Music Theory and History Courses - 1999-2000


Music Department: Applied Music | Music Theory And History


There are no prerequisites for 100– and 200– courses.

101–Introduction to Music. Basic materials, forms styles, and aesthetics. Guided listening to masterpieces of music literature. (No credit if taken after 150.) (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit. Department.

104–World Music. .Surveys the musical cultures of eight world areas. Develops musical vocabulary and listening skills through style description and analysis. Explores relationships between music and culture through ethnographic case studies. Introduces traditional vocal and instrumental performance techniques through workshops taught by native musicians. (Also listed as American-Ethnic Studies 104 and Anthropology 104.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement; fulfills only one of the Social Science distribution requirement.) 2 units – Department.

150–Music in Western Culture. For the non-music major. This course will examine the socio-cultural influences on music from antiquity to modern times. The music of each period will be examined in terms of its stylistic characteristics, its performance practices and its function within the society. Selected genres, composers and musical form will be studied through directed listening sessions. Special attention will be given to the aesthetic ideas that shaped the music of each period. No credit if taken after 101. (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: A requirement.) 2 units – D. Brink.

199–Pre-Theory. A course designed to develop an understanding of the basic elements of music through written and aural exercises and analysis. The course will cover the rudiments of music theory involving melody, rhythm, and harmony. Concentration on notation and aural recognition of rhythm and meter, key signatures, scales, and intervals; the construction and connection of basic triads and chords; basic keyboard and sight singing skills. A course designed to assist students planning to take Theory I–IV or for students interested in gaining knowledge of the musician’s basic materials and skills. Cannot be used as a credit toward the music major. 1 unit – D.Brink.

201–American Music. A survey from the time of the Pilgrims to that of Rock and Roll; an examination of the so-called “cultivated” and “vernacular” traditions with discussion of some uniquely American dichotomies such as commerce and art, art in a democracy, and popularity and taste. Music reading ability not necessary. 1 unit – Department.

204–From Mozart to Mahler: A History of the Symphony. No previous musical experience needed. An exploration of the development of the symphony, beginning with its inception as an amalgamation of various national characteristics in courtly circles during the middle of the 18th-century. Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven elaborated and transformed the genre as it moved into the 19th-century, when it flourished as a dramatic vehicle for large public concerts during the great age of Romanticism. An analysis of the symphony’s mid-to-late-19th-century manifestations will examine the continuity of its forms as well as the myriad innovations that eventually led both to the profound creations of Mahler and others as well as the ultimate decline of the genre in the 20th-century. 1 unit – Agee.

205–Jazz. An introduction to the history, theory and literature of American jazz music. Jazz as a primarily Afro-American cultural expression. Traditional African music and its relation to ragtime and blues. The evolution of jazz from its New Orleans origins to the present, as traced in the recorded legacy of such key innovators as Armstrong, Ellington, Parker, Davis, Monk and Coltrane. Guided listening and collective improvisation. (Also listed as American-Ethnic Studies 205.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit – Scott.

206–The Anthropology of Music. Anthropological approaches to the study of music. Considers the role and function of music in culture with regard to musical sound, concepts and behaviors. Explores issues in musical ethnography, musical areas, music symbolism, music making, and the Western impact on world music. (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Also listed as Anthropology 206.) (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Levine.

207–Opera. An introduction to operatic conventions from the origin of opera in the late Renaissance to the operatic masterworks of the 20th-century. Sociological elements behind the presentation of opera will be discussed as well as concepts in staging and production. 1 unit – Agee.

208–Romanticism. Music of the 19th-century will be studied with attention given to important musical forms, genres, individual composers, as well as the relationship between musical styles and aesthetic ideas. The scope of the course will include musical literature from the death of Beethoven to the first performance of Stravinsky’s Sacre du Printemps on the eve of World War I, with some excursions into other historical periods showing styles and ideas that are analogous to those of the 19th-century. Primarily for non-music majors, this course requires no musical background. (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – M. Grace.

