|
|
Course Catalog 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
|
|
|
Students planning a program of study or concentration are urged to review requirements and course descriptions before meeting with their advisors. Not all courses listed here are taught every year, and students should consult the sources identified above for current information about offerings in a particular semester. Courses are numbered to indicate levels of advancement as follows: 100–199, elementary or introductory; 200–299, intermediate; 300 and above, advanced. Information is available online through WINDOW about prerequisites that must be completed before enrolling in a course and whether the course fulfills a breadth requirement of the Wheaton Curriculum or a general education requirement. Most courses are offered for one course credit; a course credit at Wheaton is the equivalent of four semester hours.
|
| |
Music |
| |
-
MUSC 016 - Sight Singing and Ear Training I
A systematic aural skills course that will reinforce the skills being taught in written theory through interval, melodic, harmonic and rhythmic dictation as well as through the preparation and sight singing of music. This course is an invaluable resource for instrumentalists or singers seeking to improve musical performance through better rhythm and intonation.
Prerequisites
Registration for the pre-application section of this course is required. Eligibility to enroll in this course will be determined at the first day of class.
Credits .5
Notes
Requires ability to read music notation and ability to match pitch.
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 060 - Malian Mande Dance and Music
This course is based on experiential consideration of Malian Dance traditions, exploring the integrated mediums of dance, drumming and song of the Mande people of West Africa, focusing on warm up, technique, choreography, and repertory development. (Music 060 is essentially the dance component of Music 222, which also includes weekly academic assignments. Music 222 is worth 1 credit and may be chosen to serve as part of African Worlds or a self-initiated Connection.)
Credits .5
|
| |
-
MUSC 099 - Selected Topics
May be offered from time to time to allow students to study a particular topic not included or not emphasized in regular courses.
Credits .5
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 100 - Introduction to Music
For students with little or no experience, learning to understand the elements, structure and emotional expressiveness of music through attentive listening to performances from many cultures and historical periods. Considerable lecture demonstration. Earl Raney,
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 107 - The Physics of Music and Sound
See PHYS 107 for course description
Credits 1
Notes
Cross-listed with PHYS 107
Area
Natural Sciences
Connection
20043
Division
Natural Science
|
| |
-
MUSC 113 - Introduction to Music Theory
Designed for non-music majors or students with little music theory background who wish to gain experience with the fundamental concepts of music notation, scale forms, intervals, triads and rhythmic structures. Includes individual computer-assisted instruction.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
20043
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 114 - Music Theory I: Fundamentals of Harmonic Practice
Music notation, scale forms, intervals, triads, seventh chords, rhythmic structures, part-writing. Requires some background in music notation and basic music theory, determined by placement test offered online and during the first class meeting. Students who have not studied music before should register for MUSC 113 .
Prerequisites
Requires some background in music notation and basic music theory, determined by placement test offered online and during the first class meeting.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
20043
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 115 - Music Theory II: Tonal Harmony
Four-part diatonic progressions and voice leading, simple modulation, analysis of works and excerpts from 18thand 19th-century Western repertoire. One 30-minute lab per week in addition to regular class meetings.
Prerequisites
MUSC 114 or permission of the instructor.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
20043
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 125 - Introduction to Music Technology
Students will develop skills in music technology through the use of computer and musical equipment. Projects and areas of study may include synchronizing sound with video for in class commercials and short video clips, integrating audio into practice website and social media sites, and producing demonstration recordings for portfolios.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 198 - Music Tech I: Music and Fixed Media
This course is an integrated study of the creation, history, and aesthetics of electronics and computer musics from around the globe. Topics include acoustics, digital audio recording and synthesis, MIDI, sound editing and mixing, film scoring, digital signal processing, and interactivity. A willingness to engage openly and seriously with an extremely wide range of creative practices is essential. This course assumes no background in music technology or music theory; but it is designed to offer new insights to those who already possess some knowledge in these areas. The emphasis is on imparting a set of flexible skills and a broad familiarity with aesthetic concerns in electronic music, so that students can develop projects that are meaningful to them.
Credits 1
|
| |
-
MUSC 199 - Selected Topics
May be offered from time to time to allow students to study a particular topic not included or not emphasized in regular courses.
