NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Spring Semester 2012
Music Appreciation, MUS 100 online & face-to-face classes of
Gary L. Johnston, Associate Professor of Music

Office hours by appointment

Office FA 330, phone 572-6399, FAX 572-6076
email address: johnston@nku.edu, Class home page: <http://mus100.nku.edu>
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Schedule (CSO)
Music Department concerts (OCC's)
Music Department home page
Class Calendar

Please put "mus 100" as the subject for all messages to Professor Johnston.
If you send a concert review, use "MUS 100 Review" as the subject of your message.

MUS 100-007 (Mayerson section) meets in FA376 6-8:30 Thursdays; MUS 100-009 meets in FH109 TR at 12:15 PM.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:

Survey of the development of mankind in Western civilization with emphasis on the interdependence of classical music and jazz with art, literature, politics, and world influences. For students not majoring in music. A general studies course (humanities/fine arts).

COURSE GOALS/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course is designed to interrelate the music, art, culture, politics, and social structures of Western society, as well as demonstrate the influences of other cultures on Western cultural development. The student will become more open to a variety of music and musical styles and be able to identify specific pieces and styles in written tests. The course is designed to provide basic information about Western music with emphasis on classical music and jazz while creating an awareness of the unique qualities found in various musical styles and to examine their development. The student will demonstrate mastery of these styles in expressive biweekly written assignments. To experience these types of music through recorded and live performances and demonstrate an understanding of the listening experience, the student will write in a structured manner about three live concerts.

 

You are enrolled in either the online web/email based course or a face-to-face section. All assignment are due via email or via Blackboard (web based). You are expected to check your email daily and log onto Blackboard and complete assignments twice each week. If you are in the online (004) section and are not comfortable using the web and email and not willing to learn please pick a different course. Thank you.

Please read this entire syllabus. Items from the end are just as important as items from the beginning. This is our contract. If any changes are made (usually just error corrections), you will receive ample notice.

THIS online version of the syllabus is the "official" version, there is no printed copy.



REQUIRED TEXT WITH CD'S:
Ferris, Music the Art of Listening, 8th ed. 2009, with CD and Audio CD's: ISBN 978-0-07-734260-9 McGraw-Hill

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: points

Three (3) written examinations (including listening). = 300
Email concert reviews totaling 150 points (see due the 3 due datesdates)* = 150
Listening/on time email/Blackboard assignments (5 points x 2 entries per week x 15 weeks) = 150
OR attendance at regular face-to-face lectures TH 1:40-2:55, FA 377. 25@6 points each = 150

 

(Possible)
600

100%

A
546

91%

B
486

81%

C
426

71%

D
366

61%


(There is no rounding. For example, 546+ points is an A. 545.999 points is a B.)


*One concert review will be the
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) (Cincinnati Pops/Casual Classics do not count), one will be an "other classical concert" (OCC), and one will be jazz. Concerts (OCC, CSO, Jazz) may be attended in any order. You may use a second CSO as your OCC.

Late reviews will be lowered 5 points up to two (2) days, and up to 15 points thereafter. The first review turned in is your first review, the second, your second, and so forth. You can turn in all three in the first week of class if you want, or you can put them off until the deadlines. You may not begin with the 2nd or 3rd review.

Late Blackboard assignments
will not receive full credit.

Participation:

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Online (004)

Face2Face, 003, 005, 007

 
Meet only online with two online written assignments per week (per class calendar) Y N  
Meet only face to face three times per week (per class calendar) N Y  
May take tests online or with face to face class on the day shown on the class calendar Y Y  
May do online assignment to make up for missed face to face class N Y  
May have occasional online assignemts as assigned (Y) Y  
May double-dip and do both online and face to face work N N  
Must turn in three Concert Reviews on time for full credit or late for partial credit Y Y  
Must turn in email assignment, first Bb assignment and take Quiz #1 or be dropped from course Y Y  
May user high school concerts for concert reviews N N  
May use concerts attended prior to this semester for concert reviews N N  
May use Jazz Concerts for concert reviews Y Y  
May use CSO and other classical concerts for reviews Y Y  
May use R&B, Blues, Musical Theater (musicals), rock concerts etc. for reviews N N  
Must use proper format and headers for all assignments with minimum lengths Y Y  
Receive about 5 points for each class attended N Y  
May use electronic devices, text, email, work for other classes, cellphones, etc. during class N/A N  
May use electronic devices, text, email, work for other classes, cellphones, etc. during concerts N N  
Will receive full credit for reviews emailed as attached files N N  
Concert reviews may be turned in on Bb instead of emailed to Professor Johnston N N  


First assignment (1a):

 

Purpose - To get to know each other, and demonstrate proficiency with email and the web via Blackboard.

