Waterloo Region District School Board

FOREST HEIGHTS COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

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Music In Society: AMU4EI

Course Overview 2014 ________________________________________________________________________ Course Type: Music in Society Teacher: Mr. Cowan Website: mrcowan.weebly.com Grade Level: 12 Department: Music E-mail: josh_cowan@wrdsb.on.ca

Course Description:
This course is designed provide students with an appreciation for music from a variety of angles; no previous musical experience is required. Music in Society focuses on a number of themes, skills, and concepts related to music: performance, music theory, the history of music, film and audio engineering. Students who enroll in this class will be able taught how to play the guitar, drums, and piano. They will also develop an understanding of how music impacts society, and realize that music plays a vital role in our everyday lives. Students will also have the opportunity to create and edit sound for film, cartoons, and video games, and gain the knowledge and skill required to record and produce music.

UNITS OF STUDY or BIG IDEAS

The creative process helps students to adequately and thoughtfully prepare, refine, and successfully perform a variety of music written by others or music that they write themselves. Students can use an understanding of the elements of music to help them make better music (alone or in a group) and to more deeply appreciate the music they hear. Students will learn to understand the language of music through symbols, terms, and conventions. Students will learn to understand where music came from and how culture and world events have shaped and been shaped by this art form.

ESSENTIAL COURSE COMPONENTS (optional now, but will be required in the future)
To be successful in this course you must be able to demonstrate all of the following skills:

1. Performing on a variety of instruments (piano, guitar, drums) both solo, and in small ensembles. 2. Understanding how music has evolved and progressed over the last century, and the impact it has on our lives.

3. Composing/arranging/performing using techniques and technological tools eg. music notation, sequencing, recording technology, music editing, etc. 4. Using the critical analysis process and apply it to the performance of self and others when responding to, analyzing, reflecting on, and interpreting music. 5. Understanding of music theory and notation. 6. Understanding of the history of some musical forms and of characteristics of selected types of music. 7. Creating, recording, and editing music and other various forms of audio.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:

A variety of assessment tasks will be used to evaluate student progress. Late and Missed Assignments To achieve success in this course, all essential course components must be demonstrated. Incomplete work is NOT an option. Cheating and Plagiarism It is important for students to do their own best work. If a student is suspected of cheating or plagiarizing, the teacher in consultation with administration, will determine the next steps and/or consequences. Learning Skills and Work Habits The areas of Responsibility, Organization, Independent Work, Collaboration, Initiative, and Self-regulation are important and will be assessed and reflected on the provincial report card. Attendance Attendance and punctuality in classes are important parts of learning and an expectation of student behavior. Lates are to be avoided to benefit from full instructional time and not disrupt others learning time. When a student is absent, a parent/guardian must call the schools attendance line on the date of abse nce, or provide a note explaining the absence for the student to submit the following day. Students are responsible for missed work during their absence. The final mark will be determined as follows: CATEGORY Creating and Performing (Performance and Composing) Reflecting, Responding, and Analyzing (Listening) Foundations (Theory, History, Technique) Summative (series of tests, assignments on the above)

WEIGHT 25 30 15 30

By signing this course outline, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the expectations and requirements for successful completion of this course. _____________________________________ Students Name ______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature ______________ Date ______________ Date