Introduction to Music (170-0-2)
Instructors
Helaine Paula Liebman
Meeting Info
RCMA 1-172: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
Music has been a pillar of culture for millennia: It reflects the times, and the times reflect the music. From the medieval English song "Sumer is icumen in" to Beyonceé's "Texas Hold ‘Em," the course will cover a wide range of genres and time periods, including music from the Western canon as well as popular music throughout history, exploring its connections to the zeitgeist and to socioeconomic trends. Through assigned readings and recordings, students will be encouraged to think critically, reflect on the material, and engage in discussion on the topics covered in class.
Registration Requirements
Open to undergraduate non-music majors. No prior musical training is required to take this course.
Learning Objectives
At the end of class, students should be able to engage critically with music spanning a range of historical periods in the Western canon. Through the course, students will be exposed to a wide range of genres and hopefully gain new knowledge and insight as listeners and consumers of music.
Teaching Method
Classes will involve lectures and discussion of the assigned reading and listening. Students are encouraged to participate in class both to review the readings and also to share connections with their own knowledge and experience.
Evaluation Method
Students will be evaluated on attendance, participation in class discussion about weekly readings and topics, listening quizzes, periodic journal assignments, attending a musical event(s) (either in person or virtually) outside of class with a written reflection, one presentation project, and a final exam. The presentation project will address a topic relevant to the course, chosen by the student and approved by the instructor.
Class Materials (Required)
None required for purchase. Assigned reading, listening, and other materials will be made available on CANVAS.
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area