SURVEY OF MUSIC LITERATURE: MUL 2010

Syllabus, Fall 2014

Date Chapter Topics
Aug 26-28 I. 1-2 Basic Elements of Musical Structure: Pitch, dynamics, tone color
Sep 2 3, 5-6 Rhythm, melody, harmony, form
Sep 4 8-11
Sep 11 Quiz

Sep 16 II. 1-5 Music In Its Historical Context: Middle Ages
Sep 18 III. 1-4 Renaissance
Sep 23 IV. 1-4 Baroque: Concerto Grosso, fugue
Sep 25 5-7, 9-11 Opera, trio sonata, solo sonata, suite
Sep 30 12-16 Bach, Handel
Oct 2 Quiz

Oct 7 V. 1-2, 4-5 Classicism: T & V, Minuet
Oct 9 8 Concerto
Oct 14 3, 7, 11 Symphony
Oct 16 11 Mozart
Oct 21 9, 6, 12 Beethoven
Oct 22 VI. 1-2 Romanticism
Oct 23 3-5, 7-8 Vocal and piano music
9-12, 14 Orchestral music
17-19 Opera
Oct 28 Quiz

Oct 30 VII. 1-4 20th Century music: Introduction and Impressionism
Nov 4 6-7 Stravinsky
Nov 6 8-11 2nd Viennese School
Nov 13 12,14,15,17 Other styles
Nov 18 More recent developments
Nov 20 Quiz

Nov 25 VIII. Jazz
Dec 2-4 World music
Dec 9 Review
Dec 11 Final


Gordon Rule Requirement: Students will fulfill a 4000-word writing requirement, as follows:
1) Each test will include a 125-word in class essay (500 words)
2) Attendance of a live musical program will be required (500-word paper)
3) There will be five 500-word essays (2500 words)
4) There will be a research paper (500 words)
Fine Arts/Music General Education Learning Outcomes
Apply critical thinking through problem solving
Stimulate thinking concerning music history and the basic structural elements of music
Gain knowledge of analytical concepts for music listening

Develop awareness of diverse ethical perspectives
Develop pedagogical knowledge of musical concepts, and an awareness of diverse
Historical perspectives in the understanding of Music History

Course Specific Learning Outcomes
Gain knowledge of music from an historical perspective
Participate in class activities
Read assigned materials
Complete all assignments
Take notes during class
Complete all exams







ESSAY #1: Is structure/organization an essential element in the arts? Are there examples of
successful life forms with no form? Is it necessary for a clear structure to be obvious or even
perceivable in a musical work? Should clarity of structure be a prerequisite for quality?

ESSAY #2: Is compositional success tied to advanced training? Should there be a specific blend
of technique and inspiration? What is the source of artistic inspiration? Is it tied to a consistent
work schedule? Is it important for a composer to have familiarity with many different musical
styles or a sense of musical history?

ESSAY #3: Address the issue of music and its position in society. Is music a reflection of its
cultural backdrop? Offer specific examples of musical styles and composers and the sociological
background that influenced their compositional output.
Is the position of music in any society, literate or undeveloped, essential to that societies well-
being?

ESSAY #4: Should avant-garde composers have claim to musical quality?
Where would you draw the line between creativity and chaos? Does it mean anything to the
listener that a compositional process is well-organized on paper but may not be as obvious to the
ear? Should this be a factor in quality?

ESSAY #5: Compare and contrast essay: Pick 2 selections from the list of Youtube examples
and do a stylistic comparison utilizing the basic musical elements in your discussion.

1. It is permissible to use 1st person and personal pronouns (I, we, you).
2. Include factual information in addition to your own thoughts.
3. Document all sources from which you draw information. Format is your choice (although it
seems APA is a favorite at IRCC--footnoting is unecessary--use citations [paranthetical reference
is fine]).
4. Be sure to confirm validity of any Internet sources
5. Consult CPI Lab for assistance--they have lots of experience aiding Gordon Rule writers
Pitfalls of the Past (Avoid problems in these areas)
PROOFREAD (and spell-check your paper)
Observe good sentence structure (avoid fragments and run-ons)--watch overuse of
linking words (also, then, in addition, etc.)
Avoid overly technical writing--if you dont understand it, dont write it
Avoid lists (eras, dates, names, places, etc.): underline or italicize compositional titles
Read aloud for sense
Document your sources--include a bibliography (no matter how short) even if you
make use of parenthetical reference
Record word count (in all papers)
Dont pad your writing with superfluous commentary--dont list the questions for
wordcount--avoid I believe and I think
Be organized (always a good idea to work from an outline)
Underline or italicize titles/compositions

Grading: Exams=90%, Papers=10%
Required text: Music: An Appreciation, Ninth Edition by Roger Kamien

Essays will be due in a timely fashion, spread out over the semester so that you can pace
yourselveslet me help! In fact, I will insist upon helpingif you are late with essays you will
be docked points for those essays. Why do that? Get the work in on time and help both of us!