C: Course Expectations
As with any music theory course, the knowledge acquired in this class is,
by its nature, cumulative. No concepts introduced can be isolated from
the broader dialog we will enjoin. Assignments nearer the end of the
semester will only seem daunting if concepts are not mastered as they are
introduced. The later assignments will include analysis of larger works,
where the earlier concepts are best discussed in the context of smaller musical
ideas.
The ear training aspect of this course will become more heavily focused
upon hearing motion over time than in simple chord-to-chord gestures.
Sight singing exercises will require group effort to master, and you are
encouraged to find a partner or two with whom to work. I am implementing
a somewhat experimental tool to assist you in your ear training and sight
singing efforts to help us all free up class time, and this will require
your input and feedback in order to succeed.
While this class requires attendance at only one performance during the
semester, engaging the material in the class will required you to be an active
listener far more often than this. You are encouraged to attend as
many concerts as possible that relate to our discussions, and also to share
such opportunities with the group.
As noted, the later assignments in this class are somewhat larger in scale,
and will require that you budget your time accordingly.
Assignments will take the following forms:
1. Required readings. The textbook for this class will be supplemented
with readings that will be available on reserve in the library, provided as
a handout, or posted on the Internet.
2. Workbook assignments. The complementary workbook for this class
will prove most useful in the early part of the semester, but you will find
more exercises from outside the text to be the norm as we progress.
Many of the assignments outside of the workbook will be creative assignments,
asking you to apply concepts practically. You will need a folder in
which to submit assignments on a weekly basis, beginning the first week of
class. While assignments have a specific due date, they will only be
collected weekly, on Fridays at the end of class. There are no extensions
or exceptions. For each day late, your maximum grade will be lowered
by the equivalent of one letter grade. Leniency has been built in by
allowing weekly submissions. These assignments will, typically, be returned
to you the following Monday.
3. Discussion preparation. Active participation in class discussions
is vital for everyone's understanding, and failure to engage the readings
detracts from the group's progress.
4. Concert essay. You will need to attend one concert during the semester
that features a significant work (ask if you are unsure) written after 1900.
You are encouraged to attend a performance of music written during your lifetime.
A medium length essay (3-4 pages) that engages the musical content of the
performance (NOT extraneous details, such as concert dress and the like)
will be due just after Thanksgiving break. Plan ahead!
5. Listening assignments. Many of our discussions will relate to specific
works or composers, and a selection of pieces that demonstrate the concepts
we will discuss will be on reserve in media resources. When possible,
scores will also be made available.
6. Quizzes. These will be brief and unannounced, typically less than 10
minutes at the start of a class session. They will cover material from
a previous lecture, and are intended as diagnostic tools to determine your
progress between the two larger exams. A missed quiz cannot be made
up, but you will not be penalized for missing a quiz if your absence is excused
(e.g., an official Earlham event or a documented medical absence).
7. Sight singing and ear training. Your grade in this area will be based
on three criteria; two formal tests and a less formal periodic evaluation
that will take place by appointment outside of class.
8. Analysis project. This is your main project for this course.
You will need to confirm selection of a portion of a larger scale work no
later than mid-term break, and the project, in its final form, will be due
the last day of classes before exams. Details of this project will be
discussed in class.
9. Midterm and Final Exams. The midterm exam will be a take home test
to be given the Monday before mid-semester break and will be due the Wednesday
before break. The final exam will take place at the time scheduled for
this course and will be comprehensive.
You are encouraged to work with partners or in groups for this class,
but are reminded that all work submitted must be your own.
ABSOLUTELY NO make up tests will be offered for the midterm, final, or scheduled
sight singing tests. If there is a conflict, it will be discussed in
adavnce, and accommodation may be made to take such tests before the slated
time.
D: Course Materials
Harmony: Baroque to Contemporary: part two, the corresponding workbook (also
part two) by R. Evan Copely, and the same author's Sight Singing Practice;
part one coursepack (which you should already have) are required and available
in the Earlham Bookstore. In the event of a shortage of copies, please
make ME aware immediately so we can make arrangements. All other materials
will either be provided in class, made available on reserve in Lilly Library,
or will be placed on the Internet.
E: Evaluation
Your grade will be determined on a straight percentage basis:
93%-100% = A
|
90%-92% = A-
|
87%-89% = B+
|
83%-86% = B
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80%-82% = B-
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77%-79% = C+
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73%-76% = C
|
70%-72% = C-
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67%-69% = D+
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60%-66% = D
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59% or less = NP
|
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These percentages will be out of 1000 possible points, based on the following:
a. Workbook / assignments: 150 points (approx. 10 points each)
b. Discussion / participation: 50 points
c. Quizzes: 50 points
d. Attendance: 100 points
e. Concert essay: 100 points
f. Ear training / sight singing tests: 150 points (75 points each)
g. Ear training / sight singing evaluations: 100 points
h. Midterm: 100 points
i. Final analysis project: 100 points
j. Final exam: 100 points
Total points: 1000
Extensions requested in advance are virtually always
granted. Extensions requested when the assignment is due are virtually
never granted.
Whenever my door is open, feel free to come in.
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