MUSC 202 Music Literature in Context I

This course will blend both theoretical analyses of specific representative musical masterworks with an investigation into the works’ historical and stylistic context. To this end, there will be 1) study of specific historical readings and/or an excellent music history textbook, 2) analytical and historical study of certain pivotal masterworks of music and their composers, 3) student analyses of these works with an aim of understanding their architectural and organic lifeblood, how the works functioned within their composers’ oeuvre, and their historical context, and 4) student presentations of their findings. 

Credits

3

Prerequisite

MUSC 111A and MUSC 111P

Hours Weekly

3

Course Objectives

1. 1. Understand the theoretical structure of music of given historical periods, the musical and creative aims
   of the great composers who wrote these masterworks, and to build a foundation in music history.
   
2. 2. Define the major elements of Western music (pitch, dynamics, timbre, texture, rhythm, melody,
   harmony, form).
3. 3. Explain how a composer has manipulated each of the elements of music in a given composition and
   propose a theory concerning the reasons for each of the changes.
4. 4. Discern the form of a composition through either listening or study of the score.
5. 5. Compare and contrast each of the major style periods of Western music history.
6. 6. Recognize the composer and composition title of 25-50 major works.
7. 7. List several major composers from each style period and describe the essence of their approach to
   composition and/or the uniqueness of their contribution to music.
   
8. 8. Write an informed critique of a live music performance.
   
9. 9. Write a short research paper on a detailed aspect of a composer or work.
10. 10. Discuss the primary philosophical thrusts of each style period and relate those forces to specific musical
    examples.
    
11. 11. Summarize the tonality crisis of the 20th century and discuss the specific composers and works that relate
    to the solution of that crisis.
12. 12. Demonstrate active listening skills by objectively restating, in his or her own words, material which has
    been verbally transmitted.
13. 13. Demonstrate the physical ability to speak effectively so that the receiver(s) can understand the ideas
    being expressed.
14. 14. Communicate an abstract or concrete idea so that the receiver(s) clearly perceives the intended message.
    This will include the ability to express a point of view that is not the student’s own.
15. 15. Effectively deliver a formal oral presentation in front of a group.
    
16. 16. Demonstrate the ability to communicate using appropriate language.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Understand the theoretical structure of music of given historical periods, the musical and creative aims
   of the great composers who wrote these masterworks, and to build a foundation in music history.
   
2. 2. Define the major elements of Western music (pitch, dynamics, timbre, texture, rhythm, melody,
   harmony, form).
3. 3. Explain how a composer has manipulated each of the elements of music in a given composition and
   propose a theory concerning the reasons for each of the changes.
4. 4. Discern the form of a composition through either listening or study of the score.
5. 5. Compare and contrast each of the major style periods of Western music history.
6. 6. Recognize the composer and composition title of 25-50 major works.
7. 7. List several major composers from each style period and describe the essence of their approach to
   composition and/or the uniqueness of their contribution to music.
   
8. 8. Write an informed critique of a live music performance.
   
9. 9. Write a short research paper on a detailed aspect of a composer or work.
10. 10. Discuss the primary philosophical thrusts of each style period and relate those forces to specific musical
    examples.
    
11. 11. Summarize the tonality crisis of the 20th century and discuss the specific composers and works that relate
    to the solution of that crisis.
12. 12. Demonstrate active listening skills by objectively restating, in his or her own words, material which has
    been verbally transmitted.
13. 13. Demonstrate the physical ability to speak effectively so that the receiver(s) can understand the ideas
    being expressed.
14. 14. Communicate an abstract or concrete idea so that the receiver(s) clearly perceives the intended message.
    This will include the ability to express a point of view that is not the student’s own.
15. 15. Effectively deliver a formal oral presentation in front of a group.
    
16. 16. Demonstrate the ability to communicate using appropriate language.