Credits 1
|
| |
-
MUSC 204 - Innovative Music Traditions of Trinidad and Tobago
This course is designed to bring students to the communities that have created the inspired and uniquely innovative music traditions of Trinidad. It’s one thing to learn about the Trinidadian Steelband in a classroom, it’s another to stand before an ensemble and feel the phenomenal energy that people are able to generate with these instruments. The historical variables that have brought people of diverse backgrounds together to create a variety of music genres and a celebrated Carnival tradition can be understood best by going to Trinidad, hearing the music on its home turf, experiencing the physical impact of live music performance, and talking with the people who have an intimate and passionate relationship with the music culture.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 207 - Composition
The development of technical facility in music composition through individual study and group discussion and analysis. (Previously Music 307)
Prerequisites
Three semesters of Music Theory or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 208 - Songwriting
An introduction to the processes, materials, and aesthetic issues involved in creating and analyzing songs within the post-1960 folk/singer-songwriter traditions. Coursework will include both creative and analytical assignments. The course will culminate in a public performance and the recording of a studio demo. Enrollment by permission of instructor.
Prerequisites
Registration for the pre-application section of this course is required. Eligibility to enroll in this course will be determined at the first day of class.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 209 - Western Music I: Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque
The study of representative compositions in their historical settings. Lecture, listening, discussion.
Prerequisites
MUSC 114 or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 210 - Western Music II: Classical, Romantic, Modern
The study of representative compositions in their historical settings. Lecture, listening, discussion.
Prerequisites
MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Notes
Offered Spring semester
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 211 - World Music: Eurasia
An ethnomusicological study of music and other expressive arts within human culture. Focus on classical, folk and popular musics from a variety of traditions including Bulgaria, India, Indonesia and Ireland. This course seeks to develop critical skills, theoretical understanding and appreciation for the musical diversity that surrounds us.
Credits 1
Notes
Offered Fall semester
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
20023
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 212 - World Music: Africa and the Americas
An ethnomusicological study of music and other expressive arts within human culture. Focus on musical traditions and aesthetics of the African continent, including Ewe, Dagbamba, Mande and Shona peoples, vocal traditions of South African and Arab music traditions found in Egypt. The Americas are represented through the diverse musical offerings of Brazil and Native American music cultures found here in the United States.
Credits 1
Notes
Offered Spring semester
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
20023, 23001
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 214 - Music Theory III: Form and Analysis
Approaches to analyzing compositional forms, phrase structure and more advanced harmonic progressions in music of the 18th- and 19th-century Western repertoire.
Prerequisites
MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Notes
Offered Fall semester
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 215 - Jazz Theory
The course takes the student from the basic techniques of interval theory, chord construction and inversion through diatonic harmony, chord scale theory, diatonic modes and modulations. Other topics include the original blues progression and its variations, the original “Rhythm” changes form and its variations, John Coltrane’s tri-tonic system of harmony, a study of re-harmonization, song forms, slash chords, hybrid chords, the bebop and pentatonic scales, superimposition on chords and how to read a lead sheet and memorize tunes easily. Students will learn through analysis of popular and jazz standards from the 1930s to the present day.
Prerequisites
MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 221 - Music and Dance of South Asia
A study of the inseparable worlds of music and dance on the South Asian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Nepal and other countries), traversing a stylistic spectrum from popular and folk to high-art classical genres and a range of performance settings encompassing ritual, festival, musical theatre, concert hall and cinema. An ethnomusicological approach places the arts within social, political, historical and religious contexts.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
20032
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 222 - West African Mande Dance and Music
This course explores the integrated mediums of dance, drumming and song of the Mande people of West Africa, fusing experiential explorations and scholarly sources; balancing warm up, technique, and repertory development with the careful consideration of relevant ethnomusicological literature, historical fiction and African films.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts`
Connection
23001
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 223 - Music of South America and Mexico
The study of important Latin American music cultures including Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. These large countries have long histories and have developed complex music cultures including many genres ranging from classical to popular, folk, and ritual performance. Major issues discussed will include syncretization, colonialism, African and European influences, music and gender, music and nationalism, the music business, and to Chicano/a music in Texas and California.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
23003
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 224 - Music of the Caribbean Basin: A Continent of Islands
The study of music of the Caribbean region, an area of intense historical interchange, including Spanish-speaking, Francophone and Anglophone cultures. Attention will be given to representative Caribbean islands and also to the music of coastal cities on the Caribbean rim including New Orleans, Veracruz, Cartagena, Bahia, and to Latino/a music in New York and Miami. Major issues discussed will include syncretization, colonialism, African and European influences, music and gender, music and nationalism, the music business, and music as artistic and political discourse.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
23003
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 225 - The Business of Music
Abstract: The overarching goal of the course is for the student to come away with a good general understanding of the contemporary components of the music business and a heightened awareness of its evolving history. The course introduces the student to the music business in the United States, the UK, France and other countries, contextualizing the contemporary scene within a study of the history and evolution of the music business internationally over time. Primary texts will address key issues such as copyright, music publishing, marketing and promotion, artist development and management, and the huge influence of evolving technology on the business. We will gain invaluable perspectives by reading biographies and memoirs of key figures in twentieth century music. The course offers opportunities for deep study of particular subspecialties of the music industry, and for both individual and collaborative group work.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 235 - Bach, Handel, and the Baroque Style
Why is the music of Bach and Handel regarded as the culmination of the musical Baroque? A look at the lives and works of these two composers against the backdrop of the musical, cultural, social, and political history of 17th- and 18th-century western Europe. There are no prerequisites for this course.
