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Fall 2020
STS 347-001: Music Appreciation STS 347-001: Music Appreciation
Robert Waters
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Humanities Syllabi
. 294.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/hum-syllabi/294
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Music Appreciation, CRN: 94960; STS 347; Section 1; Fall, 2020
Wednesdays, Fridays, 9:00-10:20
Instructor: Dr. Robert F. Waters
My E-mail Address: [email protected]
Office Hours Online: Wednesdays, Fridays, 9:00-10:20 AM (or) by Appointment
Textbook Required: Kristine Forney, Andrew Dell'Antonio, The Enjoyment of Music, “13
th
Shorter
edition.” The publisher is Norton and Company and the ISBN number is 978-0-393-64028-1. The eBook
and online resources can be bought from their website: https://digital.wwnorton.com/enjmusic13. Or
you can buy access to the Ebook with online resources directly from the NJIT bookstore. Again, the ISBN
number is: 978-0-393-64028-1 ($54 net). Please acquire access to the book with online resources by
next Friday, September 11, as it will be your lifeline for the class this semester.
The online book access code not only includes the ebook, but also music listening practice, practice
quizzes, study charts, study aids such as chapter outlines, vocabulary flashcards, and required quizzes, as
well as links to enrichment materials such as online streaming music, composer biographies, instrument
video podcasts, and other required music materials. This material and book will be a key component of
this course.
Course Description
This course is intended for non-music majors and is designed to develop the art of intelligent and
perceptive listening and to stimulate the formation of broad and discriminating tastes in music.
Acquiring a thorough knowledge and understanding of basic musical terminology and concepts will be
important, which will be a springboard to experiencing music and its relationship to the culture in which
it was created.
1) Two Written Tests (25% EACH=50%)--Test #1 will be on the Baroque and Classical periods, Test #2 on
the Romantic and 20
th
century periods. These tests will have various formats, including multiple choice,
true-false, essay, matching, and listening questions related to your CD examples with corresponding
listening guides in your textbook. Preparation for tests based on:
a) Page numbers in text specified in the syllabus
b) Classroom material via PowerPoint
c) Information given to you on Canvas
d) Handouts given to you
e) Your listening Guides accompanying your text together with listening examples
Quizzes will also be given throughout the semester on a semi-weekly basis but will be graded separately,
and will apply towards your class participation grade (see “Class Participation”).
2) Class participation (10%), which will be based on the following:
a) Attendance (no more than 3 absences for the semester)
b) Arriving to class on time most of the time and not leaving early
c) Not leaving during class unless it is vital to do so
d) Not being disruptive in class
e) Getting help from me if you are having difficulties
f) Answering questions based on homework material and/or volunteering answers
g) Participating in group discussions
h) Quiz grades
3) Homework (10%): You will need to do some research and then type homework papers on various
topics. Homework must be turned in BEFORE the class date that it is due and not of substandard quality
(quality=the thesis statement) or length (often 3-4 pages typewritten and double spaced, Antiqua 12
point font, no extra spaces between paragraphs, unless otherwise noted). One specific major homework
assignment will include researching and typing a 4-5 page paper on:
i) How Mozart died
ii) What the different theories are as to how he died
iii) What is true in the film Amadeus
iv) What is not true in the film
v) What is sort of true in the film, but exaggerated
4) Attending one online Classical music concert and writing a concert review (10%): You will write a 3-4
page double spaced concert review (12 point font Book Antiqua, no extra spacing between paragraphs)
based on the performance. Try to discuss the actual music you are hearing in your own words in 2/3 of
the paper (using some of the eight music elements you learned at the beginning of the semester), but 1/3
of the time, you can talk about a variety of other topics that interests you about the event, which could
include the audience, the musicians, the atmosphere, etc. IT IS STRONGLY ADVISED THAT ONCE YOU
COMPLETE YOUR REVIEW, YOU CONTACT THE WRITING CENTER FIRST TO CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR,
ORGANIZATION, AND STRONG THESIS STATEMENT. You may revise the paper for a higher grade after
receiving your initial grade as long as you turn in your review 1 week earlier than required and meet with
me during office hours online to discuss how you will revise the review. The review will be due on
November 25.
