MUS-241: History of Western Music: 18th and 19th Centuries

Course, prefix, number, & title: MUS-241 History of Western Music: 18th and 19th Centuries

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3

Credits: 3

Pre-requisites (if any): MUS-122 and MUS-124

Course Description in college catalog:

A comprehensive survey of the music and history of the eras comprising the Viennese classical period (Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven), Romanticism and the Romantic period (Schubert to Brahms), and the advent of Modernism (Mahler, R. Strauss, and their contemporaries). The course emphasizes listening, analysis, and critical interpretation and will engage students with the cultural contexts of this music, including historical, aesthetic, stylistic and biographical topics.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

A.S. Music

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

1. Students will learn the origins of the Classical style and will identify the features of the style.

2. Students will recognize, describe and identify the typical musical genres of the Classical period.

3. Students will be able to recognize and identify a specific body of music literature from the Classical period, which are considered to be masterworks of the repertory from this period.

4. Students will study the historical forces that brought about the Classical style, and they will explore how those forces changed in the final years of the 18th century.

5. Students will study the music and life of Beethoven, and will assess his place in the history of music, and his contributions to the change in musical style in the early 19th century.

6. Students will recognize, describe and identify the typical musical genres of the Romantic period.

7. Students will be able to recognize and identify a specific body of music literature from the Romantic period, which are considered to be masterworks of the repertory from this period.

8. Students will explore diverging trends in the music of the latter part of the 19th century.

9. Students will explore the characteristics of the musical works of the late 19th century, and the historical/social/political/artistic milieu which contributed to the changes in musical styles at the turn of the twentieth century.

Program-specific outcomes

Prepare students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning to pursue a career in music by providing a solid foundation in the areas of musicianship and performance.

Provide the general college students with the opportunities to study music in a variety of classes that promotes intellectual inquiry, global awareness and lifelong active learning.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

2. Make ethical judgments while recognizing multiple perspectives, as appropriate in the program of study

3. Work collaboratively to accomplish learning objectives

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

Students' understanding of course materials will be assessed through:

1. Written exams and weekly assignments (homework and in-class listening and writing exercises).
2. Three to four short analytical papers on musical works studied in class (3 pages each, typed) involving analysis of relevant works (or selected excerpts)

Grading:

Exams: 40% (Quizzes: 15%; Final: 25%)

Papers: 40%

Class participation and homework: 20%

Class Policies:

1. Regular attendance and participation (in class and through homework assignments) is required, as is completion of all assigned work. If absent, student is responsible for all missed classwork and homework.
2. Exams, essays and class attendance are mandatory.
3. Cell phones must be turned off during class.
4. Please check your tigermail on a regular basis. Class materials (syllabus, writing assignments, exercises, homework) will be posted on Blackboard. Others will be placed on reserve in the library.

Attendance:

Students are permitted one absence per semester, without explanation to the instructor. Additional absences require consultation with the instructor. Absences that are not excused will cause deductions to the class participation component of the final grade. In addition, please note the official policy of the College on absences from class:

In accordance with QCC attendance requirements stated in academic standing, absences of 15% or more of the course may result in a failing grade. Excessive late arrivals or early departures may also result in a failing grade. http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/academicAffairs/academic-standing.html

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.