Western Michigan University--School of Music

Music 1500: Music Appreciation "Live"

Fall 2009 Syllabus--Call Number 41834--4 Credits

Mondays and Wednesdays 4-5:30PM
Room 2452 Knauss Hall


Instructor: Dr. Daniel Jacobson 

Office: 2136 Dalton Center; Office Hours 2-2:50PM Mon/Wed)

Phone: 387-4685; E-mail: daniel.jacobson@wmich.edu


Course Description and Objectives

This introductory course is designed to increase your understanding of music of the Western world through active listening. Material is presented through a combination of lecture/demonstrations, visual supplements, and live performances.

 

Course Materials

(Sold only at the WMU Bookstore/University Bookstore)
The only item you need to purchase for this class is a McGraw-Hill User's Registration License for the online E-Textbook & E-Workbook for A Listener's Introduction to Music
   ISBN: 0-07-338790-8 (Publisher: McGraw-Hill) $40.35


When this license is turned in to the instructor, you will have access to the online textbook readings, workbook assignments and supplemental study materials for this course. If you cannot find the license in the bookstore shelved under "MUS1500", then look on the shelf under "MUS1520" (the same McGraw-Hill User Registration license form is used in MUS1520)

 Listening Examples are available online through the WMU Music Library website (see our regular class website for details on how to access these)

 

Grading, Testing and Attendance Policies

Final grades in this course are based on a 1000-total point scale: 

 

Exam 1 (Chapters 1-5)

= 200 points possible

Exam 2 (Chapters 5-7)

= 220 points possible

Final Exam (Chapters 1-9, cumulative)

= 250 points possible

E-Workbook

= 180 points possible

In-Class Assignments (Concerts, Writing)

= 150 points possible

 

1000 points possible

Distribution of Final Grades:

A      =1000-940 points (100-94%)

BA   = 939-890 points (93.9-89%)

B      = 889-840 points (88.9-84%)

CB   = 839-790 points (83.9-79%)

C      = 789-740 points (78.9-74%)

DC   = 739-690 points (73.9-69%)

D      = 689-600 points (68.9-60%)

E      = 599 or below (59.9% or lower)

 

 

Class Attendance

Regular attendance is critical to your success in this course. You are responsible for all notes, recordings, films/videos presented in class.

 

Class Website
(http://www.wmich.edu/mus-gened/mus150/mus150.html)

General class information will be updated regularly on the class homepage; however, the majority of your web-based work for Music 1500 will be done via Blackboard/WebCT/Vista (see "Online E-Workbook Assignments," below)

 

You can also get to the Music 1500 website by doing the following:

1) go to the WMU Music homepage (http://www.wmich.edu/music)

2) click on the "Course Materials" link

3) click on the "Music 1500: Music Appreciation "Live" link 

 

 

Exams

There are 3 exams (including a comprehensive final). Each exam includes multiple choice, matching, and true/false questions, as well as a "listening test" based on examples covered in the class lectures and videos. Exam dates are listed on the "Schedule of Lectures." Review guidelines and study aids will be posted online one week before each exam.

 

Online "E-Workbook" Assignments

Your cumulative point score for the e-workbook assignments will determine approximately one-fourth of your final course grade in Music 1500 (maximum of 180 points possible). Each chapter of the textbook has an online assignment associated with it (as accessed through Blackboard/WebCT/Vista and the McGraw-Hill online "E-Workbook" for this course). All e-workbook assignments must be completed by the scheduled date of the in-class final exam.

 

Make-Up Policies

EXAMS: If you miss a test, you must call or e-mail the instructor by the end of that class day in order to be eligible for a make-up:

E-mail (best way to reach me): daniel.jacobson@wmich.edu

Phone: 387-4685 (OK to leave message 24 hours a day)

Exam make-ups must be completed within 2 class days of the original due date.

NO MAKE-UP WILL BE GIVEN AFTER EXAM ANSWERS ARE POSTED ON THE WEB.


IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
: There are no make-ups for missed in-class assignments. (You may make up the points for 1 missed in class assignment by doing the optional extra credit.)

 

Extra Credit

You can choose to do ONE (1) optional assignment for 15 points of extra credit. Detailed instructions and a list of Approved Concerts will be posted on the Music 1500 website.

 

WMU's "Academic Honesty" Policy

You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Catalog that pertain to Academic Integrity. These policies include cheating, fabrication, forgery and falsification, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.