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Music 136: Music of the World’s Peoples Fall 2002 Instructor: Eric Hung
Syllabus
This syllabus is subject to change.
GENERAL INFORMATION Class Meetings: MWF, 1:10pm-2:00pm (Music Recital Hall) Video Screenings (all in MUS 104/105): SESSION 1: Mon., Sept. 16 at 7:15pm OR Tues., Sept. 17 at 2:15pm (“Konkombe: Nigerian Pop Scene”) SESSION 2: Mon., Oct. 14 at 7:15pm OR Tues., Oct. 15 at 2:15pm (“The Prosperity of Wibisana”) SESSION 3: Mon., Nov. 4 at 7:15pm OR Tues., Nov. 5 at 2:15pm (“Music for the Movies: Toru Takemitsu”) SESSION 4: Mon., Dec. 2 at 7:15pm OR Tues., Dec. 3 at 2:15pm (“Chulas fronterras”) Web CT: No Longer Available as of January 2003
INSTRUCTOR’S INFORMATION Instructor’s Contact Information: ehung@selway.umt.edu, 406-243-6892 Office Hours: Mondays 9-10am, Wednesdays 2:10-4pm and by appointment
COURSE BASICS During this semester, we will examine the musical cultures of six geographic areas: West/Central Africa, Eastern Europe, Japan, Indonesia, Latin America, and Missoula. The goals of the course are: (1) To explore different music-cultures from around the world; (2) To work on listening skills; and (3) To enhance your ability to discuss music analytically.
TEXTS Jeff Titon, ed. Worlds of Music, 4th edition. [Textbook and 4CDs; Available at UM Bookstore] Additional reading, listening and viewing assignments are on reserve in Mansfield Library.
CLASS FORMAT Class lectures will complement but not directly repeat material covered in the textbook. Exams will contain some questions that are only covered in lectures and some questions that are only covered in the textbook. It is therefore pertinent that you attend all the lectures and do all the assignments. I will hand out study questions for each assigned chapter in the textbook. If you are unable to answer any study question after carefully reading the assigned chapter, please send me an e-mail and I will go over the topic in class.
VIDEO SCREENINGS During the course of the semester, I will screen four films outside the regular class meetings. Each film will be shown twice, and the schedule is at the top of this page. You are responsible for the material covered in these films. I would highly recommend that you come to one or both screenings of each film. If you are absolutely unable to come to the screenings (or if you would like to see the film again), you can check the video out from the reserve desk and watch it in the library.
WORKLOAD This is a three-credit course, so expect to spend about nine hours each week on this course. Three of these hours will be spent in class. Expect to spend about 2-3 hours each week on the group assignments. Use the remaining 3-4 hours each week for writing, textbook assignments and video screenings.
GRADING
EXAMS Each exam contains a map test and four essay questions. Two of the essay questions will involve an audio or a video excerpt. Spend about 10 minutes on each essay question. Here are some sample exam questions: (1) Describe the ensemble in the excerpt you just saw. What instruments are in the ensemble and what is the main function of the ensemble? Discuss in detail a work we studied this semester that uses this ensemble. (2) Describe the excerpt you just heard. Where was it recorded? What occasion was documented? What general characteristics of African music were heard in the excerpt? (3) What are the chief similarities and differences between a Javanese gamelan and a Balinese gamelan? (4) A major theme of this course is the effects of Westernization on traditional cultures. Using specific examples, discuss how Westernization affected the traditional musics of two musical cultures. If you need to reschedule an exam because of a religious holiday or official school event (e.g., basketball game), you must make your request at least two weeks before the scheduled exam. If you would like to reschedule an exam for personal reasons (e.g., you’re diving in the Olympics), you must talk to me at least two weeks before the scheduled exam. I reserve the right to refuse requests made on the basis of personal reasons. If you miss an exam because of serious illness or severe family emergency, you may request a makeup exam only if you can document your illness or emergency. I reserve the right to refuse requests for makeup exams.
READING AND LISTENING ASSIGNMENTS All reading and listening assignments are to be completed before class on the date listed in the syllabus.
GROUP LISTENING ASSIGNMENTS At the beginning of week two, I will divide the class into groups of four or five based on surveys that you fill out during the first class. I’m hoping that there is a diversity of musical backgrounds and interests within each group. There will be six group listening assignments during the semester. The first will be due on Monday, Sept. 16. In calculating your final grade, I will drop the listening assignment with the lowest grade. Unless you can provide a legitimate and documented excuse (e.g., serious illness, severe family emergency), assignments that are one or two days late will lose one full letter grade. Assignments that are more than two days late will not be accepted.
FINAL GROUP PROJECT For the final project, your listening group will conduct research on some aspect of music in Western Montana. The project must involve both interviews and library research. Each group will do a ten-minute presentation for the class and hand in a five-page paper. Hopefully, we will as a class learn something about the diversity and history of musical life in the Missoula area. More details about this project will be forthcoming.
WEB CT The class webpage is an important component of this course. I will post discussion questions and review sheets there. I will also use it to clarify assignments and to respond to your questions. Use it as often as you wish, but you are responsible for checking this webpage at the beginning of each week.
DISABILITY If you need accommodations because of a disability, please talk to me and the Disability Services for Students (DSS) Office as soon as possible. I need at least one week’s notice for test accommodations.
ACADEMIC HONESTY All students in this class must abide by the University’s “Academic Conduct” code. This code is available at http://www.umt.edu/studentaffairs/sccAcademicConduct.htm. Failure to abide by this code will result in severe penalties.
INCOMPLETES Incompletes will be granted only in extreme situations, such as serious illness and severe family emergency.
COURSE OUTLINE
Last updated: January 3, 2003
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