 

SEE YOUR CLASS CALENDAR FOR DUE DATES & TIMES:

Part 1: Send an Email message to Professor Johnston in the following (exact) format:

--example--


Name: Im A. Student, Junior, Biology major, MUS 100-099
Address: 330 Fine Arts, NKU, Highland Heights KY 41099
Contacts: 555-5687 (home), studenta@nku.edu, 555-1432 (cell phone #), 555-4321 (business phone #), http://www.nku.edu/~studenta, etc.

Musical Background: Dixie HS Band and jazz band, trombone. I also play some piano, bass, and trumpet.

Musical Likes/dislikes: I am a musical eclectic; that is to say I like almost any style or type of music if it is good music. I always try to keep an open mind when others play their favorite music for me. I tend to favor so-called "classical" music and jazz as my personal favorites. My favorite artists are Yo Yo Ma and Stan Kenton.

Expectations: From this class I hope to learn more about the history of music and how it developed into modern music, and I want to learn about the lives of composers and become familiar with a wider scope of music than I listen to now. In other words, I want to broaden my musical horizons.

Comments: I'm really looking forward to attending the 3 concerts!

 --

Part 2: Post this same information on Blackboard but without the address/phone number information.

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YOUR THREE CONCERT REVIEWS

Suggested sources for "Other Classical Concert" (budget about $20 for concerts):

 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (coat & tie/dress)
NKU Recitals
NKU Ensembles
Cincinnati Ballet
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra

CCM Recitals
Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Community Orchestra
Mt. Auburn Brass Fellowship
NKU Faculty Recitals

Others ONLY with specific pre-concert approval by Professor Johnston


Suggested sources for jazz:
(Note: a non-jazz performance (rock or R&B performance, etc. ) at one of these is still not jazz. When in doubt, check first with your instructor!):

  • Blue Wisp Wednesday nights preferred, but other nights are acceptable (starts about 9:30 pm).
  • Dee Felice's (Mainstrausse in Covington).
  • Others only with specific pre-concert approval by Professor Johnston

 Email reviews and Blackboard assignments should be succinct yet full of interesting information and insights. They should use terms you have learned in class, and reflect on musical concepts you have gained from class. Please make every word meaningful. 450 word minimum.

This Music Appreciation section requires specific listening assignments and concert going events. These may cost up to about $20.00 in tickets, Video Tape rental, etc. If you are not prepared to do the listening and attend the concerts conscientiously, please pick a different course. Thank you.

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Directions to the Blue Wisp jazz club
7th & Race Streets (700 Race St.), Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone(513) 241-WISP


The best nights to visit the Wisp are Wednesdays, though other nights will count as well for your JAZZ review. They start their first set around 9:30 pm and usually have 2-3 sets per evening. Sets go for about 1 hour plus a little.

Dress is casual. Anything from jeans on up is fine.

I think the cover is $7.50-$15 (depending on the group playing) and a one drink minimum (Cokes are fine). Drivers should not drink! Bring your student ID for a discount on certain nights.

I like to go myself, so if you are getting a group together, include me!

Have fun. Professor Johnston

[You can make your own map from YOUR home to 7th & Race Sts., Cincinnati OH with <
http://www.mapblast.com> or <http://www.mapquest.com> or <http://maps.google.com> or <http://www.expediamaps.com/DrivingDirections.asp>]

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Directions to Music Hall (CSO concerts)



From: NKU, Highland Heights, KY 41076-9096
To: Ezzard Charles Dr AT Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45214

The estimated travel time is 10 minutes for 8.52 miles of travel, total of 7 steps.