|
| |
-
MUSC 242 - Conducting
Develops a repertoire of skills necessary for leading effective rehearsals and intelligent performances. Emphasis on learning efficient conducting techniques that will work with singers and instrumentalists. Other topics include rehearsal technique, score reading, performance-related music analysis and ear training. Labs with singers and instrumentalists.
Prerequisites
One course in Music Theory and a basic knowledge of reading music, or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 252 - Opera
A survey of opera’s 400-year history. Topics include: drama and music, singers and vocal styles, characterization, interpretation and staging, and social history. Examples will be mainly major European works, but will also include musical theatre, non-Western genres and film scores. Lecture, discussion, listening, viewing and live performance.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 253 - Bach, Handel and Baroque Style
Why is the music of Bach and Handel regarded as the culmination of the musical Baroque? A look at the lives and works of these two composers against the backdrop of the musical, cultural, social, and political history of 17th- and 18th-century western Europe. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 262 - Vernacular Dance in America
The study of American vernacular dance as an indicator of significant historical, social and artistic trends, contextualizing dance in the contemporary cultural climate that both shaped and reflected the influence of dance as an expressive form. Consideration of relevant theoretical works from the fields of dance ethnography, ethnomusicology and culture studies, and experience with the dances themselves through lecture demonstrations.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 272 - African American Originals I: Spirituals, Blues and All That Jazz
African American music from early spirituals to bebop and the historical and social context in which the music was created. A balance of lecture, listening and discussion. Considerable use of film. Ann Sears
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
23007, 23010
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 273 - African American Originals II: Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Contemporary Jazz
African American music from rhythm and blues to rock and roll, from Latin-influenced Cubop and Brazilian Bossa Nova to contemporary jazz. Study of the influence of African-based musical aesthetics and traditions in the United States since 1945. A balance of lecture, listening and discussion. Considerable use of film.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Connection
20034, 23007, 23010
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 275 - A History of Popular Music in the U.S.A.
This course will provide an overall history of popular music in America since the end of the 19th century, with emphasis upon mainstream popular music since 1954. Its focus will be the simultaneous independence and interdependence of black and white musical cultures in America, and how this can help us understand our nation’s history in new and different ways. Students will develop listening skills as they learn about the ways popular music styles and genres have mirrored our nation’s social and cultural history. Topics will include blackface minstrelsy, the blues, jazz, country music, classic Broadway song, rhythm & blues, rock’n’roll, folk music, blues-rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, metal, soul, funk, hip-hop, punk, indie-rock, disco, and electronic dance music.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 282 - Music and Worship in World Cultures
Study of music and dance in religious and spiritual practice in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. We will explore the dialectics between: sacred and secular, virtuosity and devotion, and religious belief and sociopolitical forces, in Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and indigenous African and Native American spirituality.
Credits 1
Notes
Cross-listed with REL 282
Area
Creative ARts
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 292 - Broadway Bound: American Musical Theatre
A survey of American musical theatre, focusing on three areas: the African American experience (through shows such as The Green Pastures, Cabin in the Sky, Show Boat, Carmen Jones, Porgy and Bess and The Wiz); Western views of Asia (Madame Butterfly, South Pacific and The King and I); and romantic treatments of American history (The Girl of the Golden West, 1776 and Oklahoma!). Emphasis on film viewing and discussion.
