HomeMy WebLinkAboutMUS-107Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Arts and Social Science
Department of Performing Arts
Course Syllabus
MUS-107 History of Western Music before 1750
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester and year:
Course and Section Number:
Meeting Times and Locations:
Instructor:
Office Location:
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Departmental Secretary: [optional]
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Course Description
MUS-107 History of Western Music before 1750 [3.00 cr.] This course is a study of the historical and
stylistic development of music from the Gothic period through the Baroque period. General Education
Course – Humanities Elective 3 lectures, 3 credits No prerequisites
Listening to Music, 5th ed. by Craig Wright. Thomson Schirmer Publishing. ISBN 13-978-0-495-18973-2
Music the Art of Listening, 7th ed. by Jean Ferris. McGraw Hill Publishing. ISBN 978-0-07-312213-7
Student Learning Objectives: As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able
to:
1.develop an understanding of the selected period in history through the avenue of music.
2.develop a working vocabulary of musical terminology
3.recognize distinctive musical characteristics of each of the historical periods covered during the
course.
4.Identify significant historical events between the Middle Ages, Renaissance and through the 18th
century.
5.apply aspects of critical thinking by writing a term paper on a selected topic.
6.utilize library and online resources and research tools to retrieve primary and secondary
sources, in order to present an individual perspective on the role of music in contemporary
society;
7.critique live and recorded music representing music reflective of the historical periods
considered during class and show a work use of the vocabularies mastered during coursework.
Learning Assessment
Student Learning Objective Suggested Means of Assessment
1.develop an understanding of the selected period in
history through the avenue of music.
Essay examinations
Quizzes and objective tests
Writing assignments
2.develop a working vocabulary of musical terminology Essay examinations
Quizzes and objective tests
Writing assignments
3.recognize distinctive musical characteristics of each of
the historical periods covered during the course
4.Identify significant historical events between the
Middle Ages, Renaissance and through the 18th
century.
5.apply aspects of critical thinking by writing a term
paper on a selected topic
6.utilize library and online resources and research tools
to retrieve primary and secondary sources, in order to
present an individual perspective on the role of music
in contemporary society;
Essay examinations
Quizzes and objective tests
Writing assignments
7.critique live and recorded music representing music
reflective of the historical periods considered during
class and show a work use of the vocabularies
mastered during coursework.
Writing assignments
The course is intended to introduce students to the academic study of music, including music analysis
and the historical and sociocultural issues regarding music of that period. The course includes studying
the musical elements of timbre, rhythm, melody, harmony, texture, and form. The course studies the
historical and sociocultural context of music through the time periods considered. Because MUS-107 is
a General Education course, it requires students to complete a variety of critical thinking and writing
assignments. These assignments may include class discussions and the application of critical thinking
skills, short essays, and examinations containing essay writing.
Grading Policy
EVALUATION:
Class Involvement = 20%
(Based on responses and reactions concerning the week’s assignments, discussions, responses and
descriptions of recordings)
Three tests = 60%
(Based on assigned readings and listening assignments)
One Major Paper = 20% DUE DATE IS FIRM.
This term paper must be created during THIS semester.
Any late assignments or papers will be evaluated one letter grade lower unless the exception has
been approved by the instructor
* Anyone who would like to improve one of his or her test scores may submit an additional review for
extra credit of an instructor approved and instructor identified concert. This is not mandatory.
GRADING: Letter grades evaluating course work as required by the college.
90-100 = A
86-89 = B+
80-85 = B
76-79 = C+
70 -75 = C
65-69 = D
Below 64 =R
Official Withdrawal
Incomplete (N) will typically not be given without permission from
the instructor
Student and Faculty Support Services
The Distance Learning Office – for
any problems you may have
accessing your online courses
Room C-
334
201-612-5581
psimms@bergen.edu
English Language Resource Center C-212 http://www.bergen.edu/elrc
The Tutoring Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/tutoring
The Writing Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/owl
The Office of Specialized Services
(for Students with Disabilities)
Room S-131 201-612-5270
http://www.bergen.edu/oss
BCC Library – Reference Desk Room L-226 201-447-7436
Special Note on the Tutoring Center
The Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center encompasses the Tutoring Center, the English
Language Resource Center, and the Writing Center. The website of the Learning Assistance Center
is located at www.bergen.edu/tutoring. Tutoring services are available for this course in the Tutoring
Center. I strongly recommend that you make use of those services as we progress through the course.
As listed above, the Tutoring Center is located in Room L-125, and its phone number is 201-447-7908.
SAMPLE COURSE OUTLINE
Each week a topic will be explored through readings, listening activities, and the completion of
assignments. Discussions will also be included.
Week(s) Date(s) Topic/Activity/Assignments
Student
Learning
Objectives
1 Sept 23 Introduction to Music – The elements of music 1-6
2 Sep 30 Rhythm and Melody and Harmony 1-6
3 Oct. 7 Form and Structure, Dynamics 1-6
4 Oct 14 Musical Styles by Period. The Middle Ages 1-6
5 Oct 21 The Middle Ages and the Renaissance 1-6
6 Oct 28 The Renaissance – The National Styles Italy and France
TEST 1 (October 28-November 2)
1-6
7 Nov 4 The Baroque Period - Counter Reformation 1-6
8 Nov 11 Baroque Architecture and Music 1-6
9 Nov 18 Early Baroque Orchestra, Solo and Trio, Sonata 1-6
10 Nov 25 J.S. Bach, Late Baroque
TERM PAPER DUE – December 1st
1-6
11 Dec 2 The Church Cantata,
TEST 2 (December 2 – 6)
1-6
12 Dec 9 G.F. Handel – The Messiah 1-6
13 Dec 16-21 Review and TEST 3 *Cumulative
(December 16 – 21)
1-6