5) Duo presentation (OR PAPER) (20%):
PRESENTATION
a. Two people in each group will present a twenty minute presentation on a topic listed in this
syllabus (ten minutes each). You may request which project you want from the list and a specific
partner if you prefer; however, if more than two people request the same project, then I will
draw a lottery to see which two people will present that particular topic. The topic you choose
or receive will determine the date in which the two of you will present your findings. You may
play two to three minutes of a music example if this is pertinent to your topic. THE
PRESENTATION WILL BE DUE BEGINNING OCTOBER 21. BE PREPARED TO HAVE IT READY BY
THIS DATE. AN OUTLINE WILL BE REQUIRED FROM EACH PERSON ONE MONTH BEFORE
PRESENATION IS DUE (SEPTEMBER 23).
A. Discuss together what part of the topic each of you will research and present.
B. Research the topic separately.
C. Later discuss together what you both found regarding your research
The actual presentation:
D. Each of the two persons will share in the actual presentation by discussing a different part of the
topic from that of your colleague.
E. Each person presenting may not read from notes or PowerPoint! This is a major part of your
grade. But you may use basic notes or PowerPoint material in order to see what topic is next to
discuss. DO NOT READ IN THE PRESENTATION BUT TALK ONLINE AS IF TALKING TO A FRIEND!
(You may use note cards for reference only)!
F. Each student will be graded individually and not as a team.
(OR) PAPER
For paper, each person will write a 8-9 page double spaced paper (12 point font Book Antiqua, no extra
spacing between paragraphs) based on a thesis statement developed from a topic on a list provided in
this syllabus. THE PAPER WILL BE DUE ON OCTOBER 21. The student will be graded largely on:
b. A strong thesis statement and a paper that is devoted to that thesis statement (not discussing
extraneous material
c. AN OUTLINE, WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED ONE MONTH BEFORE PAPER IS DUE (SEPTEMBER 23).
d. Strict organization in paper: don’t discuss Point A in a section devoted to Point B. Put Points A
together with each other and the same with Points B, etc.
e. Grammar and grammatically correct sentence structure, punctuation, etc: please contact
Writing Center for help to double-check your paper before turning it in.
You may revise the paper for a higher grade after receiving your initial grade as long as you turn
in your review one week earlier than required and discuss with me in office hours online (for
thirty to forty-five minutes) how to revise the review.
CLASS RULES AND POLICIES
a. ATTENDANCE
Students will be allowed 3 absences for any reason for the semester. The final semester grade will be
reduced 1 letter grade for the semester for every absence over the three allowed. These absences
include missed classes due to late registration. You will not be penalized for three or fewer absences for
the semester. This includes the first weeks of class even if the student is registered late for the class.
There are two exceptions to this rule wherein you will not be penalized. If your absence does not relate
to these two exceptions, then there is no need to notify me of your absence:
a) A note from a doctor that you were BED-RIDDEN on that particular day (not a note saying
that you were simply sick).
(or) b) A note from a NJIT faculty member regarding your need to participate in an official NJIT
function.
However, please remember that you will sometimes be tested on specific information presented in class
that is not necessarily found in the textbook. This information will be presented on PowerPoint or in a
handout. I strongly recommend that you not miss more than one class for the semester, if possible, as
more absences could affect your performance on tests.
5 EXTRA POINTS ADDED TO YOUR SEMESTER GRADE IF YOU HAVE PERFECT 100% ATTENDANCE TO
EVERY SINGLE CLASS AND ARE ON TIME TO CLASSES
b. LATE WORK
Any project or homework that is turned in late will be penalized 1 letter grade for each week in which
the work is late. You must attach the homework or project via email before the class in which the
project is due. This includes due dates when students miss class. If you are going to miss class, then turn
in the assignment BEFORE that date.
The same two exceptions in reference to absences are also applicable here. However, remember that if
you have to attend an official NJIT function, then you must take the test or turn in the assignment
BEFORE the date in which the assignment or test is due.
c. MISSED TESTS OR PRESENTATIONS
There will be no make-ups for tests, except with the above 2-exception rule. However, remember that if
you have to attend a NJIT function, then you must take the test (different exam than the one given to
the class) BEFORE that date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GRADING SYSTEM FOR TESTS AND PROJECTS:
A=95-100
A--=90-94
B+= 87-89
B=84-86
B--=80-83
C+=77-79
C=74-76
C--=70-73
D+=67-69
D=64-66
D-=60-63
F=Below 60
QUESTIONS AND HELP
Please feel free to contact me or visit me online during office hours for information or help that you
might need. If office hours are not convenient, then we can arrange to meet online at some mutually
convenient time.