Step, Directions, (Elapsed Distance)

1 Begin at Nunn Dr on University Dr and go Southeast for 700 feet (0.1)
2 Turn onto Louie B Nunn Dr and go East for 0.4 miles (0.5)
3 Turn left on Alexandria Pike, US-27 and go North for 700 feet (0.6)
4 Continue on I-471 and go Northwest for 6 miles (6.6)
5 Continue on ramp and go North for 0.7 miles (7.3)
6 Continue on E Liberty St and go West for 1.0 miles (8.3)
7 Turn left on Central Pky, US-127, US-27, US-52 and go South for 0.3 miles to Ezzard Charles Dr AT W Central (8.5)

[You can make your own map from YOUR home to Ezzard Charles Dr. & Central Parkway 45214 (Music Hall) with <http://www.mapblast.com> or <http://www.mapquest.com>, etc.

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Readings and Tests

A disciplined reading/study regimen will be critical to your success. On the web page you will find the topics from my lecture slides from previous semesters. These may help you organize the materials as long as you keep in mind that these are only outlines upon which I would hang my actual lectures and assignments. There are also online study questions you need to master - the tests come from these, plus listening. NOTE: You may take your tests with either my online or my face-to-face sections.

The following is a suggested reading/study regimen for you to follow. It shows how many class sessions I used to present lectures on various topics, and therefore how you should allocate your time in the study of those topics.

 

Chapter(s) # of Sessions

Date

(Introduction- for online sections)

REQUIRED M/W

Preface through Chapter 5, Fundamentals Quiz 4

SEE CALENDAR

6-7, Medieval 3

(All tests at NKU)

8-10, Renaissance 4

TEST #1 ON CAMPUS (includes listening test with examples from class/tapes/CDs)

Calendar

Concert Review(s) - first due date (by 5:00 PM)

Calendar

11-14, Baroque 3

16-18, Classical 2

Amadeus film 4

19, Classical / Pre-Romantic 3

TEST #2 ON CAMPUS (includes listening test with examples from class/tapes/CDs)

Calendar

Concert Review(s) - second due date (by 5:00 PM)
Concert Review(s) - third due date (by 5:00 PM)

Calendar

20-24, Romantic 5

25, Impressionism+"isms" 3

30, Jazz 2

26-29, 20th Century 7

TEST #3 ON CAMPUS (includes listening test with examples from class/tapes/CDs)

Calendar

[Like the other tests , #3 will not be comprehensive except for Chapters. 0 (Preface) - 5]

Click here for the class calendar (PDF file)


TESTS:

Plagiarism (representing another's work as one's own) or cheating will result in failure and/or dismissal from the course. Signing in for someone else will have the same effect. You are expected to properly attribute any materials from any source (web, books, CD's, articles, etc.) that you use in any concert reviews or online assignments. This is in accordance with the NKU Honor Code.


It is VERY IMPORTANT that you conclude each message with your name and the class/section number. Also, always put MUS 100 in "review." Use only regular messages with no attachments.

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For Mayerson Student Philanthropy Classes Only...

 

If you are in my section participating in the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project, please see the description of the project below. More information will be provided in class.

The Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project was created in 1999 through a partnership between NKU and the Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation. This "learning by giving” approach provides funds to a number of classes each semester and allows students to experience philanthropy firsthand by being grant makers in the classroom. Students in each class research community problems and nonprofit organizations, evaluate and discuss them, and ultimately select nonprofits in which to invest the funds. The goals include engaging students more fully in the curriculum, teaching them about community problems and nonprofits, and encouraging them to be involved with nonprofit organizations in the future, as philanthropists, volunteers and staff. To date, more than 2,000 students in Mayerson classes have invested about $400,000 in more than nonprofits in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati. The Mayerson project is managed by NKU's Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement. For more information, please visit http://civicengagement.nku.edu/programs/mayerson.shtml.

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Help is Available! If you need help with assignments by emailing the mus100 helpline.

Music Appreciation, MUS 100, Professor Johnston, Syllabus Copyright (c) 2012, Edgewood, Ky
 
THIS SYLLABUS MAY BE ALTERED AT THE DISCRETION OF YOUR INSTRUCTOR.

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