Music 131 Understanding Music Spring Semester Syllabus
Instructor: Zachary J. Kreuz
Contact Information: kreuzzacharyj@jccl.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Catalog Description: Lecture and directed listening pertaining to the elements of music.
Comprehensive discussions in relationships of various forms of music, definitions, scales,
harmonic elements and an introduction to the music of Western civilization
Required Text: The Enjoyment of Music 11th Edition (shorter version) by Forney and Machilis
Grading: Exams 60%, Concert Review 10%, Class Presentation 10%, Attendance and Class
Participation 20%
Grading Scale:
100-90=A
4.0
89-86=B+
3.5
85-80=B
3.0
79-76=C+
2.5
75-70=C
2.0
69-66=D+
1.5
65-60=D
1.0
All percentages below 59 are considered failures
-There will be a mid-term and final exam
-weekly reading and listening assignments
Class behavior policies:
Disruptive behavior will not be acceptable or tolerated. If this occurs you will be asked to leave
the class immediately. No cell phones except before or after class time. All electronic devices
should be turned off during class time. The only exception is a lap top used for note taking
purposes only. If you are expecting an important phone call, please have your phone on vibrate
and take the call outside of the class room. If this does not occur and the instructor takes notice
of a student texting or anything else pertinent to cell phone usage, you will be asked to leave
the class and will not receive full credit points for that particular class.
Attendance Policy: Any student late to class will be given a half credit (one point) for that class.
Two points will be given for prompt punctual attendance. Lateness is considered the minute
after class begins.
Only written excuses from a doctor or a family emergency are acceptable reasons for missing
classes and exams. Family emergencies include hospitalizations, funerals and child births.
Concert Reports:
Concert reports are to be at least one page long. The reports should include ticket stubs,
programs or photos to validate that you were present at the time of the performance.
Performances that are accepted will include live performances only.
Some examples are:
Groups or bands at a club or bar. Junior High and High School performances. Orchestras,
Operas, Musical Theater Shows, Rock Bands, Pop Bands and any other genre that includes live
music. Disc jockeys will not be considered as live performances.
Written pages should be typed and with a font setting of twelve. Pictures will not be considered
as part of the typed page. Only typed reports will be accepted.
Concert reports will be accepted up until the last day of class. Full credit will not be given if the
reports are not one full paged typed.
Class presentations:
There will be a five-ten minute report assigned the last two weeks of the semester. This is
typically two classes before the final exam. The presentations will be in front of the class and
are not expected to be typed. All class media tools will be at the student’s disposal for use. This
includes computers, media play and overhead projectors. Topics for the presentation will be
the student’s choice of any group or artist that have been recorded. Any genre of groups and or
artist will be accepted. If student is absent for the presentation there will be no make-up
allowed unless student has valid written excuse from a doctor. Or a legitimate family
emergency.
Extra credit contingencies:
Extra credit will be assigned at the end of the semester to students that will to boost their
grade by one letter higher. Only if the student has completed all of the assignments will extra
credit be available to be completed and assigned.
Food and beverages are acceptable just as long as these items are properly disposed of.
*This syllabus is not considered a contract and the instructor has the right to modify as deemed necessary.