DISABILITIES
Students at NJIT who have a disability may be eligible for accommodations in this course (Americans
with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Civil Rights Restoration Act). If you have a documented
disability, contact NJIT to find out how to proceed.
PLAGIARISM
When presenting papers and/or concert reviews, it is against Seton Hall University policy to use another
person’s idea as your own (unless you cite the source in a footnote). It is relatively easy for a professor
to verify as to whether a paper is plagiarized or not and the student would then receive an F for the
project.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2:
This is the first time I’ve taught this class online, so please be patient. Today will be used to test online
equipment to make sure we are set to:
a. Hear and see each other
b. Hear CDs
c. Watch and hear DVDs
d. See online book
e. Hear accompanying examples to book
f. Hear and watch live events with accompanying charts
g. Watch Youtube videos
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: Introduction and Syllabus Discussion
Homework:
a. Read Part 1 and Prelude 1 (pgs. 1-6)
b. Read Chapter 1: Melody (pgs. 7-9)
c. Read Chapter 2: Rhythm (pgs. 10-12)
--------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9:
The 8 Music Elements overview
Element #1: Melody
FRIDAY: SEPTEMBER 11:
Element #2: Rhythm
Homework:
a. Read Chapter 3: Harmony (pgs. 13-15)
b. Read Chapter 4: Music Organization and Terms (pgs. 16-20)
c. Read Chapter 5: Texture (pgs. 21-24)
d. Read Chapter 6: Form (pgs. 25-28)
-------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16:
Element #3: Harmony
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18:
Element #4: Texture
Homework:
a. Read Chapter 7: Tempo; Dynamics (pgs. 29-31)
b. Read Chapters 9, 10, 11: Timbre-music instruments and ensembles (pgs. 35-52)
c. Read Chapter 8: Text setting to music and terms (pgs. 32-34)
d. Read Chapter 12: Function of music; style (pgs. 53-56)
e. Read Chapter 13: Describing music with words (pg. 57)
f. TURN IN OUTLINE TO PRESENTATION OR PAPER BEFORE CLASS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
-------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23:
Element #5: Form
Element #6: Tempo
Element #7: Dynamics
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25:
Element #8: Timbre
Practice listening to eight elements and using learned music vocabulary to describe what you hear.
Overview of 4 Historical Periods
a. Review for quiz on the 8 elements on Wednesday, September 30
b. Look Over Opening Page Chart of Part 3: The Baroque Era
c. Research and write two page double-spaced paper on the castrato: all items you find
interesting regarding this outdated (thankfully so!) tradition.
d. Read Chapters 22, 24, about terms (pg. 126)
e. Read Claudio Monteverdi, Italy, and the early Baroque opera (pg. 126)
f. Read Henry Purcell, England, and the Mid-Baroque (1650-1700) (Dido and Aeneas) (pgs. 125,
127-9)
--------------------------------
THE BAROQUE PERIOD (1600-1750)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30:
Quiz
Early Italian opera: Claudio Monteverdi’s Orfeo (“Orpheus”)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2:
Opera goes public: Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea
Castrato group discussion
Opera in England: Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas
Homework:
a. Read pgs. 136-140
b. Study Listening Guide 12—Dido and Aeneas: read opening facts; then scroll down to “Recitative
and Lament” (listen to example and study information about this example)
c. Research and write 2 page double-spaced paper on “The Stradivarius Violin:” research and write
a paper on the creation of Stradivarius violins: how they were made, why do they sound so
beautiful (different reasons), how much do some cost now to buy used, and juicy twentieth-
century theft stories (double-spaced, no extra spaces between paragraphs, no heading except
for name--make sure you submit FULL pages!).
