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Vernon College Division of Communications

MUSI 1306 - Music Appreciation
2012 Fall Course Outline
Instructor: Bret Parker or Rebecca Parker
Location: Room 710

E-Mail Address: bparker@vernoncollege.edu

rparker@vernoncollege.edu

REQUIRED TEXT / MATERIALS:

Yudkin, Jeremy. Understanding Music. Seventh Edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2013
Connect for Education, LLC. On Music Appreciation, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2010
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Understanding music through the study of cultural periods, major composers, and musical elements.
Illustrated with audio recordings and live performances. Designed for non-music majors.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in music (western and non-western).
To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and
social context.
To respond critically to works of music.
To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and
intellectual demands required of the composer or performing artist.
To articulate an informed personal reaction to works of music.
To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern music.
To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of music on intercultural experience.

INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENTS AND METHODS:

Methods:
1. weekly reading assignments from the text;
2. lecture notes (in-class or online);
3. guided listening sessions / materials;
4. discussions and presentations (in class or in online forum);
5. concerts and listening assignments.
* Students desiring auxiliary aids and services for this course should make their requests to the instructor and
the Special Services Director.
Contents:
1. understanding of music and its role and value;
2. process of how music is created;
3. form and content of music using appropriate vocabulary;
4. understanding of how music reflects time and place;
5. understanding of how music expresses human values;
6. major musical styles and periods of selected western and non-western cultures;
7. skills in critical analysis and listening of music;
8. experience of musical exhibitions and performances.

CLASS SCHEDULE:
September 3
September 5/6
Week of September 17
Week of October 8
Week of October 22

Labor Day Holiday

October 18
Week of November 5
Exam 1
November 22-23
Oral Presentations Due Week of December 3
Exam 2
December 8 & 1014
Oral Presentation Topic Due

Sports Day
Exam 3
Thanksgiving Holiday
Concert Review/Extra Credit Due

Final Exams

NOTE: You are strongly encouraged to have no tardies and to turn off your cell phone before
class, thank you.

DROP / WITHDRAW PROCEDURE:

Last Withdraw day with a grade of W:

November 14, 2012

COURSE OUTLINE:
Week 1 4
Week 5 10
Week 11 12
Week 13 15

Music: definition, phenomenon, functions, symbolism / Music rudiment 1/ References

Introduction to music history: from Medieval to the 21st century
Music: analysis, discipline, listening / Music rudiment 2
World music / Church music / Jazz music / Film music / Presentations

CLASS ASSESSMENT:
Tests (3) .....
Final Exam ....
Review & Presentation (2).........
Attendance * / Participation ..........

300 points (100 points each)

150 points
350 points (175 points each)
200 points

Total:

1000 points

Extra Credit Concert Reviews (Max. 2) ... 100 points (50 points each)

*Attendance Grade (Not applicable with a proof of Explained Student Absence Request)
0-1
2
3
4
5
6

Absence
Absences
Absences
Absences
Absences
Absences

200 pts.
170 pts.
140 pts.
110 pts.
80 pts.
50 pts.

You are expected to regularly attend all classes. You are

granted one free absence in this semester. However, you
will be automatically withdrawn from the class when you
have missed more than six classes.
[Attendance Policy, VC Catalog p.53]

COURSE GRADE:
The final grade will be determined according to the following:
A
900 or above
B
800-899 points
C
700-799 points
D
600-699 points
F
599 or below