"Nothing is more characteristic of human nature than to be soothed by sweet modes and disturbed by their opposites.  Infants, youths, and old people, as well, are so naturally attuned to musical modes by a kind of spontaneous feeling that no one of any age is without delight in sweet song." -Boethius

Syllabus

Music 121
On-Line Course

 

Music Appreciation is offered on-line at VHCC as a further effort to accommodate student schedules. Course content is comparable to that of regular classes. Experience has shown that self-motivated students are more successful in on-line courses than students who are not self-motivated. Plan, organize, and motivate yourself! There will not be an instructor or a mother to do it for you!

 

Course Description

Increases the variety and depth of the student's interest, knowledge, and involvement in music and related cultural activities.   Acquaints the student with ancient and traditional music literature, emphasizing the relationship music has as an art form with man and society. Increases the student's awareness of composers and performers of all eras through listening and concert experiences.

Broad Goals

1. To provide a basic understanding of the musical elements and forms which make up our Western Musical Heritage.

2. To provide students with a music course suitable for transfer to a four-year institution.

3. To help students develop an interest in music of the Western tradition.

4. To develop a more informed way of listening to music.

5. To place music in a historical framework spanning the years from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century.

6. To become familiar with a variety of genre, including the sonata, the concerto, opera, the symphony, chant, the mass, and song. 

Requirements:

1. The student must have an e-mail account. (more about e-mail)

2. The student must be registered for Mus 121-40 at Virginia Highlands Community College.  (Adobe Acrobat needed to view the fall schedule.)

3. The student must have knowledge of a World Wide Web browser.  All class content will be available via the World Wide Web and therefore the student should have some knowledge of navigating the Web via a browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. 

4. The student MUST attend an initial meeting with the instructor on Tuesday, January 8, 2002 at 9:30 a.m. in Room MEC-514. This meeting will acquaint students with the MUS 121 homepage and give directions for following the specific objectives.  Lab work for this orientation session will be in room 722 of the LRC building. *Any student who does not attend this initial meeting will be dropped from the class.*

Computer Requirements

Microsoft Internet Explorer (this is the only browser that will accept the course password -download it here for free)

E-mail software, such as Netscape Messenger, Microsoft Mail, or Eudora

Speakers and Soundcard with the ability to play .wav format files

RealPlayer (click to download Free RealPlayer)

Required Text
The Enjoyment of Music, Eighth Edition, by Joseph Machlis and Kristine Forney, published by Norton.

Specific Objectives

NOTE
Students must complete all work in the learning tasks for each unit, even if it is not required to be submitted to the instructor. Tests will be based upon all learning tasks in the units, not just the graded homework assignments. Pay particular attention to the listening assignments in preparing for tests!!!

Grading Criteria

Holiday Calendar        
(All Classes Canceled)

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