Syllabus

Course Information

Course title:

Music MUSI1200: Introduction to Research and Style Analysis

 

Course number:

MUSI1200
Course website: http://webct.tltc.ttu.edu

 

Course discipline:

Music

 

Course description:

Introduction to Research and Style Analysis is a semester-long course designed to provide entering college students with the tools and skills necessary to excel in the academic study of music.

In this course, we will learn about and develop expertise in the techniques of music listening, research, reading, writing, and study, in a variety of cultural traditions, as suitable preparation for the three-semester “Musical Style and Cultural History” (MUHL2301-2302-2303) sequence required of all music majors.

We will develop familiarity with specific printed and electronic information sources, develop abilities in analysis of music recordings, scores, music texts, develop experience with specific genres of music in the European tradition, and work both individually and in teams on a sequence of projects designed to teach and test these skills.

 

Location:

Music M01 ("Choral Room")

 

Meeting day(s):

MWF

 

Meeting time(s):

10:00-10:50

 

Instructor Information

Name:

Dr Christopher Smith

 

Email:

christopher.smith@ttu.edu

 

Office location:

Music M203

 

Office hours:

MWF 2:00-3:30pm; TR 1-2:30 or by appointment

 

Phone:

806/742-2270 x249

 

Biography:

Find a Chris Smith Biography

 

Teaching assistants:

Ms Meredith Ware (meredith.ware@ttu.edu)

 

Course Goals

Course goals:

Develop expertise in music listening, research, reading, writing, study, and pedagogical concepts, in a variety of cultural traditions, as suitable preparation for the three-semester “Musical Style and Cultural History” (MUHL2301-2302-2303) sequence.

 

Course Requirements

Introduction:

This course will include lecture, listening, discussion, in-class activities, and web-based assignments. It is essential that students complete the daily assignments and come to class prepared to engage in discussion.

 

Requirements:

Assignments:

Please note: Much of our in-class testing will employ Scan-Tron testing. Therefore, you are required to bring a blank Scan-Tron form to each class, in the event of a quiz. Don't be caught by surprise!

(Please note that MUHL policy is that each student must pass each assignment category assigned below. An F in any of the following categories will result in an F for the entire semester.)

In most class sessions, we will listen to, analyze, and discuss a specific piece or pieces of music, preparing notes suitable for uploading after class via WebCT. We will also discuss and demonstrate specific skills in the realm of academic music research (reading, writing, and thinking critically; library, bibliographic, and database skills; formats for research tools, and so on. Each session will usually be followed by a homework assignment, to be completed and uploaded to the course website.

Please note: In most cases, homework assignments will only be accepted for upload up until 10 minutes before the assigned class (to be exact, 9:50am). Therefore, it is essential that you budget time and computer access which will permit you to complete and upload assignments on time.

Examinations: Three examinations will be administered over the course of the semester (including the Final Examination). Examinations will include short answer questions, identifications, critical reading, and a short essay on an assigned topic. For each exam, the written portion of the material (lectures, readings, etc) will be comprehensive from the beginning of the semester.

Quizzes: Every Friday (or other days at the discretion of the instructor), a short quiz (approximately 10:00 minutes) will be administered, covering the week's topics and/or listening.

Attendance and participation: Because our time together in class is very limited, it is essential that we make the most efficient and constructive use of that time. Therefore, attendance is mandatory and unexcused absences will be penalized.

Grading:

v      Examinations (3 including the Final): 30%

v      Weekly quizzes: 25%

v      Assignments: 30%

v      Attendance: 15%

 

Policies

Introduction:

Attendance and participation: Because our time together in class is very limited, it is essential that we make the most efficient and constructive use of that time. Therefore, attendance is mandatory and unexcused absences will be penalized, with adverse effect on final grades.

Conduct: Students participating in MUHL classes are expected to maintain a respectful and professional level of conduct. In the event of student misconduct, it is MUHL policy that teaching staff may exercise any or all of the following:

v      Ejection from class

v      Grade of F for class session

v      Refused acceptance of in-class work or tests

v      Report of student misconduct to upper-administration, faculty colleagues, or studio teacher

Computer and technology usage: Students are encouraged, when possible, to employ modern technology during class-time, including laptops, iPods, etc. Students employing technology during lectures are required to sit in the front row of the classroom, nearest the instructor. Technology usage is expected to be relevant to class work, and is strictly prohibited in any testing situation. Playing video games, text-messaging, and so on are likewise strictly prohibited. Any such activities are grounds for ejection from class.

Medical and other issues affecting course work: Any student who because of a disability may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary accommodations. Please Note: Student should present appropriate verification from AccessTECH. No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to completion of this approved university procedure.

Attendance due to religious observance--The Texas Tech University Catalog states that a student who is absent from classses for the observance of a religious holy day will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence.

  1. "Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
  2. A student who is excused under Section 2 may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if the student fails to satisfactorily complete the assignment.

Absence due to officially approved trips--The Texas Tech University Catalog states that the person responsible for a student missing class due to a trip should notify the instructors of the departure and return schedule in advance of the trip. The student may not be penalized and is responsible for the material missed.

Please note: It is essential that any student missing a class, for an excused or unexcused absence, should promptly contact classmates and visit the course website to get class notes and catch up with missed work.

It is our experience that students who frequently miss class do poorly or fail. Any day you are late or absent, please get class notes from one or more classmates. You are responsible for knowing what is said in class, including announcements. Instructors cannot take responsibility for filling you in on what you missed.

Academic integrity: It is the student's responsibility to know and understand Texas Tech University's policies, procedures, and penalties regarding academic integrity, as discussed in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct. Negligence or ignorance of the policy will rarely be accepted as an excuse for violation of the policy. Cheating on examinations or plagiarism or falsification on the research project is likely to result in an F for the course.