210–Splendor of the Baroque. No previous musical experience needed. A kaleidoscopic introduction to the passionate and lofty music of the late 16th-, 17th-, and early 18th-centuries. The course examines the fascinating English developments of the late Renaissance and early Baroque, the rediscovery of ancient music and the invention of opera, the flowering of instrumental music across Europe, and the final apotheosis of the high Baroque in the dramatic spectacle of Handel and the contrapuntal genius of Bach. (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Agee.

211–Miles Ahead: The Miles Davis Years. This course traces the remarkable fifty-year career of one of jazz’s most important innovators. His thinking inspired several distinct stylistic movements in the music, and he was mentor to many younger players who developed into major voices under his leadership. Guided listening to several of Miles most important recordings as well as those of some of his significant,proteges and investigation of some of the extra-musical issues surrounding his life and music. (No prerequisite, though 205–”Introduction to Jazz” is recommended.) 1 unit – Scott.

212–Mozart and His Age. A study of Mozart’s life, character and works in the context of 18th-century Europe. The course will examine each genre of music composed by Mozart and compare his works with those of his immediate predecessors and contemporaries such as Handel and Haydn. Mozart’s place in 18th-century society — his relationships with employers, contemporary musicians and works, family, friends, and the Masonic movement — will be examined as a context for the study of his music. No musical background is required. 1 unit – M. Grace.

220–The Gothic Age in Art and Music. The relationships among the visual arts, music and intellectual life in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. The formation of Romanesque art and Gregorian chant. The development of the Gothic cathedral and French polyphonic music in the 12th- and 13th-centuries. Italian, French, and English secular innovations in the late medieval period. (Also listed as Art History 220.) (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Agee, Kolarik.

221, 222–Topics in Ethnomusicology. Special topics in ethnomusicology, approached through emphasis on a particular musical area, theoretical issue, genre or repertory, compositional technique, or instrument. The course is devoted to non-western musical cultures. (Also listed as Anthropology 221,222.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit – Department.

224–Jewish Music. This interdisciplinary course traces the many musical traditions of the Jewish world communities in a journey from the ancient Temple singing in biblical times to the music of individuals such as George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein. Included will be a comparative study of the three major religions of the Western world exploring their respective voices and musical interaction. Sociology, literature, religion, and history, as well as issues of ethnicity, cultural unity and self expression will be engaged in this multicultural search for musical identity. Also listed as Religion 224. 1 unit – Ben-Amots.

225–Wagner’s “Ring.” An exploration of the romantic operas, the music-dramas, and the aesthetic principles of Richard Wagner, with special emphasis on The Ring of the Nibelung. Excellent production of the Ring music-dramas (The Rhine Gold, The Valkyrie, Siegfried, Twilight of the Gods) will be viewed on videotape and laserdisc. (January half-block.) (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1/2 unit – Agee.

226–Music at the Computer. This course will introduce the incredible new opportunities of the digital sound in all three categories of composition, performance, and listening. In the Music Department’s computer music lab we will explore a range of possibilities that combine music, multimedia, computers and the Internet. Students will be able to experiment with sound and composition, create their own World Wide Web Site and participate in an exciting class project. An atmosphere of experimentation and discovery will allow students to create, print, playback and record music. (No credit if taken after 200 taught in the Summer Session.) (January half-block.) Prerequisite: consent of instructor. 1/2 unit – Ben-Amots.

227, 228–Topics in Music. Particular aspects in music, approached through emphasis on a form, period, composer(s), area or medium.

        Block 1–8.                 Cornerstone Arts Seminar in Music. Facilitates the unique opportunity for students to experiment and create original music in direct collaboration with dance and visual arts students while developing their own musical language. As part of the course we will study and analyze 20th century compositional masterpieces of a cross-disciplinary nature. This extended format course will meet regularly 2–3 times a block. It will include an ongoing performance/ rehearsal experimentation and will conclude with a major end-of-the year concert. Extended format, fall-spring semesters. No prerequisites. 1 unit. Ben-Amots.

