the context in which major works were created, and listening.
Through assignments, listening exercises, and classroom discussions, students gain the skill that
will enhance their musical interactions.
II.
PURPOSE
This course is designed to help students acquire skills for enjoying a wide variety of music
styles. The study of music can help the student recognize the value of music as a reflection of
various aspects of cultural systems, e.g., religious, political, economic, and social.
III.
COURSE OUTCOMES AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. To provide an understanding of the fundamental elements of music and how they
are used in music of each music period.
2. To introduce students to the Western music tradition and trace its development
from the Middle Ages (Medieval) to the present by means of recorded music, to
include music performances.
3. To provide students with the tools necessary to properly describe and place music in
an historic context.
4. To learn biographical facts about major composers and artists in each era.
5. To be able to identity, by title and composer, musical examples from each era.
6. Students will learn to compare and contrast the various types and styles of Western
Art Music.
7. Students will survey music of Non-Western cultures.
IV.
ASSIGNMENTS
In addition to completing reading and listening assignments, you must attend two (2)
Classical concerts and submit a three (3) page, double-spaced (12 font), Concert Review
from each concert. You may attend any concert anywhere, but they must be classical
music concerts. The Gordon College Recital Series will present two concerts during the
semester that you can attend free of charge to fulfill your assignment. If you plan to
attend concerts off the Gordon College campus, the concerts must be approved by me
in advance of your attendance. Late papers will not be accepted. Attach a concert
program to the Concert Review.
At the end of the semester, you will turn in a term paper, four(4) pages in length on a
music topic of interest to you. You may write a biography or choose an aspect of a
composer’s importance and/or contributions.
Sample topics include The Development of the Orchestra, Eighteenth-century Choral
Genres, The History and Development of the Piano (Violin, Organ, etc.), The Influence of
Beethoven on Nineteenth-century Composers, Jazz and Its Development, Rock Music of
the 1970s (60s, 80s, etc.), The History of the Development of Opera, Electronic Music.
V.
EVALUATION/GRADING
Evaluation will include:
Mid-term exam
Final exam
Homework
Concert Reviews
Listening tests
Term paper
15%
15%
20%
20%
20%
10%
The College’s Grading System will be used to interpret your progress in class.
VI.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is essential and will be taken at the beginning of each class. Studies consistently
show that student grades are directly proportionate to student attendance. Students who wish
to pass this course must attend every class period. Attendance and punctuality will have a
substantial effect on your final grade in this course. Each unexcused absence after two (2) will
result in a reduction in your final grade, up to a letter grade lower. Three tardies equal one
absence. At the instructor’s discretion, a student with four (4) or more unexcused absences
may be assigned a final grade of F for the course.
VII.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION
Students who require special physical accommodations due to disabilities should contact the
instructor during the first week of class to make appropriate arrangements. If you need
academic accommodations for a disability, you must contact the office of Student Counselor in
the Student Center (second floor). Telephone 678-359-5585.
VIII. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The instructor reserves the right to fail any student who displays a lack of academic integrity
(cheating of ANY kind). This applies to all tests and homework assignments.