---------------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7:
A German in England: The Oratorio and Georg Frideric Handel’s Messiah
Instrumental Music Overview
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9:
Stradivarius Violin group discussion
The Violin, Italy, and The Sonata: Arcangelo Corelli’s Violin Sonata in G Major, Op. 5/6 (1
st
movement)
The Violin, Italy, and Solo Concerto: Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Season, (Concerto 1, “Spring,” 1
st
mvt)
Homework:
a. Study Listening Guide 14 (Messiah): (listen and watch examples and study information about
these examples)
b. Study Listening Guide 17 (pg. 154) (The Four Seasons, 1
st
Concerto, “Spring,” first movement)
(listen to example while following text and study information about this example)
c. Read Chapters 26-28, 31 (pgs. 147-158, 160, 182-3)
----------------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14:
Claviers (Keyboards): Harpsichord, Clavichord, Organ, and the Fugue: Brief mention
The Trumpet, Germany, and the Concerto Grosso: Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 2
in F, BWV 1047 (3
rd
movement)
THE CLASSICAL PERIOD (1750-1825)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16:
The Classical Period Overview
Sonata-Allegro Form
The Piano Sonata in Vienna: Franz Joseph Haydn’s Piano Sonata in D, no. XVI/37 (1
st
movement)
Homework:
a. Read Chapters 29-32, 35-36 (pgs. 162-173, 176-8, 181, 184-6, 188-191, 203-212)
b. PAPER OR PRESENTATION DUE BEFORE CLASS ON OCTOBER 23
------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21:
Orchestral music in Vienna: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (“Little Night Music”)
The Piano Concerto in Vienna: Mozart’s Piano Concerto in G, K. 453 (1
st
movement)
Comic and Dramatic Opera: Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Act II Finale
Homework for Friday:
a. Study Listening Guide 21 (pg. 186 up to and not including “III. Allegretto”) Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K.
525 (“A Little Night Music”) (1
st
movement only) (study information about this example, then listen
(don’t watch yet) to example while following description with music notation (don’t worry about the
notation), then watch and listen to the example.
Then listen (don’t watch yet) to example while following description with music notation (don’t worry
about the notation), then watch and listen to the example.
b. Study Listening Guide 22 (pgs. 190-191)(Piano Concerto in G, K. 453, 1
st
movement) (study
information about this example, then listen to the example while following with chart, and then listen to
example while watching video)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23:
Discuss Upcoming Research Project and Film
Begin Film: Amadeus
Homework:
a. Research and write about items previously specified based on the film Amadeus and facts
about Mozart (see earlier in syllabus for specifics as to what to address in the paper)
b. Study Listening Guide 25 (pgs. 207-209)(Don Giovanni) (scroll down to “Catalogue Aria,
Leporello:” study information about this example, then read libretto text while listening to
example)
Then scroll down to “Act 1, Scene 9 duet, Don Giovanni-Zerlina:” study information about this
example, then read libretto text while listening to example. Then play video underneath to
watch this example.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28: Film: Amadeus
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30: Film Amadeus
Amadeus Group Discussion
Homework: Read Chapters 33-34 (pgs. 192-4, 196-202)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4:
Ludwig Van Beethoven, Vienna, and the French Revolution
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67
Homework for Friday:
a. Listening Guide 24 (pgs. 199-200, 1
st
movement only up through “Recapitulation”) (Symphony
No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, 1
st
movement only) (study information about this example up through
“Recapitulation”
Then listen (don’t watch yet) to example while following description with music notation (don’t
worry about the notation); then watch and listen to the example.
b. THEN: Read Part 5, Prelude 5, Chapter 37 (pgs. 216-230)
THE ROMANTIC PERIOD (1825-1914)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6:
Review for Take-home Test No. 1, due Wednesday, November 11 on Baroque and Classical Periods
Romantic Period Overview
The Macabre
German Lieder (“Art Song”)
The Macabre, Vienna, and Franz Shubert’s Erlking
Homework:
a. Take-home Test No. 1, due next Wednesday, November 11 on Baroque and Classical Periods
b. Listening Guide 27 (pgs. 227-228) (The Erlking)(study information about this example, then listen to
the example while following the text)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11:
Take-home Test No. 1 due by end of class today
The Macabre and the French Symphony: Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique
The Macabre and German Opera: Carl Maria von Weber’s Der Freichutz (“The Free Marksman”),
“Wolf Glen Scene”
Homework for Friday: Read Chapters 39, 41, 47 (pgs. 235-238, 245-251, 284-288)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13:
The Piano and Character Pieces--
Frederic Chopin, a Pole in Paris: Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, No. 2 for piano
Franz Liszt, a Hungarian in Paris: Hungarian Rhapsody no. 2 in C-sharp Minor (excerpt)
19
th
Century Italian Opera--
Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, “Un Bel Di” Aria, and Finale
Homework:
a. Chapter 49, Romantic Period Review (pgs. 293-298, 308-309)
b. Listening Guide 32: Symphonie Fantastique, (5
th
movement only, “V, Dream of a Witches Sabbath”)
(pgs. 250-1) (study information about this example, then listen to movement “V” while following
description with music notation) (don’t worry about the notation)
c. Study Listening Guide 39: Madama Butterfly (aria “Un Bel Di”) (pg. 288) (study information about this
example, then read libretto text while listening to example; don’t watch video yet)
Then watch and listen to the video of the aria example
d. Homework: EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY (1912-1945)-- (pgs. 310-327, 332-338, 352-359, 362-5, 374-
6, 378-9)—Chapter numbers listed below:
Part 6
Prelude 6
Chapters 52-53
Chapter 55
Chapters 58-59 g.