        Block 8.                 We’ve Got Rhythm. Study of rhythm for musicians from all backgrounds. Emphasis on learning and polishing rhythmic performance skills, from basic concepts of pulse and meter through complex additive and polyrhythmic processes. Rhythmic analysis of music from various world traditions. Music reading ability not required. No prerequisite. 1 unit – Scott.

229–The Operas of Verdi. An introduction to the great dramatic stage works of Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901). This course will begin with an examination of the classical italianate operatic line as seen in the masterworks of Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, and Bellini. Out of this tradition Verdi formed his first great success, Nabucco, and he subsequently transformed the genre with his great “Romantic trilogy”, Rigoletto, Il trovatore, and La traviata. Verdi’s later experiments and his final creations, Aïda, Otello, and Falstaff eventually moved beyond Romanticism into a post-Romantic sensibility. All of these works will be viewed in productions on videotape and laserdisc. (January half-block.) 1/2 unit – Agee.

230–Women in Music. Women as composers, performers, teachers, conductors, and patrons of music from the medieval period to the present. Contribution of women to American music. The changing role of women in musical life and culture. (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Also listed as Women’s Studies 230.) (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Department.

290–American Indian Music. Explores American Indian history, culture, society, religion, ritual, aesthetic expression, and contemporary issues through the domain of music. Develops ability to identify, describe, and analyze various American Indian music; considers diverse styles and performance contexts. Addresses traditional as well as new music. (Also listed as Anthropology 290.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit – Levine.

291–Southwest American Indian Music. Music and culture of Southwest American Indians, with emphasis on Pueblo and Athabascan peoples. Considers origin narratives, cosmology, ritual drama, dance, and other aesthetic modes as related to Southwest Indian musical performance. Addresses traditional as well as new music. (Also listed as Anthropology 291.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Levine.

294–Latino Musics of the United States. Explores the role of music in the expression of ethnicity and ethnic identity among Latino peoples of the United States. Various musical styles and genres performed by New Mexicans, Texas-Mexicans, Native Americans, Puerto Rican Americans, and Cuban Americans are considered. Traditional and popular Latino musics are examined within their cultural and historical contexts. (Also listed as American-Ethnic Studies 294 and Anthropology 294.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) (Not offered 1999–2000.)1 unit – Levine.

295–Indonesian Music. Surveys Indonesian history, culture, society, religion, and aesthetic values through music. Students become familiar with a variety of Indonesian musical repertories, styles, and performance contexts, including court traditions of Java, Sunda, and Bali and village traditions throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Traditional as well as new music are discussed. (Also listed as Anthropology 295 and Asian Studies 295.) (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit – Gold, Lasmawan.

301–Composition. Practical guidance in the composition of original music, with reference to 20th century music theory and compositional methods. Students will be able to concentrate on both the creative and the analytical aspects of contemporary composition. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. 1 unit – Ben-Amots.

315–Music History I. Music of the Ancient World, Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque. Forms, techniques, media, and aesthetic elements as fundamentals of style. An examination of music and music theory from classical antiquity through the middle of the 18th-century, including the diffusion of early Christian chant, the rise of mainstream sacred polyphony in Paris during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the spread of sacred and secular forms during the late Middle Ages, the influence of English style on the French-Flemish composers who would dominate sacred musical style in the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, the appearance of important Italian composers in the late Renaissance, the national manifestations of Renaissance and early Baroque secular forms, and the international High Baroque style of Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, and Rameau. Prerequisite: Some musical experience as a performer, with knowledge of scales, intervals, and fundamentals of music, and consent of instructor. (Meets the Alternative Perspective: A requirement when taken in combination with 316 in the same academic year.) 1 unit – Agee.

