Updated-January 16, 2014
Angelina College
Fine Arts Division
Music 1306 Music Appreciation
Instructional Syllabus
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION:
A. Course Description : Three hours credit. Basic techniques and information for the intelligent appreciation of Western Art music. A study of music as an art form and an examination of the materials of music and
musical forms. Three lecture hours each week.
B. Intended Audience : This is a non-music major class and satisfies the requirement for three hours in Fine
Arts. The course is open to any interested students.
C. Instructor :
Name: Charlotte Davis
Office Location: HH F112
Office Hours: 9-1- Tues./Thurs.; or by appointment
Phone: 936/633-5378
E-mail Address: chdavis@angelina.edu
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Competencies – (Basic Intellectual Competencies)
1. Reading: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials – books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the opportunity to master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.
2. Writing: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine qua non in any composition, they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that the writer has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process including how to discover a topic and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience.
These abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection.
3. Speaking: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this competency includes acquiring poise and developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the media.
4. Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.
5. Critical Thinking: Angelina College defines critical thinking as the dynamic process of questioning preconceptions and biases through the gathering and evaluation of data to reach new conclusions that consider realistic implications and consequences.
6. Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available. ( The
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (“Report of Subcommittee on Core Curriculum”, March 1,
1989).
Revised: 10/30/2006

B. Exemplary Objectives – (Found in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Document. Titled:
CORE CURRICULUM: ASSUMPTIONS AND DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS Dated: April 1998)
1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and
social context.
3. To respond critically to works in the arts and the humanities.
4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and
intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities
6. To develop and appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy and/or the arts on intercultural
experiences.
C. Course Objectives for all sections –
1. Students will display knowledge of music fundamentals, i.e. melody, harmony, etc.
2. Students will recognize orchestra instruments by sight and sound.
3. Students will observe and demonstrate proper concert etiquette.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge about 1 composer for each time period studied.
5. Students will demonstrate knowledge about various musical forms, i.e. binary, ternary, etc.
6. Students will experience opera and musical theater.
D. Course Objectives as determined by the instructor –
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of orchestra programming
2. Students will aurally recognize important musical compositions from each time period studied.
III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A. Assessments for the Core Intellectual Competencies –
1. Reading – Students encounter reading in text assignments and class handouts
2. Writing – Assessed in ENGL 1301 and 1302
3. Speaking – Assessed in SPCH 1315 and 1318
4. Listening – Students will discern/recognize the difference in musical compositions
5. Critical Thinking – Students will develop their critical thinking skills as a result of assignments that
require them to examine different musical ideas, concepts, and lifestyles of composers.
6. Computer Literacy – Students will successfully complete 8 of 11 components of an internet-based
orchestra assignment.
B. Assessments for the Exemplary Objectives –
1. Students compare/contrast Bach and Mozart orchestral pieces.
2. Students verbalize their impressions of “American” influence on Copland’s writing.
3. Students describe 1 characterization from vocal selection, “The Erlking.”
4. Students document their personal reaction to a live musical performance.
5. Students weigh the value of the class at the beginning and end of the semester.
C. Assessments for Course Objectives for all sections –
1. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of orchestra instruments through class BINGO game and
unit I quiz.
2. Students will demonstrate their knowledge about concert etiquette through recital report forms.
3. Students demonstrate their knowledge of various composers through video worksheets, group
assignments and unit quizzes.
4. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of musical forms on select questions from unit 1 and unit 3
quizzes.
5. Student attendance in class will demonstrate their exposure to opera and musical theater.
Revised: 10/30/2006

D. Assessments for the Course Objectives as determined by the instructor –
1. Students will demonstrate their understanding of orchestra programming by completion of
internet orchestra assignment.
2. Students will demonstrate their recognition of musical compositions through unit quizzes and final exam.
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
A. Methodologies common to all sections – lecture, audio-visual presentations
B. Methodologies determined by the instructor – field trips (students provide own transportation), group assignments, student-led activities, hands-on participation, guest performers
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment – Listening to Music, 7th edition with Music download by
Craig Wright, paper for note-taking, pen or pencil
B. Assignments – 4 unit quizzes, 1 final quiz, various daily assignments.
C. Course Policies – (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the
Angelina College Handbook.)
Academic Assistance – If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must selfidentify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so.
Attendance – Students are allowed 4 absences without penalty to their grade. After 4 absences, the instructor reserves the right to lower a student ’s final average by one letter grade. Example: student with 5 absences and a B average = C final average
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor – Fine Arts attendance requirement –
Students must attend and document attendance at 2 musical performances. One event must be on the
Angelina College campus. Both daytime and night events are offered. The 2nd event may be at Angelina
College or some other location.
Cell Phones – All cell phones, pagers must be out of sight during class time. Instructor reserves the right to give a daily grade of ‘F’ if a student has their cell phone out during class.
Class disruption -If the instructor deems a student to be rude, disruptive, or disrespectful to instructor, or classmates, that student will be asked to leave, and will receive an ‘F’ for the day, and an unexcused absence.
Cheating -If a student is caught cheating on a test, the instructor reserves the right to deduct 50% from the tes t grade, or give a ‘0’ for a grade on that particular test. Both parties involved will be penalized.
VI. COURSE CONTENT :
A. Required Content/ Topics – Music Appreciation is a survey of the history, forms and composers of music.
The course content will include elements of music, musical forms, biographical information on selected
musicians and discussion of major music time periods.
B. Additional Content – specific listening examples will be included in each unit for student recognition.
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grading Criteria –
Daily assignments – completed and turned in on time receive a 95; complete and 1 class session late receive an 85, 2 class sessions late, 75, etc. Daily and group assignments are worth 40% of final grade .
Group assignments – In attendance and participate receive an A; in attendance receive a D; absent receive an F.
Unit quizzes and final quiz – graded on a scale of 1-100, with possibility of extra credit points. 5 total quizzes are worth 50% of final grade . PLEASE NOTE: Missed quizzes will only be made up, if there is extreme illness, hospitalization, or death in the family. Any of these reasons will need sufficient proof with documentation in order for the test to be made up. The instructor MUST be notified prior to test time, in order for consideration for make-up. If I do not hear from you before the test, the test WILL NOT be made up. A make-up test will be offered one time only, and the instructor reserves the right to change the format of the test to essay.
Fine Arts requirement – Attendance at 2 events required-concert attendance is worth 10% of final grade .
Revised: 10/30/2006

B. Determination of Grade – The final grade is an average of daily assignments, group assignments, fine art attendance and unit/final quizzes. The final average may be lowered 1 letter grade if student
has in excess of 4 absences. Ex.final average of ‘B’ with 5 unexcused absences=final grade of ‘C’, 6 unexcused absences=final grade of ‘D’, etc.
C. Extra credit students will have an opportunity to make ‘6’ extra credit points on each test. Extra credit is also available for those who attend semester forums and concerts. (as approved by instructor) The student will receive ‘3’ extra points toward the final grade for each extra performance attended.
VIII. SYLLABUS MODIFICATION:
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
Revised: 10/30/2006