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Introduction to Music (MUSC 1000)

Total Credits: 3
Lecture Credits: 3

Description: This course provides an overview for anyone who appreciates music and wants a better understanding of musical styles. You will learn techniques for listening to and describing music through investigation of musical elements and exploration of the influence of musical context. You will study significant musical compositions from the Western European art tradition, as well as music from the World’s cultures and music that has originated in or had significant influence on music in the United States – in part to help contextualize new and unfamiliar forms, and in part to help sharpen your listening skills. You will practice your newfound skills through discussion, listening, reading, and writing.

Topical Outline:
1. The nature of music/defining music
2. The musical elements – the vocabulary of music
3. Perceptive listening: developing active and critical listening skills
4. Historical style periods in Western Art Music
5. Traditional music heritage of the United States and beyond

Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe musical events using appropriate terminology
2. Develop analytical and critical listening skills
3. Connect the music they experience in this course with parallel developments in history and culture
4. Discuss their perceptions and responses to music using appropriate terminology
5. Explain the use of musical elements within the context of specific genres and styles

Prerequisites:  Placement into READ 1300 or completion of READ 0200 or ESOL 0052

MnTC:
  • Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts
  • Goal 8: Global Perspectives