Chapter 61
------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18:
French Impressionism: Claude Debussy’s Prelude to “The Afternoon of a Faune”
THE TWENTIETH CENTURY (1914-2005)
German Expressionism: Arnold Schoenberg’s song cycle Pierre Lunaire (“Night” and “The Moon Fleck”)
German Expressionism: Alban Berg’s opera, Wozzeck (excerpts)
Homework for Friday:
a. Listening Guide 41: Prelude to “The Afternoon of a Faun” (pg. 297) (study information about this
example, then listen to example while following description with music notation) (don’t worry about
the notation).
b. Listening Guide 44: Pierrot lunaire, Part III, No. 18 “Der Mondfleck” (pg. 321) (study information
about this example, then listen to example while following text in English translation)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20:
Ballet Music: Igor Stravinsky, Russia, and the Ballet: The Rite of Spring (“Dance of the Adolescents”)
Ballet Music in America: Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring
The Experimental Piano and America: John Cage’s Prepared Piano, Sonatas and Interludes (excerpt)
Homework: LATE TWENTIETH CENTURY AND 21
ST
CENTURY (1945-2020)
a. (pgs. 380-394, 408-410, 423-5, 432-3, 439-447)—Chapter numbers listed below:
Part 7
Prelude 7
Chapter 62
Chapter 64
Chapter 67
Chapter 70
b. Study Listening Guide 45: The Rite of Spring, Part I (excerpts) (pgs. 326-7) (study information about
this example, then listen to example while following description with music notation) (don’t worry about
the notation).
c. Study Listening Guide 53: Appalachian Spring (two excerpts) (pgs. 364-5) (study information about
these two examples, then listen to examples while following description with music notation) (don’t
worry about the notation).
d. Study Listening Guide 56: “Sonata V,” from Sonatas and Interludes (two excerpts) (pg. 394-5) (study
information about these two examples, then listen to examples while following description with music
notation) (don’t worry about the notation).
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25:
America and Minimalism: Sampling, Hip-Hop and Classical Music in Steve Reich’s City Life
(1
st
movement: “Check it Out”)
America and Minimalism: Philip Glass’s “Opera” Einstein on the Beach (excerpt)
America, Post-Minimalism, and the 21
st
Century: John Adams’ Opera Dr. Atomic (Act II, Scene 3)
Homework over Holiday
a-1: Study Listening Guide 64 : Dr. Atomic (pgs. 442-444) (two excerpts) (study information about first
example; then follow text of example while listening--don’t watch the example yet)
a-2: Then watch and listen to the example
a-3: Repeat the same procedure with the second excerpt
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27: NO CLASS-HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
NO HOMEWORK
------------------------- -----------------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2: Opera or Musical? Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4: Sweeney Todd (60); Discussion
NO HOMEWORK
------------------------------------------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 (last day of class):
Conclusion
Test #2 Review
Homework: Study for Test #2
-----------------------------------------
Test #2 Given during Final Exam time (we will be scheduled some time between December 15-21)
Presentations or Papers: Technology
WHAT TO DO:
A. Below is the subject.
B. You must then find a topic (more specific subject)
C. Then find a strong “argumentative” thesis statement
D. Then outline your paper in argument of your thesis statement
E. Then turn in you outline
F. Begin writing your paper early
G. See syllabus for criteria within paper
H. Once written, have writing center go over your paper
SUBJECTS
1. The invention of the piano
2. The evolution of the early 18th century symphony orchestra
3. The invention of the microphone and its early use in music
4. Musique concrete and Edgar Varèse
5. Karl Stockhausen and the development of magnetic tape in music
6. Karl Stockhausen and the development of electronic sound within music
7. The invention of the synthesizer and the transistor (portable synthesizer) in music
8. The invention of MIDI and music technology
9. The PC and music technology
10. The CD-ROM Drive and music technology
11. The development of digital technology and music (CD)
12. The development of rap and hip-hop technologies
