Western Michigan University--School of Music
Spring 2008 Syllabus

Music 1700: Introduction to Musical Styles and Structures
Mondays and Wednesdays 3-3:50PM Room 1110 Dalton Center
Call Number 13173--2 Credits

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 course provides a foundation of essential stylistic/perceptual concepts for freshman/sophomore music majors.  We will study various approaches to the musical elements (rhythm, dynamics, melody, harmony, tone color, texture, and form) from Classical, Jazz, Pop, and World musics, emphasizing critical musical terms, genres, composers, works and basic analytical approaches.

 

Course Materials (all materials for this class are online--nothing to purchase)

 

 

Class Web Homepage: http://www.wmich.edu/mus-gened/mus170/mus170.html

 

You must consult the MUS1700 web homepage regularly for important class announcements, updated lecture notes, information on class assignments, current student grades, and exam review materials.

 

You can also get to the Music 1700 web homepage by doing the following:

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

2) click on the "Course Materials" link (in the left menu)

3) click on the "Music 1700: Music History 1" link

 

Grading, Testing and Attendance Policies

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

 

Midterm Exam

= 240 points possible

Final Exam

= 240 points possible

Listening Quizzes (2 @ 100 points each)

= 200 points possible

Online Assignments, Homework, In-Class work

= 320 points possible

 

1000 points possible

 

Distribution of Final Grades:
A = 1000-930 points (100-93%)
BA = 929-880 points (92-88%)
B = 879-830 points (87-83%)
CB = 829-780 points (82-78%)
C = 779-730 points (77-73%)
DC = 729-680 points (72-68%)
D = 679-600 points (67-60%)
E = 599-000 points (59-00%)

 

 

Class Attendance

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

 

In-Class Exams and Quizzes

There will be two (2) exams during the semester (at Midterm and Final).  Each exam can feature the following types of questions: short answer, multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and essay.  In addition, there will be two (2) quizzes, each focusing on listening identification of style, composers, genres, forms, and related terms.  Exam and quiz dates are listed on the MUS1700 Course Schedule.  Review materials for each exam or quiz will be posted online at least 1 week in advance. Missed exams or quizzes must be made up within 2 class days of the posted due date.  No make up will be possible after the answers are posted on the class website.

  

Exam/Quiz Make-Up Policies

EXAMS: If you miss a test or listening quiz 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: daniel.jacobson@wmich.edu
Phone: 387-4685 (OK to leave message 24 hours a day)
 

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

 

No make-up exams will be given after the answer key is posted on the class website.

 

Homework, Online Textbook and "E-Workbook" Assignments, In-Class Daily Work/Prep/Participation

You will be assigned online reading, listening, and quiz assessments.  Do the assigned work before coming to class on the date listed in the MUS1700 Course Schedule. Be prepared to discuss or write about this assigned material.  You are responsible for all assigned material whether or not it is covered in class.

 

All readings in this class will be available online.  Primary readings will be from the online version of "A Listener's Introduction to Music" (accessed as downloadable .pdf files through links on the "Homework" section of the MUS1700 Course Schedule).

 

All required "open book" online quizzes also must be done through the MUS1700 WebCT/Vista/Blackboard site and completed by the deadlines listed on the MUS1700 Course Schedule.

 

Your cumulative point score for the online e-workbook assignments and any other assigned homework/in-class writing will determine approximately 30% of your final course grade in Music 1700.

Extra Credit

There is no extra credit available in this course. Do the best you can on the open-book online assignments, which designed to help you identify critical material and give you control of a significant percentage of your final grade.

 

Course Changes

The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus or schedule consistent with the course objectives and WMU regulations.  Always consult the class website for updated information. 

 

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.