316–Music History II. Music of the Classical and Romantic periods, and the 20th-century until 1945. Forms, techniques, media, and aesthetic elements as foundations of style. Music of the Classical era concentrating on the works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, studied in the context of the age of Enlightenment and the freedom of the composer from patronage systems. The emergence of a romantic ideal in 19th-century music with special focus on Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Berlioz, Brahms, Verdi, Wagner, nationalistic composers in Russia, and Mahler. The languages of 20th-century music as a part of rapid cultural change including the music of Debussy, Stravinsky, Schonberg, Webern, Berg, and Bartok. Prerequisite: Some musical experience as a performer, with knowledge of scales, intervals, and fundamentals of music, and consent of instructor. (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: A requirement when taken in combination with 315 in the same academic year.) 1 unit – M. Grace.

(Note: Music History I and II do not have to be taken in sequence and credit is given for each course completed.)

325–Conducting (Instrumental). Conducting techniques and rehearsal preparation from the standpoint of the practical musician. Some experience in conducting of school ensembles and preparation of material for performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (Not offered. 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Department.

325–Conducting (Choral). Basic conducting and rehearsal techniques; interpretation in light of performance practices of various historical periods. Some outside reading required. Taught as an extended format course and must be taken for a full year. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. 1 unit – Department t

342–Music Education in the Elementary Grades. Basic principles. Aims, activities, practices, materials in the first six grades. Regular observation included. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Taught as an extended format course and must be taken for a full year. (Also listed as Education 342.) 1 unit – Anderson.

391–Theory I: Introduction to Counterpoint. Fundamentals of counterpoint, with emphasis on two-part species; ear-training and sight-singing and basic keyword work. Prerequisite: 199 or consent of Instructor. 1 unit – Agee.

392–Theory II: Introduction to Diatonic Harmony. Approaches to traditional harmonic practice and the music of the Common-Practice Period; keyboard harmony, ear-training and sight-singing. Prerequisite: 391. 1 unit – Ben-Amots.

393– Comparative Music Theory. Explores musical thought and process in non-western cultures, with emphasis on Native North America, Indonesia, and India; traditional notation and sight-singing systems, ear-training, melodic and rhythmic dictation, formal analysis. Prerequisite: 392. (Meets the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit – Levine.

399–Experimental Music. Study and practical work in the “American Experimental Tradition” of Ives, Cowell, Cage, Partch and Young, and their international contemporaries and disciples. Primary focus on the development of new acoustic sound sources, including extended instrumental and vocal techniques, instrument design and building. Some attention also to compositional and performance issues. Prerequisite: 150 or 391. 1 unit – Scott.

401, 402–Readings. Specialized concentration in fields appropriate to the needs of the individual student, under the direction of the music faculty. May be taken by non-music majors. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. (May meet the Alternative Perspectives: B requirement.) 1 unit – Department.

411–Theory III: Advanced Diatonic Harmony. Expanded harmonic practice and introduction to the elements of formal analysis; keyboard harmony, ear-training and sight-singing. Prerequisite: 392. 1 unit – Agee.

412–Theory IV: Chromatic Harmony. Harmonic practices of the late 19th-century; elementary instrumentation and score-reading; keyboard harmony, ear-training, and sight-singing. Prerequisite: 411. 1 unit – Ben-Amots.

425–Orchestration A study of the ranges, capabilities and characteristics of orchestra instruments. An examination of orchestration techniques with emphasis on the historical development of the orchestra. Prerequisite: 301 or 412. 1 unit – Ben-Amots.

428–Formal Analysis. Detailed investigation of formal models employed in tonal music such as fugue, simple part forms, and sonata form. Concepts of form in 20th-century music. Prerequisite: 412. (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Ben-Amots.

430–Composition. Practical guidance in the composition of original music, with reference to 20th-century compositional procedures. Prerequisite: consent of Instructor. May be taken more than once for credit. (Not offered 1999–2000.) 1 unit – Ben-Amots.

435–Senior Project. Advanced work on the senior project in music, such as a written thesis, a senior recital, or a major composition. This course may be taken by any music major of senior standing with the consent of the department. Only seniors who have completed the senior project will be considered for departmental honors upon graduation (overall performance in course work and the quality of the senior project will be used to determine honors status). Prerequisite: consent of department. 1 block unit or 1 unit as extended format – Department.

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