Credits 1
Notes
Cross-listed with THEA 292
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 299 - Selected Topics
May be offered from time to time to allow students to study a particular topic not included or not emphasized in regular courses.
Credits 1
|
| |
-
MUSC 302 - ‘The Modern Composer Refuses to Die!’: Music in the 20th Century
Composer Edgard VarÌ-se’s rallying cry reflects the rebellious spirit of composers who emerged from the decaying European classical and romantic music tradition of the 19th century striving to create new musical languages and ideals. The course will survey the important composers of the 20th century, their music and their interactions with the other arts, in the context of the cultural and political upheavals of that period.
Prerequisites
MUSC 115 or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Notes
MUSC 210 is recommended by not required
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 308 - Analytical Survey of Western Music
Discovering the interactions of time, space, language, timbre and form as they occur in Western European music from the Middle Ages to the 21st century.
Prerequisites
MUSC 115 and MUSC 214 or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
|
| |
-
MUSC 311 - Western Music II
The study of representative compositions in their historical settings. Lecture, listening, discussion.
Prerequisites
MUSC 115 or permission of instructor
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 315 - Politics of Movement
This course explores the dynamic issues such as race, gender, class and sexuality through revolving world dance case studies. We look at how definitive dance styles materialize through negotiation and the appropriation of marginalized influences and how people use dance and music to define, reinforce and empower personal and shared identity.
Prerequisites
MUSC 211 or MUSC 212 and another 200-level Music course, or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
Foundation
Beyond the West
|
| |
-
MUSC 316 - Music, Sound and the Moving Image
An exploration of film music from 1895 to the present through classic and contemporary films and film scores by important directors and composers. Considerable viewing, discussion, frequent reading and writing assignments, and creative editing projects using Garage Band and IMovie.
Prerequisites
MUSC 114 or MUSC 115 and one 200-level Music course or Permission of Instructor
Credits 1
Notes
Cross-listed with FNMS 316
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 325 - Beethoven
A study of Beethoven’s life and works, focusing on his evolution as a composer, how he transcended deafness to become one of the most important composers in the Western European music canon, and the historical context in which he worked.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 330 - Arts Administration
Students will explore the organization and administrative workings of performing arts groups, including symphony orchestras, choral ensembles, chamber music ensembles, folk, jazz and rock bands, theaters, and festival programs such as Waterfire in Providence, RI, among others. Lectures, individual readings and guest presentations will focus primarily on the non-profit arts organization in the areas of publicity, marketing, fundraising, board relations and programming, as well as managing a concert series or festival, the recording industry, community music schools, the touring artist, and educational residencies. Outside presenters from various area arts organizations will share insight into outreach and programming opportunities and challenges created by race, gender and ethnicity in the current sociopolitical climate. Students will interact with local arts organizations and concentrate on a specific genre for their final projects.
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 332 - Teaching Music in the United States
Introduction to important philosophies in music education, teaching styles, learning strategies and curriculum design. Includes teaching practicum at the Elisabeth W. Amen Nursery School.
Prerequisites
MUSC 115
Credits 1
Area
Creative Arts
Division
Arts and Humanities
|
| |
-
MUSC 398 - Oscar Hammerstein’s Legacy
A study of Oscar Hammerstein’s long career from his early success with Jerome Kern’s ‘Show Boat’ (1927) to ‘Oklahoma!’ (1943) and his long collaboration with Richard Rodgers, including his owns ‘Carmen Jones’ (1943). We will examine his works for stage and screen and his far reaching influence on later generations of musical theater lyricists and composers.
Credits 1
|
| |
-
MUSC 399 - Selected Topics
May be offered from time to time to allow students to study a particular topic not included or not emphasized in regular courses.
Credits 1
|
| |
-
MUSC 402 - Senior Conference
A course designed to culminate work done in the music major. Topics, format and instructor(s) will vary, but the course will include weekly seminars and the writing, presentation and discussion of a substantive paper.
Credits 1
Notes
Required of Music Majors and open to other qualified students by Permission of Instructor. Offered Spring semester
|
| |
-
MUSC 499 - Independent Research
Offered to selected majors at the invitation of the department.
Credits 1
|
| |
-
MUSC 500 - Individual Research
Offered to selected majors at the invitation of the department. Students interested in such a program, which is normally carried out by candidates for departmental honors, should contact the department chair during the junior year or at the very beginning of the fall semester of the senior year.
Credits 1
|
| |
|
|
Print this Page